Crab legs are a popular and delicious seafood dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll explore three different methods for cooking crab legs from frozen: boiling, steaming, and baking.
1. Frequently Asked Questions
What To Look For When Buying Crab Legs?
When buying frozen crab legs, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. They should also have a bright, consistent color and no signs of discoloration or dryness. Besides, you aslo should check for a frozen date on the package and choose the freshest batch available.
How Many Pounds of Crab Legs Per Person?
Determining how many pounds of crab legs to serve per person can be a challenge. Because the answer depends on a number of factors, for a detailed answer to this question, I recommend reading this article.
Is it Better To Boil or Steam Crab Legs?
Boiling is the preferred method for cooking crab legs as it helps to preserve their natural flavor and tenderness. By immersing the crab legs in boiling water, you can ensure that they cook evenly and thoroughly. Boiling also allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
2. How To Cook Frozen Crab Legs Perfectly at Home.
2.1. How To Boil Crab Legs
Ingredients
- 4 frozen crab legs ( Snow Crab or King Crab )
- a large pot with water
- 1 tsp salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the crab legs. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water and bring it to a boil.
Carefully add the crab legs to the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook the crab legs for 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through.
Remove the crab legs from the pot with tongs. Sprinkle them with fresh parsley for garnish and serve with melted butter.
2.2. How To Steam Crab Legs
Ingredients
- 4 frozen crab legs ( Snow Crab or King Crab )
- 1 steamer basket or colander
- 1 large pot with water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
Place a steamer basket or colander in the pot and arrange the crab legs in the basket.
Cover the pot with a lid and steam the crab legs for 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through.
Remove the crab legs from the steamer basket with tongs. Sprinkle them with fresh parsley for garnish and serve with melted butter or a dipping sauce of your choice.
2.3. How To Bake Crab Legs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen crab legs (Snow Crab or King Crab)
- 1/2 cup butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1/2 head garlic, about 5 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1/2 lemon, juice of
- 1/2 lime, juice of
- 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the crab legs evenly.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lime juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Place the frozen crab legs in the 9×13 baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the crab legs, ensuring they are well-coated. If desired, sprinkle a little sea salt over the top for added flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, brushing the sauce from the bottom of the pan onto the legs every 5-7 minutes The crab legs are done when they are heated through and fragrant.
Once baked, remove the crab legs from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the crab.
3. How To Eat Crab Legs Properly
Start by placing a crab leg on your plate or a clean surface.
Use a pair of kitchen shears or a crab cracker to carefully cut through the shell along the length of the leg. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to avoid crushing the meat inside.
Once the shell is cut, gently pull the shell apart to expose the meat inside. You may need to use your hands or a small fork to help remove any shell fragments.
Dip the crab leg meat into melted butter, lemon juice, or your preferred dipping sauce for added flavor.
Hold the exposed end of the crab leg and bring it to your mouth. Using your teeth or a small fork, gently pull the meat out of the shell.
Enjoy the succulent crab meat and savor the flavors. Be mindful of any cartilage or smaller bones that may be present and set them aside as you eat.
Repeat the process with each crab leg, savoring the delicious meat as you go.
Remember to take your time and savor the flavor of the meat, and don’t forget to have plenty of napkins on hand, as eating crab legs can be a messy experience!
4. What To Serve Dipping Sauces With Crab Legs?
Lemon Garlic Butter
This sauce combines the richness of butter with the tang of lemon and the aroma of garlic, perfectly enhancing the sweetness of crab legs while cutting through their natural richness.
Cocktail Sauce
Its zesty blend of ketchup, horseradish, and lemon delivers a tangy and mildly spicy contrast to the delicate crab meat, adding excitement to each bite.
Tartar Sauce
Creamy and tangy, tartar sauce’s mix of mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon complements the briny flavor of crab legs, offering a refreshing, slightly acidic pairing.
Mustard Sauce
With its sharp, tangy flavor, mustard sauce provides a bold contrast to the crab’s natural sweetness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of spice and zest.
Aioli
Rich and creamy, aioli—whether classic garlic or flavored—adds a smooth, indulgent layer that pairs beautifully with the tender texture and mild sweetness of crab legs.
Cooking frozen crab legs at home is a great way to enjoy a delicious and luxurious seafood meal. With these instructions in this article, I belive that you’ll be well on your way to becoming a crab leg cooking expert in no time.
