How to cook frozen king crab?

Question

I just went out and bought 3 pounds of frozen king crab. Normally I buy them fresh and just eat them as is. They're very large legs and wouldnt really fit into a pot to steam...are there any other ways to cook frozen crab legs?

Answer 1

If not thawed properly you risk serving grainy, dry overcooked or rubbery crab.
To defrost frozen crab legs, place them in the refrigerator for about 8 hours. If you place them on a rack in a watertight container, they can drain as they are defrosting.
Then chose the method you like most from those listed below.

To boil crab legs
Half fill a large saucepan with cold water and add a tablespoon of sea salt and seasoning if you wish.
Bring the water to the boil and then drop the crab legs in.
Reduce the heat slightly and allow the crab legs to simmer and heat up for 5 - 7 minutes.
Remove from the water and rinse the crab legs. Serve hot.

To bake crab legs
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Crack the whole crab legs and place them on a baking tray.
Brush the crab legs with butter or oil, seasoning and lemon juice and bake in the oven for 8 - 9 minutes.

(I don't suggest microwaving because it's too easy to over cook)
To microwave crab legs
Wrap the crab legs in a damp paper towel and cook on high for 2 - 3 minutes.
Serve hot with butter, cocktail sauce or lemon wedges.

Answer 2

Try this:

In a wok, put the crab legs, pour 7 up til it is covered with the liquid. Add garlic & ginger. Boil. Put chopped cilantro generously before serving with melted butter. Yuuuuum! This is good with mussels as well. Just make sure you do not overcook shellfish.

Answer 3

You can either boil them or steam them. Steaming crabs, add enough water to pot to reach the bottom of the steaming rack, layer crabs on the rack and add a layer of crab seasoning, continue to layer crabs until all crabs are in the pot, or 3/4 full. Cook for 20-25 minutes, remove crabs from pot and serve. Boiling crabs, put enough water in the pot to submerge your crabs. Bring your water to a boil then add your seasoning, and your crabs, cook for 20-25 minutes, remove crabs from pot and serve.

Answer 4

The best way to cook them is to let them thaw. Take about 4 or 5 at a time wrap them in wet paper towels and microwave them until warm. I am telling you that the crab has already been cooked so all you want to do is to heat it up. This is the best way you will find!

Answer 5

dont boil them at all that only dilutes the flavor just stick those babies on a oven pan and stick them in the oven, set it to 350 and give it some time, when the meat becomes flaky and not gooey its ready to eat

added: i always cooked them frozen right out of the box but it takes a little longer

Answer 6

First thaw them in a sink full of cold water. Once thawed, grill over medium coals about 5 - 6 minutes. Serve with plenty of homemade garlic butter & fresh rolls for dipping........Wonderful!!