Enjoying the succulent meat from crab legs takes anyfancy dinnerto the next level.
Because they’re almost always precooked, boiling crab legs is a cinch for your next fancy dinner.
All you need is to serve them withmelted butter(always butter!).
Credit: Blaine Moats
The water gets into the shells, keeps the meat moist, and helps the meat heat through quickly.
Step 1: Boil Water
Fill a large pot half to two-thirds full with cold tap water.
Add 1 tablespoon salt; bring the water to boiling.
Return the water to boiling.
Step 4: Remove Crab Legs
Remove the legs from the water using the long tongs.
If desired, rinse legs; drain well.
That’s all there is to it!
You now know how to boil crab legs.
Getting the meat out is the real task.
Credit: Scott Little
You may want to use aclean kitchen clothwhen handling since the legs have nodules that can be sharp.
Twist the legs at the joint.
Often, you could pull the meat from the shell as you twist.
Or usekitchen shearsto cut through the shell to access thecrab meat.
Step 2: Harvesting the Meat
For split legs, pull apart the shell with your fingers.
Use a small seafood fork to remove the meat from the legs and claws.
Our favorite accompaniments for crab legs are lemon wedges andsmall bowls of melted butterfor dipping.
Figure about 1 tablespoon of butter per 4 ounces of crab meat.
Purchase top-quality crab legs from a trusted source and treat them with care.
Try ourquick and easy seafood recipesfor any night of the week to continue your seafood kick.
