Cooking Fully Cooked Snow Crab Legs to Perfection: A Comprehensive Guide

Snow crab legs are a delicacy that many seafood lovers enjoy. They are a great source of protein, low in fat, and rich in flavor. While they can be cooked from scratch, many people prefer to buy them pre-cooked to save time and effort. However, even pre-cooked snow crab legs require some cooking to heat them through and bring out their natural flavor. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook fully cooked snow crab legs, including steaming, boiling, grilling, and baking.

Understanding Snow Crab Legs

Before we dive into the cooking methods, it’s essential to understand what snow crab legs are and how they are processed. Snow crab legs are harvested from the snow crab, a species of crab found in the North Atlantic Ocean. They are known for their sweet and tender flesh, which is rich in flavor and texture.

Snow crab legs are usually sold pre-cooked, which means they have been steamed or boiled to cook the flesh. They are then frozen or refrigerated to preserve them for transportation and storage. When you buy pre-cooked snow crab legs, they are already cooked, but they may not be hot or ready to eat.

Why Cook Pre-Cooked Snow Crab Legs?

You may wonder why you need to cook pre-cooked snow crab legs at all. The reason is that pre-cooked snow crab legs are not always hot or ready to eat. They may have been frozen or refrigerated for a long time, which can affect their texture and flavor. Cooking them again helps to:

• Heat them through to a safe internal temperature
• Restore their natural flavor and texture
• Make them more tender and easier to crack

Cooking Methods for Fully Cooked Snow Crab Legs

There are several ways to cook fully cooked snow crab legs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular methods:

Steaming Snow Crab Legs

Steaming is a great way to cook snow crab legs without losing their flavor or texture. To steam snow crab legs, you will need:

• A steamer basket
• A pot with a lid
• Water
• Optional: lemon juice, garlic, and herbs

Instructions:

1. Fill the pot with water to a depth of about 2-3 inches.
2. Add lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to the water for extra flavor.
3. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Place the steamer basket over the pot.
5. Add the snow crab legs to the steamer basket.
6. Cover the pot with a lid.
7. Steam the snow crab legs for 4-6 minutes or until they are hot and steaming.

Tips for Steaming Snow Crab Legs

• Use a steamer basket to prevent the snow crab legs from touching the water.
• Don’t overcrowd the steamer basket, as this can cause the snow crab legs to become tangled.
• Use a timer to ensure the snow crab legs are cooked for the right amount of time.

Boiling Snow Crab Legs

Boiling is another popular method for cooking snow crab legs. To boil snow crab legs, you will need:

• A large pot
• Water
• Salt
• Optional: lemon juice, garlic, and herbs

Instructions:

1. Fill the pot with water to a depth of about 4-6 inches.
2. Add salt to the water to taste.
3. Add lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to the water for extra flavor.
4. Bring the water to a boil.
5. Carefully add the snow crab legs to the pot.
6. Boil the snow crab legs for 4-6 minutes or until they are hot and cooked through.

Tips for Boiling Snow Crab Legs

• Use a large pot to prevent the snow crab legs from becoming tangled.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this can cause the snow crab legs to become undercooked.
• Use a timer to ensure the snow crab legs are cooked for the right amount of time.

Grilling Snow Crab Legs

Grilling is a great way to add smoky flavor to snow crab legs. To grill snow crab legs, you will need:

• A grill
• Snow crab legs
• Butter or oil
• Optional: lemon juice, garlic, and herbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the snow crab legs with butter or oil.
3. Add lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to the snow crab legs for extra flavor.
4. Place the snow crab legs on the grill.
5. Grill the snow crab legs for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are hot and cooked through.

Tips for Grilling Snow Crab Legs

• Use a grill mat or foil to prevent the snow crab legs from sticking to the grill.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill, as this can cause the snow crab legs to become undercooked.
• Use a timer to ensure the snow crab legs are cooked for the right amount of time.

Baking Snow Crab Legs

Baking is a great way to cook snow crab legs without adding extra fat. To bake snow crab legs, you will need:

• A baking sheet
• Snow crab legs
• Butter or oil
• Optional: lemon juice, garlic, and herbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Brush the snow crab legs with butter or oil.
4. Add lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to the snow crab legs for extra flavor.
5. Place the snow crab legs on the baking sheet.
6. Bake the snow crab legs for 4-6 minutes or until they are hot and cooked through.

Tips for Baking Snow Crab Legs

• Use a baking sheet with a lip to prevent the snow crab legs from falling off.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the snow crab legs to become undercooked.
• Use a timer to ensure the snow crab legs are cooked for the right amount of time.

Serving and Enjoying Snow Crab Legs

Once you have cooked your snow crab legs, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are some tips for serving and enjoying snow crab legs:

• Serve with melted butter or lemon wedges for extra flavor.
• Use a crab cracker or nutcracker to crack the shells and access the flesh.
• Serve with your favorite sides, such as corn on the cob, coleslaw, or fries.
• Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.

Tips for Eating Snow Crab Legs

• Use a bib or apron to protect your clothes from stains.
• Use a crab pick or fork to extract the flesh from the shells.
• Don’t be afraid to get messy and use your hands to crack the shells and access the flesh.

Conclusion

Cooking fully cooked snow crab legs is a simple process that requires minimal effort and equipment. By following the tips and methods outlined in this article, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful snow crab legs at home. Whether you prefer to steam, boil, grill, or bake your snow crab legs, there’s a method to suit your taste and preferences. So go ahead, give snow crab legs a try, and enjoy the sweet and tender flesh of these delicious crustaceans.

By following the cooking methods and tips outlined in this article, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful snow crab legs at home. Remember to always cook your snow crab legs to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety. Happy cooking!

What is the best way to thaw frozen snow crab legs?

Thawing frozen snow crab legs is an essential step before cooking. The best way to thaw them is by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. This method allows for a slow and even thaw, which helps preserve the texture and flavor of the crab. It’s also important to keep the crab legs in their original packaging or a sealed bag to prevent moisture from entering and causing the crab to become soggy.

Alternatively, you can also thaw the crab legs by submerging them in cold water. This method is faster than refrigeration, but it requires more attention. Make sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold and prevent bacterial growth. Never thaw frozen crab legs at room temperature or in warm water, as this can cause bacterial growth and foodborne illness.

How do I cook snow crab legs in the oven?

Cooking snow crab legs in the oven is a simple and flavorful way to prepare them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the thawed crab legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the crab legs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving some space between each leg to allow for even cooking. Drizzle with melted butter, lemon juice, or your favorite seasonings, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crab is heated through.

You can also add some aromatics like garlic, onion, or lemon slices to the baking sheet for added flavor. Make sure to check the crab legs after 8 minutes and continue to cook in 2-minute increments until they’re heated to your liking. Keep an eye on the crab to prevent overcooking, which can cause the meat to become tough and dry.

Can I cook snow crab legs on the grill?

Yes, you can cook snow crab legs on the grill for a smoky and flavorful twist. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Rinse the thawed crab legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the crab legs on a piece of aluminum foil or a grill mat, leaving some space between each leg to allow for even cooking. Drizzle with melted butter, lemon juice, or your favorite seasonings, and fold the foil or mat to create a packet.

Place the packet on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the crab is heated through. You can also add some wood chips like mesquite or applewood to the grill for added smokiness. Make sure to check the crab legs after 5 minutes and continue to cook in 2-minute increments until they’re heated to your liking. Keep an eye on the crab to prevent overcooking, which can cause the meat to become tough and dry.

How do I steam snow crab legs?

Steaming snow crab legs is a moist-heat cooking method that helps preserve the delicate flavor and texture of the crab. Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and place a steamer basket over the pot. Rinse the thawed crab legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the crab legs in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each leg to allow for even cooking.

Cover the pot with a lid and steam the crab legs for 4-6 minutes or until they’re heated through. You can also add some aromatics like lemon slices, garlic, or herbs to the pot for added flavor. Make sure to check the crab legs after 4 minutes and continue to steam in 2-minute increments until they’re heated to your liking. Keep an eye on the crab to prevent overcooking, which can cause the meat to become tough and dry.

Can I cook snow crab legs in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook snow crab legs in the microwave for a quick and convenient meal. Rinse the thawed crab legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the crab legs in a microwave-safe dish, leaving some space between each leg to allow for even cooking. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and cook on high for 30-60 seconds per leg or until the crab is heated through.

Make sure to check the crab legs after 30 seconds and continue to cook in 15-second increments until they’re heated to your liking. Keep an eye on the crab to prevent overcooking, which can cause the meat to become tough and dry. It’s also important to note that microwave cooking can result in uneven heating, so make sure to check the crab legs carefully to ensure they’re cooked to your liking.

How do I serve snow crab legs?

Snow crab legs can be served with a variety of dipping sauces and sides to enhance their flavor and texture. Some popular dipping sauces include melted butter, lemon juice, and cocktail sauce. You can also serve the crab legs with sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or baked potatoes. For a more indulgent meal, try serving the crab legs with a rich and creamy sauce like hollandaise or beurre blanc.

When serving snow crab legs, make sure to provide your guests with crackers or nutcrackers to crack open the shells and access the meat. You can also provide picks or forks to help extract the meat from the shells. To add some visual appeal to the dish, consider garnishing the crab legs with lemon wedges, parsley, or other herbs.

How do I store leftover snow crab legs?

Leftover snow crab legs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To store the crab legs in the refrigerator, place them in a covered container and keep them at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. To freeze the crab legs, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

When reheating leftover snow crab legs, make sure to heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the crab legs in the oven, on the grill, or in the microwave, following the same cooking instructions as before. Keep in mind that reheated crab legs may not be as tender or flavorful as freshly cooked crab legs, so it’s best to consume them within a day or two of cooking.