How to Cook Crab Legs
A classic seafood treat, succulent and sweet crab legs are simple to prepare at home.
Up next in Fish Recipes (22 videos)
Learn how to make scrumptious dishes featuring lobster, shrimp, crabs, and other delicacies of the sea with the recipes and cooking instructions in these food videos.
You Will Need
- Pre-cooked crab legs
- Large pot or steamer
- Water
- Salt
- Melted butter
- Lemon wedges
Steps
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Step 1
Select crab legs
Select pre-cooked crab legs that are firm to the touch, whose joints are easily movable, and that smell like sea water rather than fishy or like ammonia.
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Chose flash frozen crab legs that have not been thawed.
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Step 2
Pick cooking method
Choose your cooking method. Crab legs are most commonly steamed or boiled.
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Step 3
Cook
Fill a large pot or steamer with two cups of water and a tablespoon of salt. When the water begins to boil, place the crab legs in the pot or steaming basket.
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Step 4
Time cooking
Cook the crab legs for five to seven minutes. Take care not to overcook them.
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Step 5
Serve the meal
Serve the crab legs hot. Crab legs are traditionally accompanied by melted butter and lemon wedges, which enhance their natural sweetness.
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Did you know? Alaskan king crabs can live for 10 to over 20 years.
