How to Cook Frozen Crab Legs

Quick answer: Frozen crab legs are already cooked, so you only need to heat them through. For the best texture, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then steam for 5 to 7 minutes. Short on time? Steam them straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes. Here is how to do both, for king and snow crab.

Good frozen crab legs, cooked and flash-frozen right after the catch, taste every bit as sweet as fresh when you heat them right. The two things that matter are thawing and not overcooking.

Do You Have to Thaw Frozen Crab Legs?

Thawing is better but not required.

• Thawed legs heat evenly and give you the best texture.
• From frozen works in a pinch. You add 3 to 5 minutes and watch that the thickest part gets hot.

How to Thaw Frozen Crab Legs

• Overnight (best): move the legs to the fridge in a covered dish 8 to 12 hours ahead.
• Quick method: seal the legs in a bag and set in a bowl of cold water for 30 to 60 minutes, changing the water once.

Never thaw crab legs at room temperature or in warm water. That invites bacteria and turns the meat mushy.

Steam Thawed Crab Legs (Best Method)

1. Add two inches of water to a pot with a steamer rack and bring to a boil.
2. Add the thawed legs and cover.
3. Steam 5 to 7 minutes, until hot through and fragrant.

Cook Frozen Crab Legs Without Thawing

1. Bring a large pot with a steamer rack to a boil.
2. Add the frozen legs, cover, and steam 8 to 11 minutes.
3. For snow crab clusters aim for the shorter end, for thick king crab legs the longer end.

King Crab vs. Snow Crab Timing

• Snow crab clusters: 5 to 7 minutes thawed, 8 to 10 from frozen.
• King crab legs (thicker shell): 6 to 8 minutes thawed, 9 to 11 from frozen.

For more king crab ideas, see our king crab legs recipes and tips.

Serving

Crack, dip in drawn butter, and enjoy. A butter warmer keeps the butter melted through the meal. Leftover legs keep in the fridge 2 to 3 days and reheat well with a quick re-steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are frozen crab legs already cooked?
Yes. King and snow crab legs are cooked right after the catch and flash-frozen, so you are reheating, not cooking from raw.

Can you cook crab legs from frozen?
Yes. Steam them straight from frozen and add 3 to 5 minutes. Thawing first gives slightly better texture.

How long do you cook frozen crab legs?
About 8 to 11 minutes from frozen, or 5 to 8 minutes once thawed, depending on thickness.

Stock the freezer with the good stuff. Our king crab legs and snow crab clusters ship cooked and flash-frozen, ready to steam whenever the craving hits. Shop crab legs and clusters.