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How to Cook Snow Crab Legs

Updated January 1, 2023

Enjoy Crab Legs at home without paying restaurant prices. We’ll show you how to boil them and how to eat them!

how to cook snow crab legs

Snow crab legs can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be boiled, baked, or steamed. Each method is super easy and doesn’t take long at all.

This recipe will give you everything you need to know to make perfect snow crab legs.

how to boil crab legs

If you like this recipe, try by Loaded Shrimp Baked Potatoes or Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus.

What You Will Need

  • Snow Crab Legs
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Seasoning – Use your favorite seasoning such as Old Bay, seafood, etc.
  • Butter – Can use salted or unsalted.
  • Lemon Wedges

How to Cook Crab Legs

When purchasing snow crab legs, it is important to look for ones that are fresh and have a bright red color. The legs should also be free of any brown spots or bruising. If the snow crab legs are frozen, they should be thawed completely before cooking.

Boiled Crab Legs

To boil snow crab legs, fill a large pot with water, seasoning and salt. Bring the water to a boil and then add the snow crab legs. Boil the legs for 3-5 minutes or until they are cooked through. Remove from the pot with tongs.

Baked Crab Legs

To bake snow crab legs, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the snow crab legs on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Steamed Crab Legs

To steam snow crab legs, fill a large pot with water and insert a steamer basket. Add the snow crab legs to the basket and cover the pot with a lid. Steam for 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through. Remove the lid carefully as steam will escape when you do so.

how to cook crab legs

How to Eat Crab Legs

  1. Start by separating the legs from the body of the crab. You can do this by twisting each leg at the joint until it pops off.
  2. Using a cracker or hands, crack down on the shell to break it open.
  3. Use your fingers or a fork to remove the meat from inside the shells.
  4. Dip the meat in melted butter or sauce, and enjoy!

How to Serve Crab Legs

Using tongs, place crab legs on a large platter. Serve with melted butter to dip in and lemon wedges to squeeze the juice over top.

Can also use the lemon wedges to get the fish smell off your hands by squeezing the juice over top your hands and rubbing them together.

snow crab legs

FAQs

How long do snow crab legs last?

Cooked snow crab legs will last in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How long do you boil crab legs?

It takes about 3-5 minutes to boil crab legs.

How do I frozen crab legs?

Frozen crab legs can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Cook Snow Crab Legs

How to Cook Snow Crab Legs

Yield: Serves 2-3
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes

Enjoy Crab Legs at home without paying restaurant prices. We'll show you how to boil them and how to eat them!

Ingredients

  • 5 clusters of snow crab legs
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted
  • 1-2 tablespoons seasoning
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

Boiled Crab Legs

To boil snow crab legs, fill a large pot with water, seasoning and salt. Bring the water to a boil and then add the snow crab legs. Boil the legs for 3-5 minutes or until they are cooked through. Remove from the pot with tongs.

Baked Crab Legs

To bake snow crab legs, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the snow crab legs on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Steamed Crab Legs

To steam snow crab legs, fill a large pot with water and insert a steamer basket. Add the snow crab legs to the basket and cover the pot with a lid. Steam for 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through. Remove the lid carefully as steam will escape when you do so.

1 Comment

  • Kevin
    January 5, 2023 at 3:59 pm

    Smoked crablegs the only way to cook them

    Reply

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