04.06.2015
King Crab Legs
Steam king crab legs with West Indies BBQ seasoning, lemon, and melted butter. Quick 4.5-minute method for tender, flavorful crab.
- Steam pre-cooked king crab legs 4.5 to 6 minutes to heat; use fresh lemon and West Indies BBQ seasoning for big flavor.
- Thaw frozen legs overnight in the fridge or under cold water for 30 to 60 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with melted butter or a flavored butter like chipotle raspberry; store leftovers chilled up to 2 days or freeze for longer.
I love king crab legs, adding a little bit of West Indies BBQ seasoning takes one of my favorite dishes to the next level ! A must try for crab lovers !
Frequently Asked Questions
Are king crab legs already cooked or do I need to cook them longer?
Most store-bought king crab legs are pre-cooked and frozen. If they are pre-cooked, steaming 4.5 to 6 minutes is enough to heat them through. If you have raw or live crab, steam for 8 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F.
How should I thaw frozen crab legs?
Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best texture. If you need them sooner, leave the sealed legs under cold running water for 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid hot water or leaving them at room temperature for long periods.
How many people does 5 pounds of king crab legs serve?
Five pounds will feed about 4 people as a main course, or 6 to 8 people as an appetizer, depending on appetite and side dishes.
Can I bake, grill, or boil the crab legs instead of steaming?
Yes. Bake at 375 F for 12 to 15 minutes, grill over medium heat about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or boil 4 to 6 minutes to reheat. Steaming usually preserves moisture best.
What is the best way to melt butter for dipping?
Melt butter in short 15 to 20 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between bursts, or gently melt it on the stovetop over low heat. Keep it warm for dipping and add lemon juice or mix in a flavored butter like chipotle raspberry for extra taste.
How can I tell when the crab legs are done?
The meat should be hot, opaque, and firm. The shell will be steaming and the crab will smell fresh and briny. If you use a thermometer, the center should reach 145 F.
How should I store and reheat leftover crab legs?
Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming 4 to 6 minutes or baking at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes. You can freeze cooked legs for up to 3 months.
What seasonings and sides go best with these crab legs?
West Indies BBQ seasoning and fresh lemon are excellent. Alternatives include Old Bay, Caribbean jerk, garlic butter, or lemon pepper. Serve with melted butter, a flavored butter like chipotle raspberry, crusty bread, or a simple salad.
Are king crab legs already cooked or do I need to cook them longer?
Most store-bought king crab legs are pre-cooked and frozen. If they are pre-cooked, steaming 4.5 to 6 minutes is enough to heat them through. If you have raw or live crab, steam for 8 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F.
How should I thaw frozen crab legs?
Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best texture. If you need them sooner, leave the sealed legs under cold running water for 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid hot water or leaving them at room temperature for long periods.
How many people does 5 pounds of king crab legs serve?
Five pounds will feed about 4 people as a main course, or 6 to 8 people as an appetizer, depending on appetite and side dishes.
Can I bake, grill, or boil the crab legs instead of steaming?
Yes. Bake at 375 F for 12 to 15 minutes, grill over medium heat about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or boil 4 to 6 minutes to reheat. Steaming usually preserves moisture best.
What is the best way to melt butter for dipping?
Melt butter in short 15 to 20 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between bursts, or gently melt it on the stovetop over low heat. Keep it warm for dipping and add lemon juice or mix in a flavored butter like chipotle raspberry for extra taste.
How can I tell when the crab legs are done?
The meat should be hot, opaque, and firm. The shell will be steaming and the crab will smell fresh and briny. If you use a thermometer, the center should reach 145 F.
How should I store and reheat leftover crab legs?
Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming 4 to 6 minutes or baking at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes. You can freeze cooked legs for up to 3 months.
What seasonings and sides go best with these crab legs?
West Indies BBQ seasoning and fresh lemon are excellent. Alternatives include Old Bay, Caribbean jerk, garlic butter, or lemon pepper. Serve with melted butter, a flavored butter like chipotle raspberry, crusty bread, or a simple salad.
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