If you're looking for a delicious seafood dish, king crab legs are a great choice. However, you may not have a steamer at home to cook them. Don't worry, you can still cook king crab legs without a steamer using alternative methods.
In this article, we'll show you how to prepare and cook king crab legs without a steamer, so you can enjoy this tasty seafood dish at home.
Before we dive into the alternative cooking methods, it's important to know how to prepare the king crab legs.
Start by thawing the frozen crab legs in the refrigerator overnight. If you're short on time, you can also thaw them by submerging the sealed package in cold water for 30 minutes.
Once thawed, rinse the crab legs under cold running water to remove any ice crystals and pat them dry with a paper towel. Now you're ready to cook them using one of the alternative methods.
Key Takeaways:
- Thaw the king crab legs in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water for 30 minutes.
- You can cook king crab legs without a steamer using alternative methods.
- Popular alternative cooking methods include boiling, baking, grilling, and using a double boiler.
Preparing King Crab Legs
King crab legs are a delicious seafood delicacy that can be cooked in various ways. This section will guide you through the steps to prepare king crab legs without a steamer.
Thawing Frozen King Crab Legs
If you have frozen king crab legs, it's important to thaw them properly before cooking. The best way to thaw them is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight.
If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw them by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for 30-60 minutes. Do not thaw them in warm water or at room temperature as it can cause bacteria growth.
Seasoning for Flavour Enhancement
To enhance the flavour of your king crab legs, you can season them with salt, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, old bay seasoning, or cajun seasoning. You can also brush them with melted butter or olive oil before cooking.
Prepping the Cooking Equipment
You can cook king crab legs in the oven, on the grill, or on the stovetop. Here are some equipment and tools you'll need:
- Oven: baking sheet, aluminum foil, tongs
- Grill: tongs, kitchen shears
- Stovetop: colander, metal colander, large pot with a tight-fitting lid, tongs
Cooking Methods Overview
Here's a quick overview of the cooking methods:
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the crab legs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cut the crab legs at the joints to fit on the grill. Brush with oil. Grill for 5 minutes on each side until heated through.
- Boiling: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and lemon wedges. Place the crab legs in a metal colander and lower it into the pot. Cover with a lid and boil for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
- Steaming: Place a metal colander in a large pot with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil. Place the crab legs in the colander and cover with a lid. Steam for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwaving: Place the crab legs in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Safety Tips and Handling
When handling king crab legs, use tongs or kitchen shears to avoid injury from the sharp shells. Also, make sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 145°F to kill any bacteria.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, serve the king crab legs on a platter with lemon wedges and parsley for garnish. You can also serve them with melted butter for dipping and your favourite dipping sauces. Some popular sides include roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or mashed potatoes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftover king crab legs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in aluminum foil and bake in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Cleaning Up Post-Cooking
After cooking, make sure to clean your equipment and tools thoroughly with hot, soapy water to avoid cross-contamination.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you don't have a steamer, there are other ways to cook your king crab legs. Here are three alternative methods:
Baking King Crab Legs in the Oven
Baking is a great way to cook king crab legs if you want to infuse them with natural flavours. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, wrap the crab legs in aluminium foil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. If you want to add more flavour, you can brush the crab legs with melted butter or olive oil before baking.
Grilling for a Smoky Flavour
Grilling your king crab legs is another great way to add a smoky flavour to them. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the crab legs with melted butter or olive oil. Place them on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Boiling for Quick and Easy Preparation
Boiling is the quickest and easiest way to cook your king crab legs. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab legs. Add a generous amount of salt to the water to enhance the flavours. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the crab legs into the pot. Boil for 5-7 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to cook king crab legs in the oven?
When cooking king crab legs in the oven, it's best to use a baking dish. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the crab legs in the dish. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Can you cook frozen king crab legs without thawing them first?
Yes, you can cook frozen king crab legs without thawing them first. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.
How long should you boil king crab legs, especially if they're frozen?
If boiling king crab legs, particularly if they're frozen, it's best to boil them for 6-8 minutes until they are heated through.
What are the steps to steam crab legs on the hob without a steamer?
To steam crab legs on the hob without a steamer, you can use a metal colander or a heatproof bowl over a pot of boiling water. Place the crab legs inside the colander or bowl, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-7 minutes (Storables).
Is it preferable to bake or steam king crab legs for the best flavour?
Both baking and steaming are great methods for cooking king crab legs. Baking tends to concentrate the flavour, while steaming can help retain more moisture. It ultimately depends on personal preference.
What's the technique for boiling king crab legs to perfection?
When boiling king crab legs, ensure the water is well-salted.
Once boiling, carefully place the crab legs into the water. Let them cook for 6-8 minutes until they are heated through.