Best Way To Prepare Frozen Crab Legs
Crab legs are widely popular among seafood lovers. One of the best things about crab legs is that they are easily available in the frozen form, making it easier to store and use at any time. Frozen crab legs are generally precooked, so you don't have to worry too much about preparation time. In this article, we will take a look at the best way to prepare frozen crab legs, giving you a unique and delicious seafood experience.
Types of Crab Legs
Before we jump into the preparation, it is important to understand different types of crab legs that are available in the market. There are mainly two types of crab legs:
- King crab legs
- Snow crab legs
The king crab legs are larger and meatier than the snow crab legs. They are also more expensive than snow crab legs. On the other hand, snow crab legs are smaller and sweeter in taste. They are also more commonly available in the market. You can choose the type of crab legs based on your preference and budget.
Thawing Frozen Crab Legs
The first step to prepare frozen crab legs is to thaw them properly. Thawing the crab legs will help you to cook them evenly. There are mainly two ways to thaw frozen crab legs:
- Refrigerator thawing
- Coldwater thawing
The refrigerator thawing method is the safest and most recommended way to thaw the crab legs. Place the frozen crab legs in a container and keep them in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This will help the crab legs to thaw slowly without any bacteria growth.
If you are in a hurry, you can opt for the cold water thawing method. Place the frozen crab legs in a sealable plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that the crab legs are thawed evenly.
Boiling Crab Legs
Boiling is one of the most popular methods to prepare crab legs. It is a simple and quick way to cook the crab legs while retaining their flavor and texture. Here are the steps to boil crab legs:
- Fill a large pot with water and add salt to it. For every quart of water, add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Add the thawed crab legs to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and cover the pot.
- Let the crab legs cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the crab legs from the pot with tongs.
- Place the crab legs on a platter and serve hot with melted butter and lemon wedges.
Steaming Crab Legs
Steaming is another popular method to prepare crab legs. This method helps to keep the crab legs tender and juicy. Here are the steps to steam crab legs:
- Fill a large pot with 1-2 inches of water.
- Place a steamer basket in the pot.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Add the thawed crab legs to the steamer basket.
- Cover the pot and let the crab legs steam for about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the crab legs from the steamer basket with tongs.
- Place the crab legs on a platter and serve hot with melted butter and lemon wedges.
Baking Crab Legs
Baking is another popular method to prepare crab legs. This method gives the crab legs a crispy texture and smoky flavor. Here are the steps to bake crab legs:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the thawed crab legs on a baking sheet.
- Brush the crab legs with melted butter and sprinkle some garlic powder and paprika on top.
- Bake the crab legs in the oven for about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the crab legs from the oven with oven mitts.
- Place the crab legs on a platter and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Conclusion
Crab legs are a delicious and healthy seafood option. The best way to prepare frozen crab legs is to thaw them properly and then cook them using boiling, steaming, or baking methods. Each method has its own unique flavor and texture. Choose the method that suits your taste and enjoy the delicious seafood experience!