Crab legs are a delicacy that is easily prepared at home. Commercial crabs are delivered live to processors, often located in Alaska. Or they may be cooked on the commercial fishing boats in the Alaskan waters. The crabs are cleaned, which results in two sets of legs. The legs are boiled in water that is slightly brined then dipped in a cold brine bath. The crab legs are frozen and shipped to your favorite market or restaurant.
Boiled Crab Legs
Step 1
Fill a large stock pot with enough cold water to cover the crabs plus an extra inch of water.
Step 2
Add 1 tsp. of salt to the water in the large pot and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Step 3
Add any optional seasonings to the water which will impart a flavor to your crabs such as Old Bay, hot sauce, beer and/or lemon juice.
Step 4
Add the crab legs to the boiling water. Cook for about 10 minutes, drain and serve.
Steamed Crab Legs
Step 1
Fill the steamer pot with water and a few pinches of salt up to the indicated water line in the bottom of the pot. If you do not have a seafood steamer, use a large stock pot and a steamer rack. Position the steamer rack in the pot and fill with water and salt but do not allow water to touch the steamer rack. Bring water to a boil.
Step 2
Rinse defrosted crab legs and add to the steamer or pot and cover.
Step 3
Watch carefully. Boil until you can see steam rising in the pot. Once you see the seam, begin timing the cooking. The legs should steam for five to 10 minutes depending on their size and the number in the pot.
Microwave Crab Legs
Step 1
Rinse the defrosted crab legs and wrap them in moist paper towels.
Step 2
Place the wrapped crab legs on a microwave-safe dish or plate with a paper towel under the plate. Cook on high until they are heated through. The cooking time will vary based on the number of crabs and the power of your microwave oven.
Step 3
Remove the crabs from the microwave and discard the paper towel under the plate. The paper towel will help absorb the "fishy" smell that can result from cooking shellfish.
Tips and Warnings
- Cook 1/2 to 1 lb. of defrosted crab legs per person. King and Spider work best. Crab meat is sweet. You can serve it with melted butter and lemon wedges if you like. Because King crab legs are cooked, you need only reheat the meat. Do not overcook; the meat will become dry.
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