Steaming Crab Legs: Pressure Cooker Perfection

Steaming crab legs in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare this premium dish. While some people may be hesitant to use a pressure cooker for crab legs, as they are already cooked and just need to be heated, a pressure cooker can produce succulent and juicy results in a short amount of time. This method is best for those who want to avoid the oven or boiling methods of preparation.

Prepare your pressure cooker

To prepare your pressure cooker for steaming crab legs, start by placing a trivet at the bottom of the pot. You can use a multi-functional pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, for this purpose.

Next, pour in some water. The water level should be approximately half an inch high, creating steam to cook the crab legs without immersing them in water. This is important as crabs are often already cooked, and you risk losing flavour if they are immersed in water.

At this point, you can add some seasoning to the water. Suggested seasonings include garlic, Old Bay, and Tony Chachere’s seasoning. You can also add chicken broth and Zatarain’s Shrimp & Crab Boil Concentrate for extra flavour.

Finally, place the crab legs on top of the trivet. If they are frozen, you may need to let them thaw for a few minutes so they fit in the pot. You can also cut the crab legs into pieces to help them fit. Make sure the crab legs are manoeuvred so that the lid of the pressure cooker can shut securely.

Add water and crab legs

Now that you've got your pressure cooker out and ready to go, it's time to add the water and crab legs.

First, pour some water into the bottom of your pressure cooker. The exact amount isn't crucial, but make sure there's enough to create steam without immersing the crab legs in water. You don't want to risk losing any of that delicious flavour!

Next, place a trivet inside the pressure cooker and put your crab legs on top. If they're frozen, you might need to let them thaw for a few minutes so they fit nicely. You can pack in as many clusters as you can, as long as you can still close the lid.

If you want to add some extra flavour, this is the time to do it. Try sprinkling some Old Bay seasoning or Tony Chachere's seasoning onto the crab legs. You could also add some sliced lemons or minced garlic to the trivet for a more subtle citrusy or garlicky aroma.

Once you've got your crab legs nicely arranged and seasoned, it's time to move on to the next step: sealing the pressure cooker and letting it work its magic.

Seal and cook

Once you have placed the crab legs on top of the trivet, you are ready to seal and cook. Secure the lid and check that the valve is set to sealing. It is important to ensure the lid is locked and secure before cooking.

Different recipes suggest different cooking times. Some suggest cooking on manual high pressure for 2 minutes, while others suggest 3 or 4 minutes. If the crab legs are frozen, you may want to cook for 4 or 5 minutes. One source suggests cooking on manual high for 2 minutes, and then allowing the crab legs to continue to steam in the Instant Pot for up to 5 minutes after the lid is removed.

When the timer beeps, it is time to release the pressure. Move the valve to the release or venting position and perform a quick-release according to the manufacturer's instructions. This should take about 5 minutes.

Once the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid. The crab legs are now ready to be transferred to a serving dish.

Quick-release pressure

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Place a trivet at the bottom of your pressure cooker and add water. The amount of water added should be enough to create steam without immersing the crab legs in it. You can also add seasonings like garlic or seafood seasoning to the water for extra flavour.

Step 2: Prepare the Crab Legs

Place the crab legs on top of the trivet. If they are frozen, it is recommended to let them thaw for a few minutes to fit better in the cooker. You can also cut the crab legs into pieces to ensure they fit comfortably.

Step 3: Seal and Cook

Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Set the timer for 2-4 minutes, depending on whether the crab legs are thawed or frozen. Allow additional time for the pressure to build up before cooking starts.

Step 4: Quick-Release Pressure

Once the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method as instructed by the manufacturer. This step should take around 5 minutes. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safety and avoid any accidents.

Step 5: Open the Cooker and Serve

After releasing the pressure, unlock and remove the lid. Use tongs to transfer the crab legs to a serving dish. You can serve them with melted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked crab legs!

Note: Remember to be cautious when releasing pressure, as the steam can be very hot. Always follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your pressure cooker.

Serve with garlic butter

To make garlic butter, melt butter in a skillet or saucepan on medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until it is translucent, then add your seasonings. Continue to heat the mixture until it starts to bubble. You can add lemon juice and zest, and herbs like dill, sage, chives, basil or parsley to taste.

To make spicy garlic butter, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also add freshly ground black pepper for a spicy kick. For a Cajun twist, add Cajun seasoning or Old Bay Seasoning instead of salt.

To serve with crab legs, steam the crab legs in a pressure cooker for 2-3 minutes on high pressure. You can also steam them on the stovetop for 5 minutes, or boil them for the same amount of time. Be careful not to overcook the crab legs, as crab meat is delicate. Serve the crab legs with the garlic butter in small bowls for dipping.

Frequently asked questions