The steaming time for crab legs depends mainly on whether they are frozen or thawed:
- Frozen crab legs typically take about 10 to 15 minutes to steam once the water is boiling. This allows them to heat through evenly without overcooking
- Thawed crab legs require less time, usually about 5 to 7 minutes of steaming. This shorter time helps avoid drying out the meat while ensuring they are heated thoroughly
For best results, start steaming once the water is boiling and cover the pot to trap the steam. Crab legs are done when they are heated through and have a vibrant, bright color
. Overcooking can make the meat tough and dry, so monitoring the time closely is important. In summary:
- Frozen crab legs: steam 10–15 minutes
- Thawed crab legs: steam 5–7 minutes
Serve immediately with melted butter or your preferred dipping sauce for optimal flavor and texture.
