Dinners · 4 min read
Alaskan King Crab Legs
Learn how to cook Alaskan king crab legs in under 10 minutes with this easy microwave method. Perfect for a quick date night dinner or celebratory meal. Get the recipe!
★ 5.0 (15)
I've tried boiling, steaming, and baking crab legs, but this microwave method is the best way to cook crab legs I've found. Since Alaskan king crab legs from the freezer are already flash-cooked, you only need to warm them through. Wrapping them in damp paper towels with fresh dill and then plastic wrap creates a gentle steam that keeps the meat tender and sweet. Two minutes in the microwave is all it takes for a restaurant-quality king crab legs recipe at home.
Why This King Crab Legs Recipe Works
- This recipe uses just four ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes from start to table.
- The microwave steaming method prevents overcooking, so the crab meat stays tender and sweet instead of rubbery.
- It looks impressive enough for a special occasion but requires almost no effort, making it perfect for a date night or celebration.
Key Ingredients for Easy Crab Legs Dinner
- Alaskan king crab legs: Look for frozen, pre-cooked legs. They are usually sold in clusters. Thawing is not necessary; cook straight from the freezer.
- Fresh dill: Adds a subtle herbal aroma that complements the sweet crab. If you don't have dill, you can use parsley or tarragon, or skip it entirely.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt. Melt it for dipping, or add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt.
Kitchen Tools for Cooking Crab Legs
- Microwave: The main cooking appliance.
- Plastic wrap: To seal the damp paper towels around the crab legs.
- Paper towels: Dampened to create steam.
- Kitchen shears or a sharp knife: To cut the crab legs at the joints.
- Crab crackers or nutcrackers: For cracking the shells at the table.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Crab Legs
The key is to wrap the legs tightly. Damp paper towels provide the moisture for steaming, and the plastic wrap seals it all in. Make sure the paper towels are damp, not soaking wet, or the crab will get waterlogged. Cook one package at a time for exactly 2 minutes. If your microwave is lower wattage, you might need an extra 30 seconds, but start with 2 minutes. The crab is already cooked, so you're just reheating it. Overcooking will make it tough.
Easy Variations for Crab Legs with Butter
If you want to change up the flavor, try adding a clove of garlic to the butter while it melts, or stir in some Old Bay seasoning for a spicier kick. For a citrus twist, mix lemon zest into the butter. You can also swap the dill for fresh thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a different dipping sauce, cocktail sauce or a simple aioli works well. The crab legs themselves stay the same, so the variations are all about the accompaniments.
What to Serve with Steamed Crab Legs
Serve the crab legs with melted butter for dipping and lemon wedges to squeeze over the meat. A simple cocktail sauce made with ketchup and horseradish is another classic option. For sides, keep it light: a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up the butter. Steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes also pair well without overwhelming the delicate crab flavor.
How to Store Leftover King Crab Legs
If you have leftover crab legs, let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. The meat is best eaten cold or gently reheated, as reheating can dry it out.
Can You Freeze Cooked King Crab Legs?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked crab legs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that freezing may affect the texture slightly, making the meat a bit softer.
Best Way to Reheat Crab Legs
To reheat leftover crab legs, use the same microwave method: wrap them in damp paper towels and plastic wrap, then microwave for 1 to 1.5 minutes, depending on the amount. Alternatively, you can steam them in a steamer basket for 2-3 minutes. Avoid boiling or baking, which can make the meat tough.
Recipe notes
- Be sure to cut the crab legs in half at joints so they fit comfortably in your microwave. You don’t want the legs touching the walls of the microwave as they cook. Plus, it makes them easier to wrap.
- Kitchen shears are your friend. Since the King crab legs have been steamed and thus the shells are softened, I use kitchen shears to open the crab legs rather than a crab cracker. Makes life so much easier!
- When it comes to serving, keep it simple. The lemon juice and melted butter are optional but highly recommended.
Source recipe: Alaskan King Crab Legs (SnapChef ID 88d7a088-4dd6-4c60-b77c-661567bc8010). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Ingredients
Directions
- Cut the crab legs at the joints to fit into your microwave. Wrap 3 legs in damp paper towels with 2 sprigs of fresh dill and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped legs in the microwave 1 package at a time and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove and carefully unwrap, they’ll be steamy so be careful of the full-facial steam.
- Serve and enjoy with melted butter and plenty of napkins.
Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.
Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated
Amount per serving
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).
Good to know
Questions, answered
Are king crab legs already cooked when I buy them frozen?
Yes, Alaskan king crab legs are flash-cooked on the boat before freezing. That's why this recipe only warms them through instead of cooking them from raw. Overcooking will make the meat tough and rubbery.
Can I cook more than 3 legs at a time in the microwave?
The recipe works best with 3 legs per package so they heat evenly. If you try to cook more, they may not warm through properly. Cook in batches of 3, wrapping each batch separately.
Do I need to thaw the crab legs before microwaving?
No, you can cook them straight from the freezer. The damp paper towels and microwave will thaw and warm them in the 2-minute cook time. Just make sure the plastic wrap is tight.
What can I use instead of fresh dill?
Fresh dill adds a bright herbal note, but you can substitute parsley, tarragon, or even a pinch of dried dill. If you don't have any herbs, the crab will still taste great with just butter and lemon.
