To steam crab legs properly, the cooking time depends mainly on whether the crab legs are frozen or thawed, as well as the type and size of the crab legs. General steaming times:
- For frozen crab legs , steam them for about 10 to 12 minutes. It’s best to thaw them first, either overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water, to ensure even cooking
- For thawed crab legs , steam for about 4 to 6 minutes, which reduces the risk of overcooking and helps retain tenderness and flavor
By crab type:
- Snow crab legs typically take about 4 to 6 minutes when thawed, or up to 10-15 minutes if frozen, depending on size
- King crab legs usually require a bit longer, around 6 to 10 minutes for thawed legs, and a few minutes more if frozen
Steaming method:
- Use a pot with a steamer basket or insert. Bring water to a boil below the basket without touching the crab legs.
- Once boiling, place crab legs in the basket, cover, and steam for the appropriate time.
- Crab legs are pre-cooked, so steaming is mainly reheating and adding moisture to keep the meat tender.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture; the crab legs should be hot and bright orange/red when done
In summary, steam thawed crab legs for about 4 to 6 minutes and frozen crab legs for about 10 to 12 minutes, adjusting slightly based on size and type of crab legs. This ensures tender, flavorful crab meat without overcooking
