My step-by-step guide will teach you How to Cook Crab Legs, where to buy them, what to look for, and how to serve them. This delicious and tender crab is perfect for company, holidays, or special events and could not be easier to make!
Be sure crab legs are fully thawed (or if frozen, add a few minutes to the cook time).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Place legs (with shell on) on a jelly roll pan or large baking sheet. Put up to 4 legs on a pan. (You may put two pans in the oven but you may have to increase the cooking time).
Bake for 25-35 minutes depending on the size of them. At 25 minutes check them--they should be hot/warmed though, a little steamy.
Use kitchen shears or crab crackers to open the shells and remove the meat. Serve dipped in melted butter.
Notes
Crab: We prefer King crab but this method will also work to cook snow crab. Storing Instructions: Remove crab meat from legs and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Freezing Instructions: Remove crab meat from legs and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let meat thaw in refrigerator overnight before warming.Alternate Cooking Methods:
Steam Crab Legs: place a steam basket at the bottom of a large stockpot. Add 1 1/2 cups of water, and layer in as many crab legs as will fit. Bring water to a boil, cover and cook for 4-5 minutes, just until warmed (or 7-10 minutes if frozen).
Grill Crab Legs: Lightly brush crab legs with oil. Grill over medium heat for 5-8 minutes, until warmed through.
Smoke Crab Legs: This article has a good recipe and tips.