How to Boil Crab Legs

If you're not lucky enough to live by the Chesapeake Bay where we have fresh blue crabs, you're still lucky - you can always boil crab legs to get your crab fix! Now, granted, the frozen crab legs that you purchase are probable either stone crab or Alaskan king crab legs and not quite as tasty as blue crab (imho), but, in a pinch, they'll do. Some people actually like crab legs better than the whole crab anyway - I personally don't understand these people.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase frozen crab legs either at a regular grocery story, a specialized fish market or, best yet, Costco. You'll save a lot of money on crab legs at your local wholesale market, such as Costco or BJ's. Frozen crab legs in these locations are around $11 per pound. A pound of crab legs may be only one cluster so make sure to check before you purchase only 2 or 3 legs!

2. 
    
   Alaskan King Crab legs are delicious

   Depending on how many crab legs you're making, a large stock pot filled about 1/2 full should be used to boil crab legs. Add in a little vinegar to make the crab legs easier to peel and bring the pot to a rolling boil before adding the crab legs. A top added to the pot will bring the water to a boil quicker.

3. There are many crab boil seasonings available on the market so, depending on your taste preferences for crab legs, add in a generous amount of seasoning to the boiling water before you add in the crab legs. Old Bay Crab seasoning is always a favorite around here but I've also been known to throw in a handful of fresh herbs - this aromatic addition will make your crab legs a taste sensation!

4. 
    
   Serve crab legs with fresh corn and a nice salad for a complete meal

   Carefully drop the crab legs into the boiling water; make sure the crab legs are fully covered with the boiling water. Allow the crab legs to simmer for 5-7 minutes only. Remember, frozen crab legs are pre-cooked so you're really only heating them up.

Tips & Warnings

• Figure about one pound of crab legs per person for a dinner entree.
• Providing butter and old bay seasoning at each person's seating ensures they'll come back for more (if you want them to!).
• This is a GREAT low carb dinner.

Resources

• How to cook crabs
• How to make a great egg salad sandwich
• How to make great ribs in saran wrap and aluminum foil
• Here's a recipe for herb-marinated ribs that is fabulous!
• How to test if your 4th of July barbeque is done
• Don't forget the key lime martini!
• And, a lighter summer punch cocktail recipe

[shenandoah]

on 7/1/2009 Yum! There are lots of places that serve all you can eat Alaskan crab legs (even in the MD/DC area, but the ones we love best are in SC). Havent cooked them at home but will now.

[joanhaines]

on 6/22/2009 Although I agree, fresh are best, frozen crab legs are easy breezy and fast!

[krm479]

on 6/22/2009 Pre-cooked Crab legs are great for a BBQ too; just thaw and place them on a medium grill with no flames and close the lid. Let them heat thru - it will take about 5-10 minutes depending on the heat of your grill. Make sure there are no flare ups!

[ScarlettOHairy]

on 6/22/2009 Blame on my trifocals, I clicked 4 instead of 5 stars! Great article on boiling crab legs. Hand them over!