Steaming Snow Crab Legs: A Quick, Easy Guide

Steaming is considered the best way to cook crab legs, and it's far easier than you might think. It's a simple and delicious treat for the entire family. Snow crab legs are known for their long, slender legs and sweet meat, making them ideal for first-timers due to their easier handling. They are also less expensive and easier to find than Alaskan King Crab Legs. Here's a simple guide on how to steam cook snow crab legs.

How to prepare crab legs for steaming

Preparing crab legs for steaming is a simple process. First, decide whether you want to steam your crab legs frozen or thawed. If you choose to thaw them, place the crab legs in a bowl and leave them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can run them under cool water until all the ice has melted.

Next, select a pot that is large enough to accommodate the crab legs and a steamer basket, ensuring it has a tight-fitting lid. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander or a metal pasta pot with a strainer insert. Fill the pot with an inch or two of water, adding a splash of white wine, lemon slices, or lemon juice for extra flavour if desired. Place the steamer basket inside the pot and bring the water to a boil.

While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the crab legs by rinsing them under cold water to remove any ice crystals and tiny black dots that may be present on the shells. This step is optional but recommended if serving to guests, as these dots are the eggs of marine leeches, which are harmless but unappealing.

Once the water is boiling, place the crab legs in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and begin steaming. The steaming time will depend on whether your crab legs are frozen or thawed. For thawed crab legs, steam for 4-7 minutes, and for frozen crab legs, steam for 7-10 minutes.

How long to steam crab legs

Steaming crab legs is a simple and delicious way to prepare this crustacean delight. The length of steaming time depends on a few factors, including the type of crab, whether it is frozen or thawed, and your preferred level of doneness. Here's a detailed guide to help you determine how long to steam crab legs for perfect results.

Type of Crab

The two most common types of crab used for steaming are king crab and snow crab. King crabs are larger with thick, meaty legs, while snow crabs are smaller with longer, skinnier, less meaty legs. The size difference between these two varieties will impact the steaming time.

Thawing vs. Frozen

Thawing crab legs before steaming is optional, but it can lead to faster and more even cooking. If you have the time, it is recommended to thaw the crab legs overnight in the refrigerator or under cool running water until all ice is removed. Steaming frozen crab legs will take a few minutes longer than steaming thawed legs.

Steaming Time

Now, let's get into the specifics of how long to steam crab legs. For snow crab legs, the steaming time varies depending on their initial state. If you're steaming from frozen, it will take about 10 minutes. If your snow crab legs are already thawed, 5 minutes of steaming should be sufficient.

For king crab legs, which are larger, you'll need to add a minute or two to the steaming time, whether they're frozen or thawed. This is because the increased size and thickness of the legs require a bit more time to ensure even cooking.

It's important to note that these steaming times may vary slightly depending on your heat source and the specifics of your steamer setup. Always keep an eye on your crab legs while steaming to avoid overcooking.

Doneness Indicators

How can you tell when your crab legs are done? Aside from following the recommended steaming times, there are a few signs that indicate doneness. Firstly, you'll know they're cooked through when you can smell the enticing aroma of crab. Additionally, the meat should be hot all the way through, appearing reddish-pink and juicy.

In summary, steaming crab legs is a straightforward process, and by following the guidelines above, you can ensure that your crab legs are cooked to perfection. Remember to adjust the steaming time based on the type of crab, whether they're frozen or thawed, and your desired level of doneness. Enjoy your delicious and tender steamed crab legs!

What to serve with crab legs

Now that you've learned how to steam cook snow crab legs, it's time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delicious and enjoyable:

Sauces and Condiments:

• Clarified butter is a classic choice that enhances the flavour of crab meat. It is made by melting regular butter, allowing it to cool, and then skimming off the clarified butter from the top. You can also add fresh lemon juice and garlic to make a dipping sauce.
• Other butter sauce variations include adding rosemary, parsley, or Worcestershire sauce.
• Cocktail sauce is a popular choice and can be made by mixing horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon, and ketchup.
• Other sauce options include mustard with dill, mayonnaise, lemon, salt and pepper, or a spicy diablo dipping sauce.

Side Dishes:

• Corn on the cob is a traditional and well-loved side dish to serve with crab legs. Grilling, steaming, boiling, or microwaving are all great ways to prepare it.
• Potatoes are a classic pairing with crab legs. Whether they are roasted, baked, mashed, or fried, potatoes and crab make a delicious combination. Adding garlic and butter takes this side dish to the next level.
• Salads are a great option to keep the meal light and refreshing. A simple green salad or a more creative option like a mandarin orange salad or grilled peach-and-arugula salad can complement the crab legs perfectly.
• Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, and onions are an excellent way to add some earthy flavours to the meal.
• Coleslaw may be typically served with barbecue, but its creamy texture and crunch make it a surprisingly tasty pairing with crab legs.
• Cornbread is another option that provides a salty-sweet contrast to the crab meat, and the carbs are a good balance to the protein-rich crab legs.
• Steamed artichoke petals dipped in butter can be a fun and tasty hands-on experience to go along with the crab-cracking.

Remember, when deciding what to serve with crab legs, it's best to keep the sides straightforward and complementary so that the crab remains the star of the show. Enjoy your delicious feast!

How to eat crab legs

Now that you've cooked your snow crab legs, it's time to eat! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to eat crab legs:

• Remove the legs from the cluster: Start by snapping off each individual leg from the main cluster. You can do this by gently bending the leg back and forth until it snaps off.
• Break the legs into smaller piecesBreak each leg into two parts by snapping it at the joint. This will make it easier to handle and eat.
• Crack open the shell: Use a crab cracker, kitchen scissors, or your hands to gently crack open the shell of each leg piece. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to crush the meat inside.
• Remove the meat: Gently wiggle out the meat from the cracked shell. It should slide out easily. If you're having trouble, use a small fork or pick to help remove the meat.
• Enjoy the meat: Now that you have removed the meat, you can enjoy it as is or with your favourite dipping sauces, such as melted butter, garlic butter, cocktail sauce, or aioli. You can also squeeze lemon juice over the meat for added flavour. Don't forget to have plenty of napkins on hand, as this can be a messy but delicious process!
• Don't forget the cluster: After you've enjoyed the leg meat, don't forget about the cluster! Gently crack it open with your hands and use a small fork to remove all the pockets of meat.

By following these steps, you'll be able to fully enjoy your snow crab legs and savour every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, grab the necessary tools, and dive into this delicious seafood treat!

How to store crab legs

Storing crab legs depends on whether they are cooked or uncooked, and whether you plan to store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Storing Uncooked Crab Legs

If you have purchased uncooked crab legs, you can store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or in the freezer for up to three months. If you are storing fresh, uncooked crab legs, they must be kept alive in aerated water until you are ready to cook and clean them. Do not put fresh crab in the refrigerator or freezer before cleaning them, as they will die and become unsafe to eat.

Storing Cooked Crab Legs

If you have leftover cooked crab legs, you can store them in the refrigerator for 1-3 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. To store cooked crab legs in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container or a dish covered with plastic wrap. For longer-term storage, it is best to remove the meat from the shell before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When freezing crab legs, wrap each leg individually in heavy-duty foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it, and label the bag with the date of freezing.

Frequently asked questions