Cooking crab legs is a delightful culinary adventure, yielding succulent meat that pairs well with various seasonings and side dishes. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to cook crab legs, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time.
Choosing and Preparing Crab Legs
Start by selecting high-quality crab legs. King crab legs are the most sought after due to their size and the amount of meat they hold, but Snow and Dungeness crab legs are also excellent choices. Fresh crab legs are ideal, but frozen ones can be just as good.
If you’re using frozen crab legs, thaw them in your refrigerator overnight or place them under cold running water for a few minutes.
Before cooking, rinse the crab legs in cold water to remove any ice glaze and debris. Check for any shell fragments and brush them off.
Cooking Methods
Boiling
Boiling is one of the simplest methods to cook crab legs. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab legs, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the crab legs and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method is quick and straightforward, ensuring the crab legs maintain their moisture.
Steaming
Steaming preserves the flavor of crab legs better than boiling. Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water, add a steamer insert, and bring the water to a boil. Place the crab legs in the steamer, cover, and let them steam for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method enhances the natural flavors of the crab, making them even more delectable.
Baking
To bake crab legs, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the crab legs in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can lightly brush them with melted butter or oil and season them as desired. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Baking allows you to infuse the crab legs with flavors, such as garlic or lemon butter, enhancing their taste.
Grilling
Grilling gives crab legs a smoky flavor that is unique and delicious. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the crab legs with oil or melted butter and place them on the grill. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, brushing occasionally with more butter or oil.
Serving Crab Legs
Serve your perfectly cooked crab legs with a side of melted butter and lemon wedges for squeezing. Crab legs are also delicious with garlic butter, various dipping sauces, or a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. Pair them with side dishes like garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
Watch the video above to learn more about cooking crab legs like Angry Crab Shack!.
