How To Prepare King Crab Legs

How to Prepare King Crab Legs: Grill, Steam, Boil & Bake

Most king crab legs arrive fully cooked and flash-frozen—your job is simply reheating them properly. Start by thawing the legs for 15–20 minutes to ensure even warming and optimal texture.

How to Grill King Crab Legs 

Grilling king crab legs is one of the most flavorful ways to prepare them—and it’s easier than you think.

Start by thawing your crab legs if they’re frozen. This helps them heat more evenly and allows the seasoning to soak in. While they’re thawing (about 15–20 minutes at room temperature), preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F–400°F).

Lightly brush the crab legs with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. You can also sprinkle with a bit of Old Bay or garlic powder for extra punch, but don't go overboard—king crab’s natural sweetness shines best with minimal seasoning.

Place the legs directly on the grill grates, shell side down. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once halfway through. The shells will char slightly (which adds great smokiness), and the meat will be heated through.

Once done, remove from the grill and serve immediately with melted butter, lemon wedges, or hot honey for dipping.

Other Top Cooking Methods (Backed by Cooking Experts)

Steaming King Crab

Steaming Alaskan King Crab is one of the best ways to reheat king crab legs while preserving their sweet, delicate flavor and juicy texture.

To start, fill a large stock pot with about two inches of water, then place a steamer basket or colander over the water—making sure the crab legs won’t be submerged. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Once boiling, place the thawed king crab legs into the steamer basket and cover the pot tightly with a lid. Let the legs steam for 5 to 7 minutes. If your crab legs are still frozen, increase the steaming time to 8 to 10 minutes to ensure they heat through evenly.

You'll know they’re ready when the meat is hot to the touch and fragrant. Carefully remove the legs using tongs and serve immediately with drawn butter, garlic aioli, or lemon wedges.

Pro Tip: Keep the lid sealed as much as possible to trap the steam—it’s key to even cooking!

Boiling King Crab

Boiling Crab is a fast and easy way to prepare king crab legs—especially when you're feeding a crowd and need a no-fuss method.

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. If desired, you can add aromatics like lemon slices, garlic, or bay leaves to the water to subtly infuse the crab meat with extra flavor.

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the thawed king crab legs. Make sure they are fully submerged. Boil for 4 to 6 minutes, or 6 to 8 minutes if you're working with frozen legs or a larger batch.

When finished, use tongs to remove the legs and let any excess water drain off. Serve immediately with melted butter and lemon wedges—or keep things indulgent with a side of garlic bread and a chilled glass of white wine.

Pro Tip: Don't overboil—since king crab is already cooked, too much time in the pot can make the meat rubbery instead of tender.

Baking King Crab

Baking king crab legs is a great option when you want to keep things simple—no boiling pots or grills required. It’s also ideal for larger batches and lets you infuse extra flavor with herbs and butter.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Arrange the thawed king crab legs in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. For best results, add a splash of water (about ⅛ inch) to the bottom of the pan to create steam and keep the meat tender.

Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and heat. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the legs are hot to the touch and steam escapes when you peel back the foil. If you're starting with frozen legs, bake for closer to 20–25 minutes.

Before serving, brush with melted garlic butter or finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon for added flavor.

Pro Tip: You can add fresh herbs, lemon slices, or crushed garlic to the pan before baking to infuse the crab with aromatic goodness.

Cooking Tips to Keep in Mind

• Less is more: Since the crab is already pre‑cooked, avoid overcooking—it becomes tough and rubbery (Alaskan King Crab Co.).

• Thawing enhances texture: We recommend thawing overnight or at room temperature before heating. If cooking from frozen, add 2–3 extra minutes to the process (Tastes Better From Scratch).

• Flavor boosters: Melted butter is enough to make these luxurious legs shine. Some sources recommend garlic and fresh lemon, but avoid heavy seasoning to preserve delicate taste (Global Seafoods North America, festivalfoods.net).

Pairings For Your King Crab Legs

Pair your crab legs with:

• Melted garlic butter or lemon aioli

• Lemon wedges, fresh parsley

• Crusty bread or herb-grilled vegetables

• A chilled white wine or sparkling rosé

• Add stone crab claws for an epic seafood spread

Grab the Best King Crab Delivered Overnight

We recommend our Colossal Alaskan King Crab Legs—wild-caught, flash-frozen, and delivered overnight. They're incredibly easy to prepare with any of the methods above, making them a perfect dinner or gift option.

✅ Reheat Methods at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to thaw king crab legs before cooking?

Yes, for best results, thaw your king crab legs for 15–20 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures even heating and prevents overcooking. If you're in a hurry, you can cook from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best way to cook king crab legs?

It depends on your preference!

• Grilling adds smoky flavor and is fast.

• Steaming preserves moisture and sweetness.

• Boiling is quick and perfect for large batches.

• Baking allows you to infuse flavor with herbs and butter.

We recommend grilling for the boldest flavor, especially when using colossal king crab legs.

How do I know when king crab legs are done?

King crab legs are already cooked when you buy them, so you're just reheating. They’re ready to eat once the meat is hot throughout and the shell is steaming or slightly charred (depending on your cooking method).

Can I overcook king crab legs?

Yes. Overcooking can dry out the meat and make it rubbery. Always follow timing guidelines:

• 6–8 minutes for grilling

• 5–7 minutes for steaming

• 4–6 minutes for boiling

• 15–18 minutes for baking (thawed)

What’s the easiest way to crack and eat king crab legs?

Use kitchen shears to cut along the softer white side of the shell. Gently open the shell and remove the meat with a fork or seafood pick. Serve immediately with melted butter or lemon wedges.

What should I serve with king crab legs?

Popular pairings include:

• Garlic butter or lemon aioli

• Grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes

• Hot honey and sea salt crackers

• Stone crab claws for the ultimate seafood feast

• Chilled white wine or sparkling rosé