How to Cook Alaskan King Crab Legs

by Kyle Lee April 5, 2024

Popular for their sweet and tender meat, Alaskan king crab legs are often considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, especially among seafood enthusiasts. Depending on your personal preference and the flavor profile you want to achieve, there are different ways to cook Alaskan king crab legs.

Fortunately, the actual cooking process is straightforward. Minimal preparation is needed, anyone, regardless of their skill level, can achieve delicious results!

Ready to experiment with Alaskan king crab legs in the kitchen? Here’s what you need to know about the various cooking methods.

How to Cook Alaskan King Crab Legs

No matter how you cook Alaskan king crab legs, they are sure to impress. The most common cooking methods are boiling, steaming, grilling, and baking.

We encourage you to try each of these techniques so you can discover your favorite way of enjoying this delicious and healthy delicacy!

How to Cook Alaskan King Crab Legs Using the Boiling Method

Boiling Alaskan king crab legs remains a reliable choice for many home cooks. The benefit of boiling is that it allows for even cooking. If you season the water with salt or other ingredients, such as herbs and peppercorns, the crab meat will be infused with subtle flavors.

Here are the steps to boil Alaskan king crab legs:

Thaw the Crab Legs. If your crab legs are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. This will ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Boiling Water. Choose a large pot and fill it with enough water to fully submerge the crab legs. Add salt to the water if desired for seasoning.
Bring the Water to a Boil. Place the pot of water on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add the Crab Legs. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the crab legs to the pot. Make sure they are fully submerged in the boiling water.
Boil the Crab Legs. Allow the crab legs to boil for about 5-7 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the crab legs.
Check for Doneness. To ensure the crab legs are cooked through, you can carefully remove one leg from the pot and cut into it. The meat should be opaque and firm.
Remove from Heat and Drain. Once the crab legs are cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove them from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Drain the excess water from the crab legs.

Boiling is a quick and easy method for cooking Alaskan king crab legs, and it helps to preserve their natural flavor and texture.

How to Cook Alaskan King Crab Legs Using Steaming Method

Compared to boiling or grilling, steaming is a gentler method of cooking Alaskan king crab legs. Since it only exposes the crab legs to steam, the crab meat stays juicy and flavorful. Moreover, steaming retains most of its vitamins and minerals.

Here's how to do it:

Thaw the Crab Legs. If your crab legs are frozen, thaw them using one of the methods mentioned earlier.
Prepare the Steamer. Fill a large pot with a few inches of water. Place a steaming basket or rack in the pot, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the basket.
Season the Water (optional). You can add aromatics and seasonings to the water for extra flavor. Common additions include bay leaves, garlic, lemon slices, and Old Bay seasoning.
Bring the Water to a Boil. Place the pot with the steaming basket on the stove and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Arrange the Crab Legs. Once the water is boiling, carefully arrange the crab legs on the steaming basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to steam the crab legs in batches if you have a large quantity.
Cover and Steam. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Steam the crab legs for about 5-7 minutes, depending on their size. They should be heated through and the meat should be opaque and firm.
Check for Doneness. To ensure the crab legs are cooked, you can carefully remove one leg from the pot and cut into it. The meat should be opaque and tender.
Remove from Heat. Once the crab legs are cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove them from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon.

Once the Alaskan king crab legs are steamed to perfection, serve them immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How to Cook Alaskan King Crab Legs on the Grill

Grilling imparts a unique smoky flavor to the crab meat. More specifically, the hints of charred aroma add depth to the dish. When Alaskan king crab legs are grilled, the natural sugars in the crab legs caramelize, which then creates a slightly crispy exterior.

Here's how to grill them:

Thaw the Crab Legs. If your crab legs are frozen, thaw them using one of the methods mentioned earlier.
Preheat the Grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of around 375-400°F (190-200°C).
Prepare the Crab Legs. Brush the crab legs with melted butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. You can also sprinkle them with your favorite seafood seasoning or a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Grill the Crab Legs. Place the crab legs directly on the preheated grill grates. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Grill for 4-5 Minutes per Side. Grill the crab legs for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are heated through and grill marks appear. Use long-handled tongs to carefully flip the crab legs halfway through cooking.
Check for Doneness. To ensure the crab legs are cooked, you can carefully remove one leg from the grill and cut into it. The meat should be opaque and firm.
Remove from the Grill. Once the crab legs are cooked, carefully remove them from the grill using tongs and transfer them to a serving platter.

Whether you're serving crab legs at a backyard barbecue or an elegant dinner party, the charred grilled marks and tantalizing aroma will grab everyone’s attention.

How to Cook Alaskan King Crab Using Baking Method

Baking may not be as common as boiling, steaming, or grilling, but it’s still a fantastic way to prepare crab legs! Once you've prepared the crab legs and placed them in the oven, you can focus on preparing other dishes or attending to other tasks while they bake. It’s hassle-free and convenient.

Here's how to bake Alaskan king crab legs:

Thaw the Crab Legs. If your crab legs are frozen, thaw them using one of the methods mentioned earlier.
Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Crab Legs. Place the thawed crab legs on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Season the Crab Legs. Brush the crab legs with melted butter or olive oil to keep them moist and add flavor. You can also sprinkle them with your favorite seafood seasoning or a mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Bake the Crab Legs. Place the baking sheet or dish with the crab legs in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through and the meat is opaque and tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the crab legs.
Check for Doneness. To ensure the crab legs are fully cooked, you can carefully remove one leg from the oven and cut into it. The meat should be opaque and firm.
Remove from the Oven. Once the crab legs are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven using oven mitts or a kitchen towel.

An additional tip would be to cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or wrap the crab legs individually in foil. This helps to trap steam and moisture so that the crab legs don’t dry out during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What seasoning should I use for Alaskan king crab legs?

You can use a variety of seasonings for Alaskan king crab legs, including Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon pepper, or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and melted butter. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.

How can I tell if Alaskan king crab legs are cooked?

Alaskan king crab legs are cooked when the meat is opaque and firm. You can check for doneness by cutting into one of the legs. The meat should not be translucent or rubbery. Check for flakiness as well. When the crab legs are cooked, the meat should easily flake apart with a fork.

Can I freeze cooked Alaskan king crab legs?

Yes, you can freeze cooked Alaskan king crab legs for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer bag, and label them with the date before freezing.

Sourcing Alaskan King Crab Legs

If you want to buy the freshest King Crab from Alaska, you can click the link here.
The meal will only be as good as the quality of your ingredients. There are a lot of various sources for King Crab, the largest are China, Russia, and the United States. We always advocate for supporting local and supporting American workers. So next time you’re shopping for King Crab, ask your fishmonger where it was harvested or check the fine print on the back of the labels.