Name: Snow Crab Legs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487092H3M16S
Total time: PT-487092H3M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs snow crab legs (thawed or frozen); Coarse kosher salt (for boiling or steaming); Oil (for grilling); Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving); Seafood seasoning (optional, for added flavor)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

Delicious snow crab legs that are quick to prepare and bursting with sweet, delicate seafood flavor—perfect whether boiled, steamed, baked, or grilled.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love snow crab legs because:

Their natural sweetness and tender texture require minimal effort to enhance.
Multiple cooking methods allow flexibility in kitchen tools or time constraints.
Crab legs make an impressive yet approachable seafood meal.
Easy to customize with seasoning, lemon, or butter for serving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs snow crab legs (thawed or frozen)
Coarse kosher salt (for boiling or steaming)
Oil (for grilling)
Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Seafood seasoning (optional, for added flavor)

Directions

Method 1: Boiling

Use a very large stockpot—or work in batches using a Dutch oven (around ½ lb each).
Fill pot halfway with cold water and add 1 Tbsp coarse kosher salt. Bring to a full boil.
Add crab legs carefully: simmer for 3 minutes if thawed, or 5 minutes if frozen.
Remove legs and place on a paper towel–lined rimmed baking sheet to drain excess water. Crack and serve.

Method 2: Steaming

Place a steamer basket in a large pot. Add cold water to just reach the bottom of the basket and salt water (1–2 tsp coarse kosher salt). Bring to gentle simmer.
Add crab legs and cover. Steam for 5 minutes if thawed, 7 minutes if frozen.
Remove legs and transfer to serving dish or baking sheet to drain.

Method 3: Baking

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Place crab legs in a rimmed baking sheet or high‑sided casserole dish—you can stack them; single layer not required.
Cover tightly with foil (this steams the legs using their own shell liquid).
Bake for 10–12 minutes if thawed. Remove foil and serve hot.

Method 4: Grilling

Preheat grill to medium and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place crab legs directly on grates. Close grill lid and heat for 3–4 minutes until warmed through and lightly charred.
Remove and serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Approximately 2–4 people (depending on appetite and number of legs)
Prep Time: Less than 5 minutes
Cook Time:
- Boil: 3–5 minutes
- Steam: 5–7 minutes
- Bake: 10–12 minutes
- Grill: 3–4 minutes
Total Time: Around 10 minutes (depending on method)

Variations

Brush crab legs with garlic‑butter or drizzle melted butter before serving.
Sprinkle lemon zest and chopped parsley for bright freshness.
Dust with Old Bay, Cajun, or seafood seasoning prior to grilling for bold taste.
Serve with dipping sauces like melted butter with garlic, lemon‑dill, or spicy aioli.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftover meat (removed from shells) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently by steaming or baking at low temperature (about 275–300 °F) just until warmed through to avoid drying out.
Avoid microwaving, as that can make crab rubbery.

FAQs

Why are the crab legs so quick to cook?

Snow crab legs are pre-cooked before freezing—your goal is to heat them through, not cook raw.

Can I cook frozen crab legs without thawing?

Yes—adjust cooking time slightly longer: boil 5 min, steam 7 min, bake 12 min.

What’s the best way to serve them?

Serve hot with melted butter and lemon wedges. Crack using shell crackers or kitchen shears, and enjoy the sweet meat inside.

Should I season the cooking water?

Just enough salt (1 Tbsp in boiling or 1–2 tsp in steaming water) to gently season the crab—avoid overpowering its natural sweetness.

Can I grill them without drying them out?

Yes—grilling takes just 3–4 minutes to warm and lightly char. Brush lightly with oil or butter to retain moisture.

How do I crack them cleanly?

Use seafood crackers or kitchen shears to split along joints. Twist at hinges to separate body and claw meat.

Are these legs raw meat or precooked?

They’re nearly always pre-cooked and frozen. Your cooking method simply reheats and warms them through.

Can I make seafood seasoning crunchy?

Toss hot cooked legs with butter mixed with minced garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of seasoning just before serving.

Can leftover crab meat be used in other dishes?

Yes—use meat in salads, tacos, pasta, or seafood casseroles.

Is it safe to refreeze leftovers?

Avoid refreezing cooked crab meat once thawed. Store and eat within 2 days, or freeze fresh unopened legs only.

Conclusion

Snow Crab Legs are an easy and luxurious seafood option that warms quickly and adapts to your favorite cooking method—boil, steam, bake, or grill. Serve them with butter, lemon, or seasoning for a simple yet elegant meal that highlights their naturally sweet flavor. Enjoy cracking into shell and savoring every tender bite!

Snow Crab Legs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Maggie
Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Yield: 2–4 servings
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Delicate, sweet, and easy-to-cook snow crab legs—prepared using boiling, steaming, baking, or grilling methods. A simple seafood indulgence that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients

2 lbs snow crab legs (thawed or frozen)

Coarse kosher salt (for boiling or steaming)

Oil (for grilling)

Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Seafood seasoning (optional, for added flavor)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Boiling: Bring salted water to a boil. Add crab legs; simmer 3 minutes (thawed) or 5 minutes (frozen). Remove and drain.
Steaming: Place steamer basket over salted simmering water. Steam crab legs 5 minutes (thawed) or 7 minutes (frozen). Remove and serve.
Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place crab legs in baking dish, cover tightly with foil. Bake 10–12 minutes if thawed.
Grilling: Preheat grill to medium and oil grates. Grill crab legs 3–4 minutes until lightly charred and heated through.