Steaming Frozen Crab Legs: A Quick, Easy Guide

Steaming is the best way to cook crab legs, and it's easier than you might think. Most crab legs are sold pre-cooked and flash-frozen, so steaming is the preferred method to reheat them without losing their flavour or overcooking them. You can steam crab legs from frozen or after thawing them, and there are several ways to do it.

How to steam crab legs without a steamer

Steaming is the best way to cook crab legs, and it's far easier than you might think. You can steam crab legs without a steamer by using a large pot, a skillet, or even a microwave. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Thaw the crab legs

Place the crab legs in a container and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. This step is optional, but it will help the legs steam faster and more evenly. If you're short on time, you can thaw them by rinsing them under cold running water for a few minutes until all the ice has melted.

Step 2: Prepare your cooking vessel

If you're using a large pot, fill it with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. You can also add lemon wedges and salt to the water for flavor if desired. If using a skillet, fill the bottom with no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water, and add lemon wedges and salt if you like.

Step 3: Cook the crab legs

Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Arrange the crab legs in a single layer in the pot or skillet, making sure they are not stacked. Cover the pot or skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam inside. Steam the crab legs for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and fragrant.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully remove the crab legs from the pot or skillet, being cautious of the hot steam. Serve the crab legs immediately with melted butter, salt, and lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Alternative methods

If you don't want to use a pot or skillet, you can also steam crab legs in the microwave. Cut the crab legs and claws at their joints to fit in the microwave. Wrap each cluster in a damp paper towel and then in microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave each package for 2 minutes on full power. The crab legs are done when they are fragrant and heated through. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Another option is to use an instant pot. Place a trivet in a 6-quart instant pot and add 1 cup of water. Put 3-4 clusters of crab legs into the pot, folding and adjusting them to fit if necessary. Close the lid and cook on manual high pressure for about 4 minutes with a quick release.

How long to steam crab legs

Steaming crab legs is an effective way to reheat the meat while preserving its moist and tender texture. The duration of steaming crab legs depends on whether the crab legs are frozen or thawed, and the type of crab.

For snow crab legs, steaming from frozen takes about 10 minutes, whereas steaming thawed snow crab legs takes about half the time, at 5 minutes.

For Alaskan King Crab legs, steaming from frozen takes 15-18 minutes, and steaming semi-thawed crab legs takes 4-6 minutes.

If you are steaming crab legs in a Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker, 5 minutes is sufficient to steam frozen crab legs. If you are using an Instant Pot, decrease the steam time to 3 minutes as it seals the steam.

How to tell when crab legs are cooked

Crab legs are cooked and flash-frozen right off the boat, so when cooking them, you are technically just reheating them. This process takes about five minutes.

When cooking crab legs, you will want to make sure they are thoroughly heated through. There are a few ways to tell when crab legs are done. Firstly, the crab legs will turn a bright red colour. Secondly, they will emit a cooked seafood aroma. You can also test their doneness by checking their colour and aroma.

If you are boiling crab legs, they should be ready after simmering in a pot of water for about five minutes. If you are steaming crab legs, they will take about the same amount of time—steam for five minutes if they are thawed, and up to ten minutes if they are frozen. Broiling crab legs in the oven will take a little less time, with most sources recommending two to three minutes per side, or six minutes total.

How to steam crab legs in an instant pot

Ingredients

• Crab legs (allow 1 lb per person)
• Lemon wedges
• Butter, unsalted
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Water
• Old Bay Seasoning (optional)

Utensils

• Instant pot
• Trivet
• Steamer basket or colander
• Kitchen tongs
• Serving platter
• Crab crackers and/or splitters

Method

• If your crab legs are frozen, you can either thaw them first or cook them from frozen. To thaw, place the crab legs in a large bowl or stockpot and cover with cool tap water or simply run under cool water for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, move the crab legs from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before you plan to use them and they should be sufficiently thawed by the time you start cooking.
• Rinse off any thicker areas of ice glaze under cold, running water. This will help ensure even heating.
• Place a trivet in your instant pot and add water.
• Place the crab legs on top of the trivet. If they are still frozen, you may need to let them thaw for a few minutes so they will fit.
• Close and lock the lid of the instant pot. Select high pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions and set the timer for 3 minutes. Allow 10 minutes for pressure to build.
• Release the pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions, which should take about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
• Use tongs to transfer the crab legs to a serving dish.
• Meanwhile, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then mix in the cloves of garlic.
• Serve the crab legs with the garlic butter dipping sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips

• For bolder flavor, stir minced garlic or your favorite seafood seasoning (e.g. Old Bay) into the water at the bottom of the Instant Pot before steaming.
• Crab is best enjoyed fresh, so buy the crab legs either the day you plan to cook them or the day before.
• As soon as the pressure gauge drops, serve the crab legs right away while they’re still hot.
• A crab cracker makes eating your crab legs more enjoyable.
• If you have any extra crab, get it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Store it in a shallow airtight container or wrap very tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil.

How to steam crab legs in the oven

Steaming crab legs in the oven is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this seafood delicacy. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving tender and juicy crab legs, with some additional tips to elevate your dining experience.

Preparation:

Firstly, decide whether you want to thaw your crab legs before steaming. While you can steam frozen crab legs, it may result in uneven cooking and strange textures. If you opt to thaw, place the crab legs in a large bowl or stockpot and cover them with cool tap water for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can leave them in the refrigerator overnight.

Oven Setup:

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. For steaming, you will need a baking sheet or roasting pan, and aluminum foil or parchment paper. If you have a steamer rack or wire cooling rack, this can be placed inside your baking sheet or pan. Arrange the crab legs on the rack, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Steaming Process:

Cover the baking sheet or pan tightly with aluminum foil, trapping the steam inside. Place the pan in the oven and steam the crab legs for approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the quantity and whether they are frozen or thawed.

Serving Suggestions:

While the crab legs are steaming, you can melt some butter in a saucepan or microwave to create a delectable dipping sauce. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as Old Bay seasoning, garlic butter, or lemon juice, to add extra flavour to your dish.

Once the crab legs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve them hot with the melted butter or garlic butter for dipping. Don't forget to have some crackers and picks on hand to help crack open those shells and enjoy the delicious meat inside!

Frequently asked questions