King crab legs are a luxurious delicacy known for their sweet, tender meat. Cooking them to perfection may seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you think. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to cook king crab legs using three different methods—steaming, boiling, and grilling. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to treat yourself, this guide will ensure you know how to cook king crab legs like a pro.
Understanding King Crab Legs: Types, Origins, and Nutrition
Before learning how to cook king crab legs, it’s worth understanding their origins, types, and nutritional value. King crabs are among the largest crabs in the world, and their legs can grow incredibly long, making them one of the most sought-after seafood delicacies.
Types of King Crab
There are three main types of king crab you’ll encounter:
- Red King Crab: This is the most popular variety, prized for its large size and sweet, tender meat. Most of the red king crab available in the United States is harvested from Alaskan waters, making it a top choice for many.
- Blue King Crab: Known for its slightly saltier and less sweet flavor compared to the red king crab, blue king crab is harvested in smaller numbers. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something a little different.
- Golden King Crab: The smallest of the three, golden king crab has a milder flavor and is often a more budget-friendly option. It’s still delicious, though it lacks the richness of the red and blue varieties.
Nutritional Value of King Crab Legs
King crab is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. A typical serving of king crab legs is low in fat and calories while being rich in protein. A 3.5-ounce serving of king crab legs contains:
- Protein: Approximately 19 grams
- Calories: About 90–100 calories
- Fat: Less than 2 grams
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A good source of omega-3s, which are beneficial for heart health
In addition, king crab is high in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, which promote healthy metabolism and immune function.
Where Do King Crabs Come From?
King crabs are primarily harvested in the cold waters of the Bering Sea, particularly off the coast of Alaska. The icy waters contribute to the crab’s unique flavor and texture. The harvest season for king crab typically runs from October through January, and most king crabs are flash-frozen right after being caught to preserve their freshness.
You’ll often find king crab legs available in grocery stores and seafood markets either frozen or pre-cooked. Fresh king crab legs are rare and tend to be much more expensive, making frozen king crab a great, cost-effective alternative.
How to Choose the Best King Crab Legs: Fresh vs. Frozen
When you go shopping for king crab legs, you’ll likely find frozen options, but that’s not a problem! Frozen crab legs are often flash-frozen at the peak of freshness, ensuring that the flavor and texture remain intact.
Buying Tips for King Crab Legs
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying crab legs:
- Check for Size: The bigger the crab leg, the more meat it contains. Larger crab legs are typically more expensive but worth it if you’re looking for a hearty meal.
- Look for Color and Condition: Fresh crab legs will have a bright red-orange color. Avoid any legs that have too many cracks in the shell, as this could indicate damage or drying out.
- Frozen vs. Fresh: While fresh crab legs are often considered the best, they are not always available. Frozen legs are usually a more convenient option and can still taste amazing when cooked correctly.
Thawing Frozen King Crab Legs
Proper thawing is essential to ensure your crab legs maintain their delicious flavor and tender texture. If you’re planning to cook crab legs, it’s best to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This method preserves the integrity of the crab meat.
Quick Thawing Method
If you’re short on time, place the frozen crab legs in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for 30–45 minutes. Avoid using hot water as it can start cooking the crab unevenly, leading to a loss of flavor and texture.
Steaming King Crab Legs: A Simple and Flavorful Method
Steaming is an excellent way to cook king crab legs because it preserves their natural moisture and sweetness. The steam heats the crab legs evenly without drying them out. This method works best if you want a clean, classic flavor.
What You’ll Need to Steam King Crab Legs
- A large pot with a lid
- A steaming rack or basket
- Water
- Lemon slices (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Steaming King Crab Legs
- Prepare Your Pot: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water. Place a steaming rack or basket inside the pot to keep the crab legs elevated above the water.
- Heat the Water: Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the Crab: Arrange the thawed crab legs on the steaming rack, making sure they don’t overlap too much. You can also add lemon slices to the water for extra flavor.
- Steam for 5–7 Minutes: Cover the pot with a lid and steam the crab legs for 5–7 minutes. They’re done when they’re heated all the way through and fragrant.
You can find more savory recipes and tips for cooking here
Why Steaming is a Great Option
Steaming crab legs allows you to enjoy the crab’s natural, sweet flavor without adding too much extra seasoning. It’s also one of the easiest methods, making it perfect for beginners. Serve the steamed crab legs with melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a simple yet satisfying meal.
If you want more details on steaming techniques, check out this steaming guide from Epicurious.
Boiling King Crab Legs: Quick and Easy Cooking
Boiling is another popular and straightforward method for cooking crab legs. It’s especially great if you’re preparing crab legs for a large group of people because it allows you to cook them quickly in large quantities.
What You’ll Need to Boil King Crab Legs
- A large pot
- Water
- Optional seasonings (such as Old Bay, bay leaves, garlic, or wine)
How to Boil King Crab Legs
- Prepare the Water: Fill a large pot with water. If you want to add extra flavor, season the water with Old Bay, bay leaves, garlic, or even a splash of white wine.
- Bring to a Boil: Heat the water until it comes to a rolling boil.
- Add the Crab Legs: Carefully add the thawed crab legs to the boiling water. Make sure the water fully covers the legs.
- Cook for 4–5 Minutes: Boil the crab legs for about 4–5 minutes, just until they’re heated through.
- Remove and Serve: Drain the crab legs and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Boiling is the quickest method and ensures even cooking. If you’re cooking for a crowd, boiling allows you to prepare multiple legs at once. A simple garlic butter sauce or a mix of melted butter and lemon juice is the perfect pairing for boiled crab legs.
Grilling King Crab Legs: Adding a Smoky Twist to Your Crab
Grilling crab legs imparts a smoky, charred flavor that complements their natural sweetness. It’s a great option for a summer barbecue or whenever you want a more intense flavor.
What You’ll Need to Grill King Crab Legs
- A grill (charcoal or gas)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Optional seasonings (garlic, paprika, lemon)
How to Grill King Crab Legs
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are evenly heated.
- Prepare the Crab Legs: Brush the crab legs with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. You can also sprinkle on some garlic, paprika, or even a little chili powder if you want a kick.
- Grill the Legs: Place the crab legs directly on the grill. Grill for about 5–7 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Serve Hot: Grilled king crab legs are best served hot off the grill with a side of lemon butter or herb-infused butter.
Grilling crab legs brings out a smoky richness that pairs beautifully with fresh, zesty flavors. You can serve them with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a light yet indulgent meal.
For more ideas on grilling seafood, check out this grilling guide from Serious Eats.
Delicious Dipping Sauces and Sides for King Crab Legs
No king crab feast is complete without the perfect accompaniments. Here are a few dipping sauces and side dishes that will elevate your meal.
Dipping Sauces for King Crab Legs
- Classic Garlic Butter: Melt butter and mix in freshly minced garlic for a simple yet delicious sauce.
- Lemon Aioli: A mix of mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil creates a rich, tangy dip that pairs wonderfully with crab.
- Herb Butter Sauce: Melt butter with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and dill for an aromatic sauce that enhances the crab’s natural flavors.
Side Dishes for King Crab Legs
- Roasted Vegetables: Grilled or roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini are great, healthy side options that complement the richness of the crab.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes a great side to mop up all the delicious butter sauce.
- Light Salad: A fresh, green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing side that balances the richness of the crab.
Common Cooking Mistakes with King Crab Legs (And How to Avoid Them)
While cooking king crab legs is fairly simple, there are a few mistakes to avoid to ensure you get the best results:
1. Overcooking the Crab Legs
crab legs are already pre-cooked before being frozen, so your goal is to heat them through without overcooking. Overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat. Always keep a close eye on your cooking times, especially when steaming or grilling.
2. Not Seasoning the Water or Grill
Even though crab legs are delicious on their own, adding a bit of seasoning can enhance their flavor. When boiling, season the water with aromatics like garlic or bay leaves. When grilling, brush the legs with butter or oil and sprinkle on some herbs or spices for extra flavor.
3. Cooking the Crab Legs from Frozen
Always thaw frozen crab legs before cooking. Thawing them ensures even heating and prevents the outer meat from becoming overcooked while the inside remains cold. Plan ahead and thaw your crab legs in the refrigerator overnight, or use the quick-thaw method if you’re short on time.
How to Store and Reheat King Crab Legs Without Losing Flavor
If you’ve cooked more crab legs than you can eat in one sitting, don’t worry—leftovers can be just as delicious when stored and reheated properly.
Storing Leftover King Crab Legs
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover crab legs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: If you won’t eat the leftovers soon, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat King Crab Legs
- Steaming: The best way to reheat crab legs without drying them out is to steam them. Place them in a steamer basket and steam for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the crab legs in aluminum foil and bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re hot and ready to serve.
Avoid microwaving the crab legs, as this can dry out the meat and cause uneven heating.
FAQs About Cooking King Crab Legs
How Long Does It Take to Cook King Crab Legs?
Cooking time varies based on the method, but generally, it takes about 5–7 minutes to steam, boil, or grill crab legs.
Do You Need to Crack the Legs Before Cooking?
No, you don’t need to crack the crab legs before cooking. The shell helps protect the meat during the cooking process and keeps it moist.
Can You Eat Cold King Crab Legs?
Yes, you can enjoy crab legs cold. Cold crab legs are often served as part of seafood platters, and they taste great with cocktail sauce or a tangy aioli.
Conclusion
Cooking crab legs is easy once you know the basics. Whether you choose to steam, boil, or grill them, each method enhances the sweet, tender meat of the crab. Pair them with delicious dipping sauces and serve alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a luxurious seafood meal.
Now that you know how to cook king crab legs, why not try it yourself? Follow our tips, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!