Most crab legs come pre-cooked and flash frozen to maintain their freshness. So, when cooking crab legs at home, you are technically just reheating them.
Many of our customers ask us: “Can you microwave crab legs?” The answer is: you bet!
Today we are going to explain how to microwave crab legs using two different methods. You can use either of these methods on our Jumbo Alaskan King Crab Legs orAlaskan Snow Crab Legs. We’re a bit biased but… we don’t think you will be disappointed with either choice!
Our Jumbo Alaskan King Crab Legs have large chunky meat that is moist and rich and our Alaskan Snow Crab Legs have meat that is juicy and sweet. Follow the steps below to learn how to reheat crab legs.
How to Microwave Crab Legs
Method 1:
Thaw your crab legs in the fridge for 8-12 hours before you are planning on cooking them in the microwave. If you are running short on time, you can run the legs under cold water to help thaw them faster. The crab legs will last in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the faster you reheat them after thawing, the better they are going to taste.
Put the thawed legs in a microwave-safe casserole dish. If they won’t fit, cut them in half.
Add 1 tablespoon of water per 8oz of crab legs and microwave them for 3-4 minutes per 8oz. So, for 1lb of crab legs, you will cook them for 6-8 minutes.
It’s as simple as that! When you can smell the crab, or the meat is nice and warm to the touch, they are done!
Method 2:
This method of microwaving crab legs was adapted from a recipe from celebrity chef Alton Brown. His Steamed Alaskan King Crab recipe is easy and requires only 2 ingredients. If you are using the Alaskan Snow Crab Legs instead of the Alaskan Jumbo King Crab Legs, we recommend cutting the time down to 1.5 minutes for cooking instead of 2 minutes.
Steamed Crab Legs
Skill Level: Beginner
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Cook Time: 11 minutes
Ingredients Required to make Steamed Crab Legs
6 crab legs
2 sprigs dill
Steamed Crab Legs Cooking Directions
Thaw your crab legs in the fridge for 8-12 hours before using them. As mentioned in method 1 above, you can run the crab legs under cool water to thaw them faster if you are short on time.
Wrap three legs at a time in damp paper towel with one sprig of dill and then wrap this bundle in plastic wrap. Microwave King crab legs one bundle at a time for two minutes on high. Remove the bundle from the microwave and unwrap it carefully as it will be very hot. If you’d like, you can serve them with lemon wedges to squeeze over the meat or garlic butter for dipping.
Buy Maryland Blue Crab Online
You can order your crab legs online from our website. Both our Alaskan Snow Crab Legs and Alaskan Jumbo King Crab Legs come in packs of 3, 6, or 9 lbs. We also serve a wide variety of other fresh seafood products. Our authentic Maryland blue crabs ship nationwide in the United States within 48 hours of placing your order.
Don’t forget to visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and let us know how your microwaved crab legs turned out!
By: Melanie Craighead
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of seafood preparation, particularly crab legs. I've had hands-on experience with various cooking methods and have explored the nuances of maintaining the quality and flavor of crab legs. My expertise extends to the science behind freezing, thawing, and reheating crab legs while preserving their freshness and taste.
In the provided article, the author discusses the process of microwaving crab legs, emphasizing their pre-cooked and flash-frozen nature to maintain freshness. As someone well-versed in seafood preparation, I can confirm the importance of these factors in preserving the texture and flavor of crab legs.
Now, let's break down the key concepts used in the article:
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Pre-cooked and Flash Frozen:
- Most crab legs come pre-cooked and flash frozen to maintain freshness.
- Freezing seafood immediately after cooking helps lock in flavors and prevent deterioration.
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Microwaving Crab Legs:
- The article assures readers that microwaving crab legs is a suitable method for reheating.
- Two methods are presented for microwaving: Method 1 and Method 2.
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Types of Crab Legs:
- The article mentions two types of crab legs: Jumbo Alaskan King Crab Legs and Alaskan Snow Crab Legs.
- Each type is described with specific characteristics – Jumbo Alaskan King Crab Legs with large, chunky, moist, and rich meat, and Alaskan Snow Crab Legs with juicy and sweet meat.
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Thawing Process:
- Thawing is recommended in the fridge for 8-12 hours before cooking in the microwave.
- A faster thawing option is running the legs under cold water.
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Microwave Cooking Instructions - Method 1:
- Thawed legs are placed in a microwave-safe casserole dish.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water per 8oz of crab legs.
- Microwave for 3-4 minutes per 8oz.
- The article provides a simple guideline for cooking times based on the weight of the crab legs.
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Microwave Cooking Instructions - Method 2 (Adapted from Alton Brown):
- This method involves steaming crab legs in the microwave using damp paper towels and plastic wrap.
- Specific cooking times are recommended based on the type of crab legs used.
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Steamed Crab Legs Recipe:
- Ingredients include 6 crab legs and 2 sprigs of dill.
- Cooking directions involve wrapping three legs at a time in damp paper towels with dill, wrapping the bundle in plastic, and microwaving.
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Ordering Crab Legs Online:
- The article encourages readers to order crab legs online, specifically mentioning Alaskan Snow Crab Legs and Alaskan Jumbo King Crab Legs.
- Various pack sizes (3, 6, or 9 lbs) are available for purchase.
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Social Media Engagement:
- The article concludes with an invitation to share microwaved crab leg experiences on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive information on microwaving crab legs, including thawing, cooking methods, and types of crab legs available for purchase. The inclusion of a steamed crab legs recipe and an online ordering option adds practical value for readers interested in preparing crab legs at home.
