Learn How to Cook Crab Legs
Cooking Crab Legs
Whether fresh or frozen crab legs are a tasty delicacy that can be used in many different recipes. For the novice wanting to learn how to cook crab legs they can be steamed, baked, boiled or grilled. Frozen crab legs have been precooked which makes the actual cooking time much shorter for the busy cook. The method of cooking will vary according to the recipe chosen, so below are some simple guidelines for cooking crab legs.
The choice of how to cook crab legs should be based on the taste you want to experience. Steaming crab legs brings out a sweet and succulent taste while boiling the crab with the addition of your favorite seasoning will permeate the meat with that flavor. Boiling crab legs in water with your favorite seasoning permeates the meat with the seasoning providing a tasty delight. There are a number of crab seasoning mixes that are delicious. Adding any herb combination to the boiling water will give the crab meat a unique and tasty flavor that will have guests asking for the recipe.
Grilling crab legs brings out a sweet smell that becomes more pronounced as the meat gets close to being done. Be sure to have the grill nice and hot before adding the food, otherwise it will tend to stick to the grate.
Baking crab legs with a small amount of liquid in a covered baking dish is a simple and quick way to prepare crab meat. Cooking crab legs is really quite easy and provides an easy entree that will thrill guests and have them asking for seconds.
Fresh or Frozen Crab
Fresh crab is available along the coasts and in order to make it readily available throughout the world, they are typically precooked and frozen for distribution to groceries and restaurants. The freezing process is rapid which preserves the flavor. Proper thawing prior to cooking means the crab will have the flavor of freshly caught.
Cooking fresh crab legs is similar to frozen but additional time needs to be allowed to ensure complete cooking. Whether cooking fresh or frozen crab legs, make sure the meat is white and flakes nicely with a fork.
Safety
When cooking crab legs, safety is important just as with any food preparation. Generally crab legs are quick frozen after they are caught. Crab should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight rather than allowing to thaw at room temperature. There is always the potential for bacterial growth, so simple measures to ensure safe cooking practices will make the delicious dish prepared and served a memorable one. Quick thaw in microwaves is not recommended because the crab meat may be cooked through the microwave process and become tough.