How to Cook Alaskan King Crab Legs: A guide by Carmelita Seafood
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Perfect Alaskan King Crab Legs
Alaskan King Crab Legs are a luxurious treat that's surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Whether you're planning a special dinner or just craving some delicious seafood, this recipe will guide you through the process of cooking your crab legs to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2-4 pounds of Alaskan King Crab Legs (from Carmelita Seafood)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Optional: garlic, herbs, or your favorite seasonings
Instructions
1. Thaw the Crab Legs
- If your crab legs are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
- For quicker thawing, place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for 1-2 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Crab Legs
- Once thawed, rinse the crab legs under cold water to remove any ice glaze.
- Use kitchen shears to cut the crab legs along the shell for easier access to the meat after cooking.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method
Steaming
- Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
- Place a steamer basket or colander over the boiling water and add the crab legs.
- Cover the pot and steam the crab legs for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Boiling
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Submerge the crab legs in the boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the crab legs on a baking sheet and brush them with melted butter.
- For added flavor, sprinkle with garlic or herbs.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the crab legs with melted butter and grill for 5-7 minutes, turning once halfway through.
4. Serve
- Serve the crab legs hot with lemon wedges and a side of melted butter for dipping.
- Enjoy with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic, herbs, or a splash of white wine to the melted butter before serving.
- Be sure to have crab crackers or kitchen shears on hand to easily access the succulent meat inside the legs.