How to Cook Crab Legs 4 Ways

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides a healthier fat option.

crab legs

🥗Healthier: shrimp

💰Cheaper: imitation crab

Shrimp is often lower in cost and calories.

garlic

🥗Healthier: garlic powder

💰Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder is a convenient alternative.

lemon

🥗Healthier: lime

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lime offers a similar acidity, while vinegar is more cost-effective.

Place a trivet in the bottom of the instant pot and add 1 cup of water.

Top the water with 4 clusters of crab legs.

Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 4 minutes, and ensure the valve is set to the ceiling position.

Once the timer is up, switch to the venting position for a quick release of pressure.

Remove the lid and serve the crab legs.

For steaming, place a steam basket in a large stock pot and add 1 cup of water.

Add as many crab legs as you can fit and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Steam for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on if they were thawed or frozen.

For grilling or baking, create a foil pack with 4 clusters of crab legs, sealing it tightly.

Place the foil pack on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 15 minutes if frozen, or 10 minutes if thawed.

To bake, place the foil pack on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 450°F for 25 minutes if frozen, or 15 minutes if thawed.

For the garlic butter, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan and add 2 pressed or minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens