Any time of year is a great time to eat crab.If you don't live near a crabbing town, you'll only be able to get frozen crab legs, which means less work for you.Crab legs will be ready in about 10 minutes if you boil them, which is one of the fastest ways to prepare them.
Step 1: When it is 1/3 of the way full, pour water into a pot.
To fill the pot, add tap water.Make sure the pot is large enough to hold the legs.The legs can only be bent at the joints.A large pot is likely to hold 2 pounds of crab legs.
Step 2: The water should be brought to a boil.
Turn the pot on a burner.Let the water come to a rolling boil with a sprinkle of salt.A rolling boil is when the top of the water isn't disturbed when you run a spoon through it.
Step 3: The crab legs should be in the pot.
You don't want to splash boiling water on yourself if you gently drop the crab legs into the water.If you need to lower the crab legs, use tongs.To move the legs around in the water, use the tongs.If you need to, bend your legs.
Step 4: The crab legs need to be boiled for 4-5 minutes.
Start a timer when the water comes back to a boil.You're not cooking the legs.You don't need to make sure they're heated through.Make sure you get the whole leg heated through by moving them as they boil.Crab legs will change color from dark grey/blue/brown to bright red/orange.Crab legs will look orange- pink in the package if they are cooked.
Step 5: The legs need to be pulled out of the water.
The legs should be grasped with the tongs and the water drained before being moved to a platter.Allow them to cool before serving them butter.If you have to keep the legs warm, place them on a tray in the oven.The oven should be set at the lowest setting.You will end up with overcooked meat if you cook the legs too long.
Step 6: Beer, lemon, and garlic replace the water.
Add 3 bottles of beer or ale to the pot.Drop in a head of garlic and 6 lemon halves.Remove the crab with tongs after it has been boiled for 5 minutes.When you're done, discard the beer, lemon, and garlic.
Step 7: It's a good idea to add some fruit to the water.
You can add sliced lemons or oranges to the pot before boiling it.Cut the fruit in half or quarters and throw it in the pot.Aim for 1-2 fruits per pound of crab.Before throwing the fruit in the pot, make sure to wash it thoroughly.
Step 8: You can use crab boil or cajun seasoning.
Crab or shrimp boil seasoning can be purchased at the store.Before you get the water boiling, toss it in.If you want to boil potatoes, corn, and sausage before throwing in crab, you should use this seasoning.You can make your own crab boil seasoning with 8 bay leaves, 3 cups (16 g) of Coriander seeds, 2 cups (11 g), of whole allspice, and 2 cloves.You can use the whole amount for crabs or a combination of crabs and other food.
Step 9: There are a couple of bay leaves and black pepper in there.
Bay leaves are used as a seasoning for crab.The water starts to boil.The whole peppercorns can be thrown in for added kick.These can be added with other seasonings.
Step 10: For easier access, choose thick legs.
You'll be able to pull the meat out with thicker legs.You will get more meat per leg.You can find the thickest legs by looking.Snow crab can be just as delicious as king crab.Aim for a pound for every person.
Step 11: There are a lot of ice crystals on the legs.
It doesn't bode well for the flavor if the legs are covered in ice.There are a few crystals that have a bright color.They shouldn't smell the freezer being burned.
Step 12: Place the legs in the freezer.
If you're going to wait a couple of days or a few weeks to use your crab legs, make sure to store them in the freezer.Within a few days, they'll go bad in the fridge.Crab can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.The quality will begin to diminish after that time.
Step 13: The legs need to behawd in the refrigerator.
You're best bet for fresh crab legs is to buy them frozen.Place them in the refrigerator overnight to thaw them.Place them in a large bowl.If you have to, place them in a strainer with cold tap water.They should thaw in a few minutes.