How to Steam a Frozen Cooked Alaskan King Crab Legs

Ever wondered How to Steam a Frozen Cooked Alaskan King Crab Legs that you buy at Costco, Sam’s Club or any seafood store.

If you only have this at a restaurant because you are intimidated how to properly steam a frozen Alaskan King Crab legs this site will show you how.

Alaskan King Crab Legs are so delicious especially if smothered with melted butter and lemon – it is heaven.  If you love seafood, I bet this is one of your favorite.

Who doesn’t, it is much easier to eat compared to other crabs. These crab legs are jumbo and sometimes with one, you’re already full. In fact, my mom cannot finish one.

Have you tried baked crab legs? Try my Crab Legs in Garlic Butter recipe, it is delicious as well. Here's the image

Years ago, I went to South Carolina for a job training. I took my mom with me for a week so she can visit relatives.

Before getting there, I researched places to visit and eat. We had soup they’re known for and lots of seafood.

My mom’s relatives took us to an eat all you can Jumbo crab legs. It was delicious that we decided to go back the next day. To my surprise the servers remembered us. They also noticed we only cared for plain steamed crab legs.

What the servers did – they brought a tray of crab legs to our table instead of us going to the buffet area. I never asked them. Me and my mom were so grateful. All we ate were crab legs – no bread or salad.

Another tray came out again and we chowed like crazy until finally I told them no more. We were so full. We appreciated their service and it warranted a really good tip.

It was so nice of them to picked the biggest crab legs and bring it to our table. During those times taking pictures of food was not a thing but I wonder if I took pictures. I take pics of rocks or stones so mostly likely I took pictures of the crab legs to show my co-workers.

When I go back to Alaska, I will visit a place known for Colossal Crab Legs recommended by a former co-worker who visits Alaska yearly to go fishing.

He was so insistent that I visit the town – I can’t remember if it’s Kodiak. If I look at the map, I might remember since it is an 1 ½ hours drive from Seward, another quaint and beautiful town in Alaska.

Ever wondered if all Alaskan King Crab Legs come from Alaska. The answer is No.

Well anyway, we love seafood and sometimes we splurge when craving for Alaskan King Crab Legs.

If you buy the 10 pound box at Costco it is about $3.00 cheaper than buying per pound or the 3 pound bag. During weekends, Costco has a seafood stand that offers better selection and you get to point the crab legs you want.

On weekdays, you have 2 options. You can get the 3 pound box or the 10 pound bag. Costco’s 3 pound bag usually have smaller crab legs. Instead, I go to Sam’s Club. They have better selections in a 3 pound bag.

They are fully cooked but frozen. Steam it right away without thawing or thaw first in your kitchen sink. If  you plan to have it the next day, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Just make sure it is in a tray since it will leak some liquid while thawing.

How to Steam a Frozen Cooked Alaskan King Crab Legs

Note: These are fully cooked.

1. You may omit this step. It is just a habit of mine to wash it before steaming. With the exposed crab meat I quickly run water over it.

2. I prefer to use a big tray instead of a steamer. You could use the steamer but you have to cut the legs in pieces which I don’t like doing. I like to steam the whole piece.

3. Again, if using the steamer cut it into pieces so it fits. Check out my photo above and you’ll see that the steamer is not big enough for these legs. Add water and steam for at least 15-18 minutes or until warm if frozen. If already thawed, steam for at least 4 to 6 minutes.

Here are the steps if using a big tray.

1. Place the whole crab legs and bent the lower tip of the legs. Don’t cut it. The lower part of the leg is flexible that you can bent it.

2. Before you lay the King Crab Legs in the tray, put a wire rack on top of the tray then place the crab legs on the wire rack. Crab legs should not touch the bottom of tray.

3. Take the tray by the stove and pour water. Add 2 to 3 cups of water in tray.

4. Cover tray with foil. Before putting foil, make sure crab legs are not submerged in water.

5. Depending on your stove, steam it in medium or medium-low setting. Simmer for at least 15-18 minutes if frozen.

6. When done steaming, slowly remove the cover. Use a tong to lift foil. Steam will come out and it could burn you. Slowly lift one side of foil to release the steam. Transfer crab legs on a serving plate or tray.

7. Melt butter and cut lemon wedges.

8. Serve with cutter.

9. Enjoy! This is so yummy!

Try Other Delicious Crab Recipe

Garlic Butter Dungeness Crab
Louisiana Shrimp and Crab Boil Recipe
Roasted Garlic Crab and Garlic Noodle
Ginger and Scallion Crab
How to Clean Blue Crab

How to Steam a Frozen Cooked Alaskan King Crab Legs

Steaming frozen cooked crab legs is so easy. In a few minutes, you can devour this super delicious crab legs.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: How to, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 246kcal

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Alaska crab legs
• 2 – 3 cups water
• 2 lemon cut
• 3 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions

• Note: These crab legs are fully cooked.
• Wash crab legs. (optional)
• Get a big tray. I used 16 in x 11.50 in. It occupied 2 stove top. If you have a bigger tray than this size, it is even better as long as it fits your stove. 
• Place a wire rack in the tray and arrange the crabs legs.
• Bend the flexible lower part of the legs to fit the tray.
• Pour water in the tray. Water should not touch crab legs.
• Cover tray with foil.
• Place tray on stove over medium-low heat. Make sure there’s always water in the tray.
• If crabs legs is semi-thawed steam for 4 to 6 minutes. If fully frozen steam for 15 to 18 minutes.
• While steaming melt butter. I just placed mine on top of the steaming crab legs.
• Slice lemon wedges.
• Serve crab legs with butter and lemon wedges. Have a cutter and cracker ready. With crab legs a cutter is better to use. Enjoy this super delicious Alaskan Crab Legs.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 57.3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Where to get King Crab Legs & Tools you will need.

Tray

Tong

Cutter

Wire Rack

Crab Legs

If you have a Costco or Sam’s in your area it is best to get it from them or any local seafood store. As you can see, ordering it online is so expensive. It is double the price.