How To Cook Pre Cooked Frozen Crab Legs

Unlock the Secrets of Delicious Pre-Cooked Frozen Crab Legs

If you’re a seafood lover, then there’s a good chance that crab legs hold a special place in your heart. These delectable crustaceans are not only brimming with flavor but also offer a unique dining experience. While cooking fresh crab legs is straightforward, what if you find yourself with a bag of pre-cooked frozen crab legs? Well, fret not! In this guide, we’ll show you how to transform those frozen crustaceans into a mouthwatering feast. Let’s dive right in!

What You’ll Need:

• Pre-cooked frozen crab legs
• A large pot or a steamer
• Tongs or a pair of kitchen gloves (to handle the hot crab legs)
• Butter or clarified butter for serving
• Lemon wedges (optional)

The Thawing Process:

The first step to cooking pre-cooked frozen crab legs is to thaw them properly. Here are a few methods you can use:

1. Refrigerator Method: Place the frozen crab legs in a sealed container or plastic bag and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle thawing process ensures that the delicate meat remains at its best.
2. Cold Water Method: If you’re short on time, fill a sink or a large bowl with cold water and submerge the sealed crab legs. Change the water every half hour until they are fully thawed. This method is quicker but should be done immediately before cooking.

Steaming the Crab Legs:

Once your crab legs are thawed, it’s time to cook them to perfection. Follow these steps:

1. Fill a large pot or steamer with a few inches of water.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Using tongs or kitchen gloves, carefully place the crab legs into the steamer basket or directly into the pot. Be cautious as the steam can be hot.
4. Cover the pot or steamer tightly and let the crab legs steam for about 5-7 minutes.

Serving and Enjoying:

Now that your crab legs are beautifully steamed, it’s time to indulge! Follow these final steps:

1. Using tongs or kitchen gloves, carefully remove the crab legs from the pot or steamer.
2. Place the crab legs on a platter or individual serving plates.
3. Melt some butter or clarified butter in a small dish for dipping.
4. Serve your steamed crab legs with the melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Tips and Tricks:

• Don’t overcook the crab legs as they are already pre-cooked. Steaming them for 5-7 minutes should be sufficient to heat them through.
• For added flavor, you can add herbs, such as bay leaves or thyme, to the boiling water before steaming the crab legs.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as Old Bay seasoning or garlic butter, to enhance the taste of your crab legs.

With this handy guide, cooking pre-cooked frozen crab legs is a breeze. So, the next time you have a bag of these delightful crustaceans in your freezer, don’t hesitate to turn them into a delightful seafood feast!