How to Steam Snow Crab Legs

How to Steam Snow Crab Legs (Quick & Easy)

Steaming is an excellent way to reheat snow crab legs when you want to keep their sweet, delicate, and fresh ocean finish. Snow crab legs are already cooked, and steaming does nothing more than reheat the meat, making it moist and easy to extract from the shell. In fact, steaming is a good way to prepare snow crab legs if you want to save their fresh, inherent flavor without using seasonings and oils. Steaming snow crab legs gets the job done very quickly, and this technique works all year round for any occasion, whether a simple weeknight meal or an occasion involving family and friends.

Why Steaming Is the Best Way to Cook Snow Crab Legs

• Retains moisture without drying out the meat

• Increases natural sweetness without dulling its taste

• Fast and foolproof: Ready in just minutes

• Best suited for serving whole crab legs

Snow crab legs are already cooked when you buy them; as a result, steaming merely heats them.

Try This Recipe With Sizzlefish's Snow Crab Legs

Alaska Jumbo Snow Crab Legs (also commonly referred to as Tanner crab) originate from Bairdi snow crab, which is abundantly found in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. This is where the seafood is known for its exceptional quality. The snow crab is obtained in commercial fishing seasons and is immediately pre-cooked in Kodiak, Alaska, to retain its sweet and flaky taste. This careful handling ensures that when you receive your snow crab legs, they’re ready to be gently reheated by steaming, boiling, or baking with minimal effort, bringing that pristine ocean taste straight to your table.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Snow Crab Legs

• Don’t overcook: Crab legs only need to be heated, not cooked again.

• Keep the lid on: Trapped steam ensures even warming.

• Crack after steaming: This helps keep the meat juicy.

• Taste before seasoning: Snow crab naturally contains salt from the sea.

What to Serve with Snow Crab Legs

• Drawn Butter or Garlic Butter

• Roasted potatoes or Corn on the Cob

• Green salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing

• Crusty bread for dipping

Snow crab legs can also be enjoyed along with white wines or citrus-flavored sparkling water.

Your Snow Crab Questions, Answered

Q: Can I use a different type of crab?

A: Absolutely, King Crab Legs can be used, but note that the taste and texture may vary slightly.

Q: Can I season them differently?

A: Yes! Old Bay is a traditional seasoning, but you can also try garlic butter, Cajun seasoning, or simply salt and pepper.

Q: What's the ideal beverage to pair with Snow Crab?

A: A glass of crisp Chardonnay complements the succulent flavors of Snow Crab perfectly.

Substitutions & Variations

• Don't have a steamer basket: Use a metal colander or steamer rack over boiling water

• Herb-steeped steam: Add thyme, parsley stems, or fennel Fronds

• Spiced Butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, or Old Bay and serve.

• Chilled Option: Steam for a few minutes, then chill before serving, typically with a cocktail sauce accompaniment.