Steamed Snow Crab Legs

Steamed snow crab legs takes only a few minutes to cook. A steamer or a big pot is all you need.

Wild-caught snow crab legs bought at the store are fully cooked and frozen. It comes with meat attached to the legs and claws.

They are smaller than king crabs and have thinner shells that can be cracked with your hands. Female crabs are illegal to harvest due to it’s size and only male snow crabs of a certain size can be legally harvested.

Two pounds of steamed snow crab legs on a platter with lemon wedges and melted butter.

You can defrost snow crab legs in the refrigerator before cooking but if tight on time, it can be cooked frozen.

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How to steam snow crab legs
Tips
What to serve with crabs
FAQ
Recipe

How to steam snow crab legs

Rinse frozen crabs before steaming to remove ice and some debri.
Fill bottom steamer with 4 cups water and bring to a boil.
Place as much snow crab legs in steamer basket and place on top of bottom steamer. Cover tightly with lid.
If thawed, steam for 4-5 minutes or if frozen, steam for 7–9 minutes.
Remove immediately from steamer so it doesn’t overcook.

Tips

Do not overcook.
Keep frozen until ready to cook. If thawed, consume within 24 hours.
Thaw crabs in the refrigerator.

What to serve with crabs

Serve with melted butter and lemon.

A platter of snow crab legs with lemon and claw dipped in melted butter.and

FAQ

Can you boil snow crab legs?

Yes, fill a large pot with ⅔ full of water and bring to a boil. Do not salt water as crab legs are already salty. Submerge frozen crabs in boiling water for 4-6 minutes. Crabs are ready when meat are warm to touch. Remove immediately and drain water.

Can I use a large pot to steam snow crabs?

Yes, add 3-4 cups water and bring to a boil. Place snow crab legs in a stainless steel colander then put colander inside the pot and cover the top tightly with heavy duty foil. Follow steaming instructions above.

Recipe

Steamed snow crab legs takes only a few minutes to cook. A steamer or a big pot is all you need.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1

Cook Time: 7

Total Time: 7

Servings:

Calories: 390kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds Snow Crab Legs frozen wild-caught
4 cups water

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Rinse frozen crabs before steaming to remove ice and some debri.
Fill bottom steamer with 4 cups water and bring to a boil.
Place as much snow crab legs in steamer basket and place on top of bottom steamer. Cover tightly with lid.
If thawed, steam for 4-5 minutes or if frozen, steam for 7–9 minutes.
Remove immediately from steamer so it doesn’t overcook.