How to Make Crab Legs in the Microwave
Sweet, tender crab legs make a luscious meal -- and they are also a low-fat, low-calorie, high-protein seafood choice. For example, a 3-oz. serving of Alaskan king crab, popular because of the amount of meat in its legs, contains 16.45 g of protein and only 82 calories and 1.31 total g of fat.
Sweet, tender crab legs make a luscious meal -- and they are also a low-fat, low-calorie, high-protein seafood choice. For example, a 3-oz. serving of Alaskan king crab, popular because of the amount of meat in its legs, contains 16.45 g of protein and only 82 calories and 1.31 total g of fat. To preserve their freshness and taste, crab legs usually are sold precooked and flash frozen, making them particularly suitable for reheating in your microwave.
Step 1
Thaw 1/2 to 1 lb. frozen crab legs for each person in the refrigerator for about 8 hours. Although they will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, the faster you cook them after thawing, the better they will taste.
Step 2
Separate the legs into groups of three. If the legs don't fit in your microwave, cut the claws off at the joint with kitchen scissors.
Step 3
Wrap each group, along with a sprig of dill, in damp paper towels. This provides moisture to help steam the legs. Then, cover with plastic wrap to prevent steam from escaping.
Step 4
Microwave each bundle individually on high for 2 minutes. Remove the plastic and paper wrappings carefully to avoiding steam burns. Serve immediately.
Tip
Serve crab legs with melted butter for dipping, or for a healthier side, serve with lemon wedges.