King crab legs are a high protein seafood choice that can transform any meal into a special occasion. They are also easy to prepare!
King Crab Legs
Known for their size and sweet, tender meat, king crab legs are not just a treat for the palate but also offer nutritional benefits that make them a healthy indulgence. King crab legs may be intimidating if you’ve never prepared them at home, but you may be surprised to learn how easy they are to cook! Since king crab legs are cooked before they are flash frozen, you’re basically reheating them! They’re fast, and you can make them multiple ways: baking, microwaving, or steaming. Choose whatever is most convenient for you! And if you’d rather grill king crab legs, follow these directions. Other seafood recipes you might enjoy are these Grilled Lobster Tails with Herb Garlic Butter and Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook: Avoid overcooking which can make it tough.
- Cracking the Shell: You might want to crack the shells before heating, so they’re easier to open after they’re heated. I find it easiest to do with a kitchen scissor.
- Melted Butter: A little goes a long way, this is where the calories quickly add up!
- Use Tools: Have crab crackers and seafood forks on hand to help get the meat out of the shell.
King Crab Legs – How To Make
Ingredients
- 8 frozen King crab legs, about 6 ounces each
- lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Thaw the Crab Legs: If your king crab legs are frozen, you’ll need to thaw them first. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, you can run them under cold water for a few minutes.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Place the crab legs in a single layer in a large baking dish. You may need to cut them at the joints to fit them in the pan properly.
- Add Liquid: Pour just enough water into the baking dish to cover the bottom (about 1/4 cup). This will steam the crab legs as it bakes, keeping it moist.
- Cover with Foil: Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the steam in.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. The crab is already cooked, so you’re just heating it through.
Steam in Pot Method:
- To steam, fill a large pot with water, with a steamer insert, and bring to a boil. Steam the legs for about 10 minutes, until heated though, then drain and serve.
Microwave Method:
- If you would rather use the microwave, you can put a wet paper towels around the legs and microwave on high 3 to 4 minutes.
Serve
- Squeeze some lemon on them and dig in!
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
- Don’t overcook: Avoid overcooking which can make it tough.
- Cracking the Shell: You might want to crack the shells before heating, so they’re easier to open after they’re heated. I find it easiest to do with a kitchen scissor.
- Melted Butter: A little goes a long way, this is where the calories quickly add up!
- Use Tools: Have crab crackers and seafood forks on hand to help get the meat out of the shell.
So easy and so delicious! Thank you for always posting such fabulous healthy skinny recipes! You’re always my first go-to.
Do you wrap in foil before you bake in oven?
YES SO GOOD AT HOME IN THE OVEN AND SOME SHRIMP YUMMMMMMM AND ITS SO NICE WE HAVE A SHRIMP BOAT
I absolutely love crab legs. Oh does this ever look good, thank you for sharing.
Wow so easy to do!
YUM! one of my all time favorites but rarely make them at home. My hubby takes the initiative there. I think I’ll have to remind him it’s time! thanks.
oh my that looks good. And it is so easy.
Oh my that looks good and so easy.