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3.0 from 6 votes

King Crab Legs - How To Make

King crab legs are a high protein seafood choice that can transform any meal into a special occasion. They are also easy to prepare!

Cook Time
0 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 frozen King crab legs (about 6 ounces each)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Thaw the Crab Legs: If your king crab legs are frozen, you’ll need to thaw them first. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, you can run them under cold water for a few minutes.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F.
  3. To steam, fill a large pot with water, with a steamer insert, and bring to a boil. Steam the legs for about 8 to 10 minutes, until heated though, then drain and serve. If frozen, cook 10 to 12 minutes, until hot.
  4. If you would rather use the microwave, you can put a wet paper towels around the legs and microwave on high 3 to 4 minutes.
  5. Squeeze some lemon on them and dig in!
  6. Prepare the Baking Pan: Place the crab legs in a single layer in a large baking dish. You may need to cut them at the joints to fit them in the pan properly.
  7. Add Liquid: Pour just enough water into the baking dish to cover the bottom (about 1/4 cup). This will steam the crab legs as it bakes, keeping it moist.
  8. Cover with Foil: Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the steam in.
  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. The crab is already cooked, so you’re just heating it through.

Notes

  • Serve the crab legs with melted butter for dipping and lemon wedges for a bit of brightness. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
  • Helpful Tips:
  • Don't overcook: Avoid overcooking which can make it tough.
  • Cracking the Shell: You might want to crack the shells before heating, so they’re easier to open after they’re heated. I find it easiest to do with a kitchen scissor.
  • Melted Butter: A little goes a long way, this is where the calories quickly add up!
  • Use Tools: Have crab crackers and seafood forks on hand to help get the meat out of the shell.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2legs Calories 380kcal (19%) Protein 83g (166%) Fat 2.5g (4%) Saturated Fat 0.5g (3%) Cholesterol 190mg (63%) Sodium 3792mg (158%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 380

% Daily Value*

Serving 2legs
Calories 380kcal 19%
Protein 83g 166%
Fat 2.5g 4%
Saturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Cholesterol 190mg 63%
Sodium 3792mg 158%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.