Best Way To Cook Crab Legs From Frozen
Cooking crab legs can be a daunting task, especially if they are frozen. However, if you follow the right steps, cooking crab legs can be an effortless task. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to cooking crab legs from frozen. We guarantee you that your crab legs will turn out to be delicious and tender.
Preparing The Crab Legs
Before you start cooking the crab legs, you must first prepare them. This includes thawing them properly. The best way to do this is to place the crab legs in the refrigerator overnight. If you do not have time to thaw the crab legs overnight, you can place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for up to 30 minutes. Be sure to change the water every 10 minutes to ensure that the crab legs thaw evenly.
Once the crab legs are thawed, take a pair of kitchen shears and cut the crab legs lengthwise. This will make it easier to extract the meat from the shell after cooking.
Steaming The Crab Legs
Steaming is the best way to cook crab legs as it ensures that the meat remains tender and moist. To steam the crab legs, you will need a large pot, a steaming rack, and a tight-fitting lid. Fill the pot with water until it is about 1 inch below the steaming rack.
Bring the water to a boil and place the crab legs on the rack. Cover the pot with the lid and allow the crab legs to steam for approximately 5-7 minutes. The crab legs will turn a bright orange color when fully cooked.
Baking The Crab Legs
If you do not have a steaming rack, you can also bake the crab legs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the crab legs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush the crab legs with melted butter and sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings such as garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and paprika.
Bake the crab legs for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through. Be sure not to overcook the crab legs as they will become tough and dry.
Boiling The Crab Legs
Boiling is another way to cook crab legs, but it is not recommended as it can make the meat tough and dry. However, if you prefer to boil your crab legs, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the crab legs and simmer for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through.
Serving The Crab Legs
Once the crab legs are cooked, remove them from the pot or baking sheet and place them on a large platter. Serve the crab legs with melted butter, lemon wedges, and your favorite cocktail sauce. You can also serve them with other seafood dishes such as shrimp or lobster for a complete seafood feast.
Conclusion
Cooking crab legs from frozen may seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple. By following the steps in this article, you can enjoy delicious and tender crab legs in no time. Whether you choose to steam, bake, or boil your crab legs, be sure to serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy!