I remember the first time I tasted king crab legs. It was at a seafood restaurant by the beach, and the succulent, sweet meat melted in my mouth with every bite. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that heavenly experience in my own kitchen. But let’s face it, cooking seafood can be intimidating, especially when it comes to a delicacy like king crab legs. However, I recently discovered a quick and delicious method to microwave king crab legs that will have you enjoying this delicacy in no time.
Preparing the King Crab Legs
Gather the Ingredients
1-2 pounds of king crab legs (thawed, if frozen)Butter (melted)Lemon wedges for servingThaw and Clean the Crab Legs
Before we get started, make sure you have thawed your king crab legs if they were frozen. Place them in the refrigerator overnight, and they’ll be ready to go. Once thawed, give the legs a quick rinse under cold water to remove any ice crystals.
Microwaving King Crab Legs in Easy Steps
Step 1: Arrange the Crab Legs
Take a microwave-safe dish that’s large enough to hold your king crab legs.Arrange the crab legs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the dish. This will ensure that each leg cooks evenly.Step 2: Add Moisture
Before cooking, it’s essential to add a touch of moisture to prevent the crab legs from drying out. I like to pour about 1/4 cup of water into the dish.Step 3: Cover and Microwave
Place a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap over the dish to create a seal.Microwave the crab legs on high for about 4-5 minutes per pound. So, if you have 2 pounds of crab legs, you’ll want to microwave them for 8-10 minutes.Keep in mind that microwave power varies, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. You’ll know the crab legs are done when the meat is heated through and easily pulls away from the shell.Step 4: Let it Rest
When the time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Be cautious as the dish and the steam will be hot.Allow the crab legs to rest for a couple of minutes. This step is essential as it allows the residual heat to evenly distribute through the meat.Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the king crab legs have rested, transfer them to a platter or individual plates.Drizzle some melted butter over the warm crab legs for extra flavor.Serve the crab legs with lemon wedges on the side for that refreshing citrusy bite.And there you have it! You’re ready to savor the deliciousness of perfectly cooked king crab legs right in the comfort of your own home.Tips for the Perfectly Microwaved King Crab Legs
Thaw the crab legs properly: To ensure even cooking, make sure to thaw the crab legs completely before microwaving them.Avoid overcooking: Keep a close eye on the crab legs while microwaving to avoid overcooking. The meat should be heated through, but not rubbery.Be careful when removing the dish from the microwave: Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the hot dish and the steam that will be released.Invest in a seafood cracker: Crab legs can be quite challenging to crack open. Investing in a seafood cracker will make the process much easier and more enjoyable.With this quick and delicious method, you’ll be able to enjoy king crab legs at home any time you want. So, the next time you’re craving that sweet and succulent taste of king crab legs, don’t hesitate to give this microwave method a try. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
