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How to Cook Crab Legs (Boiled, Steamed, Baked & Grilled)

A complete guide to cooking delicious, tender crab legs at home using four easy methods: boiling, steaming, baking, or grilling. Ready in minutes and perfect for a seafood dinner or holiday feast.
Print Recipe
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs crab legs king crab or snow crab
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Water for boiling or steaming
  • Olive oil for grilling

Method
 

  1. Thaw frozen crab legs in the refrigerator overnight, or cook directly from frozen by adding 1–2 extra minutes.
  2. Boiled Crab Legs:
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  4. Add crab legs and cook for 4–5 minutes (6–7 minutes if frozen).
  5. Drain and serve with melted butter and lemon.
  6. Steamed Crab Legs:
  7. Fill a pot with 2 inches of water and place a steamer basket inside.
  8. Add crab legs, cover tightly, and steam for 6–7 minutes.
  9. Baked Crab Legs:
  10. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  11. Place crab legs on a baking sheet and brush with garlic butter.
  12. Cover lightly with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes.
  13. Grilled Crab Legs:
  14. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  15. Brush crab legs with olive oil or butter.
  16. Grill for 5 minutes per side until heated through and lightly charred.
  17. Serving:
  18. Serve immediately with melted butter, lemon wedges, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Do not overcook crab legs—they are already pre-cooked.
• For garlic butter: mix melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of paprika.
• Crab legs pair well with corn, potatoes, garlic bread, or rice.
• To reheat: steam for 4–5 minutes or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Freeze cooked crab legs for up to 3 months.
Approximate per serving: Protein 20g • Carbs 0g • Fat 15g