How to Cook Crab Legs
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
7 mins
-
Total Time
12 mins
-
Servings
2 servings
-
Calories
476 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
How to Cook Crab Legs
Description
How to Cook Crab Legs details three common cooking techniques for snow crab legs weighing about one pound per cluster. Boiling involves simmering the legs in salted water for five minutes. Steaming places the crab in a basket over boiling water, covered, and steam-cooked for 5 to 7 minutes. Broiling requires brushing the legs with melted butter or oil and broiling 3 to 4 minutes per side just beneath the heat source for a slight char.
Each method heats the crab legs through without overpowering their natural sweetness. The cooking times are short to preserve tenderness and moisture. Serving includes melted butter for dipping, Old Bay seasoning for spice, and lemon wedges to add brightness. The recipe notes include tools like seafood crackers and forks, and techniques to crack joints for easier meat extraction, maximizing the amount of crab you can enjoy.
This recipe works for casual meals or special occasions where freshly cooked crab legs bring a hands-on experience. The suggested seasonings complement the crustacean's flavor while allowing it to remain the focus.
Ingredients
- 2 clusters crab legs about 1 pound, snow
- 1/2 cup butter melted, salted
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 medium lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
How to Boil Crab Legs
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Season the water with 1 tablespoon of salt, if desired. Submerge crab legs into the boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from water and serve with melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon wedges for squeezing over meat.
How to Steam Crab Legs
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place a steamer basket over the boiling water. Place crab legs in steamer basket. Put lid on to cover and steam 5-7 minutes. Remove and serve with melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon wedges for squeezing over meat.
How to Broil Crab Legs in the Oven
- Preheat your oven on the broiler setting. Place crab legs on a baking sheet. Brush legs with melted butter or olive oil, if desired. Place tray 6 to 8 inches beneath the broiler and broil 3 to 4 minutes per side flipping halfway through. Serve hot with melted butter, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon wedges for squeezing over meat.
Notes
- Use seafood crackers or kitchen shears to break open crab leg shells safely.
- Twist crab legs at the joints to separate sections before cracking the shell for easier meat removal.
- Don't overlook the knuckles—joints can contain extra meat worth extracting with a small fork or pick.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 476 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cluster | |
| Calories | 476kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 47g | 72% |
| Saturated Fat | 29g | 145% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 2g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 146mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 841mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 217mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1496IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 33mg | 37% |
| Calcium | 74mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
