How to Cook Frozen Crab Legs: 4 Easy Methods

Crab legs are the decadent treat we purchase once in a while and the centerpiece of many celebratory feasts. Yet, when you’re faced with a frozen heap of them, knowing how to unlock their succulent potential without ruining them in the process can be intimidating.

Let’s demystify the process, shall we? In this guide, you’ll discover how to cook frozen crab legs using three different methods—boiling, steaming, and grilling—and how to adapt these methods for different types of crab.

» Got leftover crab? Try this crab cake recipe.

Why Frozen Crab Legs?

Crab legs often come frozen for a couple of important reasons: preservation and transportation. Most crab species are harvested in locations that are far from the primary markets where they’ll be consumed. Freezing them shortly after they’re caught helps to preserve the freshness, taste, and texture of the crab meat.

Crabs are highly perishable. Fresh crab legs can spoil relatively quickly, even when refrigerated. Freezing extends the shelf life of the crab legs, making it easier to transport them over long distances without a loss in quality. This way, people can enjoy crab legs even if they live nowhere near the places where the crabs are harvested.

» You might also like our other seafood recipes.

How to Cook Frozen Crab Legs

Method 1: Steaming

1. Fill the bottom of a large pot with water. Place a steamer basket into the pot. Make sure the water doesn’t come up more than an inch over the top of the steamer basket. Place it on the stove over high heat until the water is boiling.
2. If using, pour the Old Bay Seasoning into the water and allow to boil for about 1 minute.
3. Place the crab legs and a few lemon wedges in the steamer basket. Put the lid on the pot and steam for 8 minutes.
4. Transfer the crab legs to a serving platter.
5. Serve immediately with dipping butter and lemon wedges.

Steaming Tips

• Steaming retains more flavor compared to boiling, making it a popular choice.
• Don’t overcrowd the steamer; steam in batches if necessary.

Method 2: Instant Pot

1. Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot. Set the trivet in the pot.
2. Place the crab legs in the pot along with some lemon wedges.
3. Lock the lid into place and set the vent to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. When done, manually release the pressure.
4. Open the lid and transfer the crab legs to a serving platter.
5. Serve immediately with dipping butter and lemon wedges.

Instant Pot Tips

• You may need to allow the crab legs to thaw slightly in order to get them into the pot.
• You can fill the pot with crab legs up to the max fill line.

Method 3: Grilling

1. Preheat the grill to 350 degrees F.
2. Brush the crab legs with olive oil. When the grill is ready, place the crab legs directly on the grate. You can also wrap the in tin foil, if you want, which will steam them more than grill them. Close the lid and cook for 8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
3. Transfer the crab legs to a serving platter.
4. Serve immediately with dipping butter and lemon wedges.

Grilling Tips

• You can wrap the legs in foil to prevent them from drying out, but it’s not necessary as long as you don’t place the legs over intense direct flames.
• Grilling offers a smoky aroma that adds a new dimension to the crab legs, making it perfect for those looking to break away from traditional methods.

Method 4: Boiling

1. Fill a large pot with water—enough to submerge the crab legs—and bring it to a rolling boil. Add salt and any other seasonings you like.
2. Carefully drop the frozen crab legs into the boiling water. King crab will need about 6-8 minutes, whereas snow crab will be done in about 4-6 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the water and serve immediately with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Boiling Tips

• Boiling can make the crab legs rubbery and less flavorful, so use this method only as a last resort.
• Use tongs to avoid the spiky shells.
• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the water for extra flavor.

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