Crab is a tasty treat no matter what part of the globe you hail from, but residents of the United States and Canada have a special place in their hearts for the mighty Alaskan king crab. The long legs and delicious white meat found within makes this crab a top pick when crab is to be the featured item on the menu. You can rarely disappoint when presenting a feast of tasty, luscious crab legs. The next important decision after choosing the crab is learning how to cook king crab legs.
When buying king crab legs, be sure to get your hands on frozen ones that have not thawed yet. The legs are often pre-cooked since they cook them on the boat right after the crabs are caught and then flash freeze the legs in order to retain the succulent flavor and freshness. In order to thaw the frozen legs, place them in the refrigerator and allow them to thaw for about eight hours. The legs can stay in the refrigerator for up to two days after thawing without going bad but it is ideal to eat them right away. Once the legs are thawed you must choose how to cook king crab legs.
If steaming is the desired route then you must fill a steamer or pot with two cups of water, add one tablespoon of salt and bring the water to a boil. Place the legs into the steaming basket and start timing when the water returns to a boil. They should steam for about five to seven minutes. When you can start to smell them and they are warm to the touch then they are done. Remove the legs from the water and serve with melted butter and sliced lemon wedges.
Another great method to try when learning how to cook king crab legs is baking them. After preheating the oven to 350°F, crack the crab legs and arrange them on a baking tray. Lightly brush the legs with melted butter or oil, adding additional seasoning and lemon juice to taste. Place them in the oven and allow them to bake for around eight to nine minutes. Take them out of the oven and serve with anything from Rice to grilled vegetables. Whatever method of cooking you choose, selecting Alaskan king crab legs was the right start.
