Steaming Succulent Crab Legs: A Quick Guide

Steaming is a great way to cook crab legs, as it leaves them tasting fresh and juicy. It's also a simple process that can be done on the stove or in a multi-cooker like the Ninja Foodi. The steaming method is also a great way to reheat cooked crab legs without drying out the meat. To steam crab legs, you'll need a large pot with a steamer basket or a colander, and optionally, some seasoning for the water. Fill the pot with an inch or two of water, add your choice of seasoning, bring it to a boil, and then place the crab legs in the steamer basket. Cover the pot and let the crab legs steam for around 4 to 8 minutes, depending on whether they're frozen or thawed. Serve with lemon wedges, melted butter, or a garlic butter sauce for a delicious treat!

Steaming crab legs in the oven

Steaming is the best way to cook crab legs, and you can steam them in the oven! This method is simple, quick, and will leave your crab legs tasting fresh and juicy.

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Legs

You can use any variety of crab legs for this recipe, including king crab, snow crab, and dungeness crab. If your crab legs are frozen, you should first thaw them. The best way to do this is to place them in a bowl overnight in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, you can place them in a colander and run cool water over them until they're thawed.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Arrange the crab legs in a deep glass baking dish. You can use a 9x13 baking dish or roasting pan. If you want to add extra flavour to your crab legs, you can brush them with olive oil, garlic, and cajun seasoning before steaming.

Step 4: Add Water and Cover with Foil

Pour enough water into the baking dish to partially submerge the crab legs—around half an inch of water should be enough. Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil. Poke a few holes in the top of the foil to allow some steam to escape.

Step 5: Steam the Crab Legs

Place the baking dish in the oven and steam the crab legs for 15 minutes if they're thawed or 25 minutes if they're frozen.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the crab legs from the oven and serve! You can serve them with melted butter or lemon wedges for extra flavour.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed crab legs, straight from your oven. Enjoy!

How to choose a pot for steaming crab legs

Choosing the right pot is essential for steaming crab legs. Here are some key considerations to help you select the perfect pot:

Size and Capacity:

Start by considering the quantity of crab legs you plan to steam. Choose a pot that is large enough to comfortably accommodate the crab legs and a steamer basket or colander. It's important to ensure that the pot has sufficient space to allow steam to circulate and cook the crab legs evenly. A pot that is too small may result in uneven cooking, while a pot that is too large may cause the steam to dissipate too quickly, leading to longer cooking times.

Material:

When it comes to material, stainless steel or aluminium pots with a thick base are ideal for steaming. These materials conduct heat efficiently and ensure even heat distribution. Avoid thin or low-quality pots as they may not retain heat effectively and could lead to uneven cooking. Additionally, look for a pot with a tight-fitting lid to prevent steam from escaping, which is crucial for effective steaming.

Steamer Basket or Colander:

To steam crab legs, you'll need a steamer basket or a colander that fits comfortably inside your chosen pot. The steamer basket should be large enough to hold the crab legs without overcrowding, allowing steam to circulate around each piece. If using a colander, ensure it is made of a heat-resistant material and has small enough holes to prevent the crab legs from falling through.

Sturdiness and Heat Retention:

Select a pot with a sturdy construction that can withstand high temperatures. Crab legs require steaming for several minutes, so choose a pot that retains heat well. This will help maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, ensuring even cooking and preventing the water from cooling down too quickly.

Special Features:

Some pots may offer additional features such as a built-in steamer basket, a transparent lid for easy monitoring, or a drip-free pouring spout. While not essential, these features can enhance your steaming experience and make the process more convenient.

Safety Considerations:

Always prioritise safety when working with hot steam. Choose a pot with sturdy handles that provide a secure grip and protect your hands from the heat. Additionally, consider using oven mitts or pot holders when handling the pot to prevent burns.

In summary, when choosing a pot for steaming crab legs, opt for a sturdy, well-made pot made of stainless steel or aluminium with a thick base. Ensure it is large enough to accommodate the crab legs and a steamer basket or colander comfortably. Don't forget to pair it with a tight-fitting lid to prevent steam from escaping. With the right pot, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, perfectly steamed crab legs.

How to know when crab legs are cooked

Crab legs are usually sold pre-cooked and flash-frozen, so when you prepare them at home, you are simply reheating them. The goal is to ensure the crab legs are heated all the way through without overcooking the meat.

The first thing to establish is whether your crab legs are cooked already. If you purchased them from a fishmonger, the fish counter at a market, or from the frozen section of a grocery store, then they are likely cooked. Commercially caught crab legs are cooked and then flash-frozen immediately after the crabs are caught. Raw crab has a greenish-brown shell, while cooked crab has a white, pink, or reddish shell. You can also check the crab leg packaging or ask the fishmonger to be sure.

When reheating crab legs, you should aim for a cooking time of around five to ten minutes, depending on the weight of the crab legs. If you're steaming the crab legs, place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water and cover. Steam for five to seven minutes, or until heated through.

So, how do you know when crab legs are cooked? Crab legs are almost always cooked when you purchase them and only need to be reheated, so there may not be obvious signs that they are ready. However, there are a few things you can look out for:

• Smell: You will know the crab legs are cooked through when you can smell them. You should detect a fresh seafood aroma when the crab meat is hot.
• Appearance: The meat should appear reddish-pink and juicy.
• Temperature: The meat should be hot all the way through. You can test this by cracking open a crab leg and checking if the meat is steaming and hot inside. If it is, then the others are probably ready too.

How to eat snow crab legs

Snow crab legs are a delicious treat for seafood lovers. They can be cooked and enjoyed in a variety of ways, but steaming is the preferred method to reheat them as it preserves their natural sweet and rich flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to eat snow crab legs without making a mess:

Step 1: Breaking the Crab Legs

Begin by breaking the crab legs at their joints. Hold each crab leg with both hands and gently twist it at the joint until it separates. This will make it easier to handle and eat the crab meat.

Step 2: Opening the Shell

Using a pair of kitchen scissors or a seafood cracker, carefully cut or crack open the shell. Be cautious not to hurt yourself during this process.

Step 3: Removing the Meat

Use a fork or your fingers to gently pull the meat out of the shell. Be gentle and patient during this step to ensure you get all the delicious crab meat.

Step 4: Dipping and Enjoying

Now, it's time for the best part: enjoying your crab meat! Dip the crab meat into melted butter, lemon juice, or your favourite sauce. You can also serve the crab legs with clarified butter for dipping. Enjoy the delicious, juicy meat of the snow crab legs!

Steaming Snow Crab Legs

If you want to steam your snow crab legs, here's a simple method:

• Fill a large pot with about two inches of water and bring it to a boil.
• Place a steamer basket, colander, or strainer insert over the water, ensuring it doesn't touch the water.
• You can season or salt the water to enhance the flavour.
• Put the crab legs in the steamer and cover the pot.
• Steam the crab legs for 4-8 minutes, depending on their initial state (frozen or thawed).
• Remove the crab legs from the steamer and serve.

How to store and freeze leftover crab legs

Storing and freezing leftover crab legs is a great way to extend their shelf life and enjoy them at a later time. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it properly:

Storing Leftover Crab Legs in the Fridge

• Avoid Room Temperature: Never leave cooked crab legs at room temperature for extended periods. Bacterial growth can occur rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). If you know you will have cooked crab in a warm environment, take a cooler loaded with ice packs.
• Refrigerate Promptly: As soon as the crab legs have cooled down, refrigerate them. Place them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
• Use a Shallow Airtight Container: Place the crab legs in a shallow airtight container to prevent moisture loss and keep them from absorbing fridge odours. You can also wrap them in damp paper towels before placing them in the container to help maintain moisture.
• Use a Large Zip-Top Freezer Bag: If you don't have a large enough container, wrap the crab legs in cling film and then put them in a freezer bag. Place this bag into another bag to ensure that if the crab legs leak, it is contained.
• Remove Meat from the Shell: If you have leftover crab meat removed from the shell, or you want to remove the meat before storing, put it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. However, if you choose the bag option, only keep it this way for 24 hours.
• Consume Within 1-2 Days: For the best quality and safety, consume your cooked crab legs within 1-2 days of cooking or purchasing.

Freezing Leftover Crab Legs

• Prepare the Crab Legs: Ensure that the crab legs are fresh and of high quality. Rinse them with cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
• Break Into Smaller Sections: Break the crab legs into smaller sections to make them easier to store and thaw. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut through the shell along the joint lines.
• Place in a Freezer-Safe Plastic Bag: Put the crab legs in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Seal and Label: Seal the bag or container tightly and label it with the date of freezing.
• Store in the Freezer: Place the bag or container in the coldest part of your freezer, ensuring a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
• Consume Within 2-3 Months: While frozen crab legs can be safe to eat for longer, it's best to consume them within 2-3 months for the best quality.

Frequently asked questions