Steaming King Crab Legs: A Step-By-Step Guide

King crab legs are a delicious treat, but they can be a little intimidating to prepare at home. However, steaming crab legs is a quick and easy way to cook this crustacean without any special equipment. In fact, you can steam crab legs in a large lidded pot or steamer in just a few simple steps!

What equipment do you need to steam king crab legs?

Steaming king crab legs is a simple and quick process that can be done in a few different ways. Here is a list of the equipment you will need to effectively steam king crab legs:

• A large pot: A large pot is necessary to hold the crab legs and allow for even cooking. It should be big enough to fit a basket or steamer insert inside comfortably.
• Steamer basket or insert: This is crucial to elevate the crab legs above the water level and allow them to steam. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal colander or a rack that fits inside your pot.
• Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential to trap the steam inside the pot and ensure even cooking. If your pot doesn't have a lid, you can use foil to cover the top and seal in the steam.
• Water: You will need enough water to fill the pot to just below the steamer basket or about one-third full.
• Crab legs: King crab legs are typically sold frozen and pre-cooked, so you will need to thaw them before steaming.
• Knife: A sharp knife is useful to cut the crab legs into smaller pieces if needed to fit into your steamer basket.
• Kitchen shears: While not necessary, kitchen shears can be helpful for cutting the crab legs after cooking to expose the meat.
• Butter and lemon: Although optional, melted butter and lemon wedges are classic accompaniments to steamed crab legs and enhance their flavour.

With the right equipment, steaming king crab legs is an accessible and rewarding way to prepare this delicious seafood treat.

How long do you steam king crab legs for?

Steaming king crab legs is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy seafood meal. It is important to remember that king crab legs are usually already cooked, so the goal of steaming is to reheat rather than cook through. Therefore, steaming king crab legs should take between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the method used.

How to Steam King Crab Legs

Firstly, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Make sure the water level is below the steaming basket or grate. You can also add seasonings to the water if desired.

Next, carefully place the crab legs into the steamer basket. If the crab legs are frozen, it is best to thaw them overnight before steaming. However, if you are cooking from frozen, you may need to cut the crab legs into smaller pieces to ensure they fit in the basket.

Once the crab legs are in the basket, cover the pot with a lid or foil and steam for 5 to 7 minutes. If the crab legs are frozen, increase the steaming time to 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Finally, remove the crab legs from the steamer and serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Tips for Steaming King Crab Legs

• Avoid boiling crab legs as they can become waterlogged, reducing their flavour.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander or metal rack placed in a large pot.
• Make sure the steaming basket is not covered by water when placed in the pot.
• Rinse frozen crab legs with water before steaming to remove any ice or dirt.
• Be careful not to overcook the crab legs as this will affect their tenderness and flavour.

How do you prepare king crab legs for steaming?

Preparing king crab legs for steaming is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Thaw the Crab Legs

Before steaming king crab legs, it is recommended to thaw them first. Place the frozen crab legs in a refrigerator or walk-in cooler overnight (8-12 hours) to allow them to thaw gradually. This will ensure the crab legs cook evenly and quickly when steamed.

Step 2: Rinse the Crab Legs

Once the crab legs have thawed, rinse them with water to remove any sand, dirt, or ice residue. This step ensures that your crab legs are clean and ready for the next steps in the preparation process.

Step 3: Cut the Crab Legs (Optional)

If your crab legs are too long to fit into your steamer basket or pot, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut them into smaller pieces. You can bend them at the joints to make them fit, or cut them into sections that will comfortably fit in your cooking vessel.

Step 4: Prepare the Steamer

Fill a large pot with a few cups of water, ensuring that the water level is just below the steamer basket or steaming grate. Alternatively, you can use a rice cooker or any vessel with a steaming function. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal colander that fits inside your pot.

Step 5: Add Seasonings (Optional)

While not necessary, you can add desired seasonings to the water to infuse additional flavors into your crab legs. Some popular options include Old Bay seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, or other herbs and spices.

Step 6: Place the Crab Legs in the Steamer

Carefully place the crab legs into the steamer basket or colander, ensuring they are not submerged in the water. If using a pot, place the lid on top. If the lid doesn't fit due to the basket, cover the pot with foil, crimping the edges to seal and contain the steam.

Step 7: Steam the Crab Legs

Heat the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the crab legs to steam for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The exact steaming time may vary depending on the size and quantity of crab legs you are cooking.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the crab legs are heated through, carefully remove them from the steamer using tongs. Rinse the crab legs before plating, and serve them with your choice of melted butter, lemon wedges, or other dipping sauces. Enjoy the sweet and tender crab meat by cracking open the shells and dipping the meat in your chosen sauce.

What do you serve with steamed king crab legs?

When it comes to serving steamed king crab legs, there are several classic and complementary options to choose from. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Melted Butter and Lemon Wedges

The traditional and timeless pairing of melted butter and lemon wedges is a popular choice for a reason. The richness of the butter enhances the sweetness of the crab, while the tangy lemon adds a bright, acidic note. This combination not only tastes delicious but also creates a visually appealing dish with the yellow butter and lemon contrasting the red crab.

Garlic Butter

For a flavourful twist on the classic, try garlic butter. The addition of garlic to melted butter creates a savoury and aromatic dipping sauce that can elevate the taste of the crab legs. This option is perfect for those who enjoy a more robust flavour profile.

Apple Cider Vinegar

For something a little different, apple cider vinegar is another dipping option. It offers a fruity and tangy alternative to the traditional lemon wedge, adding a unique twist to your meal.

Sides and Accompaniments

Aside from dips, you might want to consider serving your steamed king crab legs with sides or accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

• Steak - For a luxurious surf and turf combination, pair your steamed king crab legs with a juicy steak.
• Mashed potatoes - Creamy mashed potatoes can balance the richness of the crab and provide a filling side dish.
• Roasted asparagus - Asparagus is a classic vegetable side that pairs well with seafood. Roasting it adds a slightly charred, smoky flavour to the dish.
• Salad - A crisp, fresh salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich crab legs, especially during warmer months.

Remember, king crab legs are often considered a luxurious and indulgent dish due to their price and flavour, so you might not need to serve large portions. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and creating a memorable meal!

How do you eat steamed king crab legs?

So, you've steamed your king crab legs to perfection, but how do you eat them? Well, it's pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to bear in mind.

Firstly, you'll want to use kitchen shears or scissors to cut the crab legs at the joint and along the leg to expose the meat. You can then add the cut crab legs (with the shells on) to a plate, along with your chosen sides and sauces.

Speaking of which, the best way to eat steamed king crab legs is to dip the meat into sauces like melted butter, lemon wedges, apple cider vinegar, or garlic butter. You could also try squeezing a little lemon juice onto your plate to dip the crab meat into.

Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand, as it can get messy!

Frequently asked questions