Can You Microwave Crabs? Discover the Dos and Don’ts!

ByMelissa Smith Updated

Can You Microwave Crabs?

Yes, you can microwave crabs.

There are two methods to microwave crab legs.

Method 1 involves thawing the legs in the fridge or under cold water, placing them in a microwave-safe dish, adding 1 tablespoon of water per 8oz of crab legs, and microwaving them for 3-4 minutes per 8oz.

Method 2, adapted from a recipe by chef Alton Brown, requires wrapping the crab legs in a damp paper towel with dill, wrapping them in plastic wrap, and microwaving them for 2 minutes on high.

Crab legs can be served with lemon wedges or garlic butter.

Key Points:

  • Microwaving crabs is possible.
  • Two methods for microwaving crab legs.
  • Method 1 involves thawing, placing in a microwave-safe dish, adding water, and microwaving for 3-4 minutes per 8oz.
  • Method 2 involves wrapping the legs with dill in a damp paper towel, then plastic wrap, and microwaving for 2 minutes on high.
  • Serve crab legs with lemon wedges or garlic butter.
  • Thawing is recommended for both methods.

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that microwaving crabs is not recommended? While it may seem convenient, the intense heat from the microwave can cause the crab’s shell to explode, creating quite a mess. It is safer to cook them using traditional methods such as steaming or boiling.
2. Crabs have a highly developed sense of touch. Their claws are not only used for capturing prey but also for detecting vibrations in the water. This sensitivity allows them to locate food and identify potential threats, making them quite skilled hunters.
3. If you ever find yourself dining on crab, be careful not to eat the gills, known as “dead man’s fingers.” These feathery structures, located on either side of the crab’s body, filter out impurities from the water. While they are safe to eat, they are not particularly appetizing and are usually removed before serving.
4. The largest crab species in the world, the Japanese spider crab, can have a leg span of up to 3.8 meters (12.5 feet). These colossal crustaceans inhabit the waters around Japan and are often considered a delicacy.
5. Ever wondered why crabs walk sideways? It’s not just because they feel like being different! The unique sideways gait is the most effective method for crabs to move on land, allowing them to navigate uneven surfaces and dig burrows with minimal effort. Their body structure and leg joints are specifically adapted for this sideways locomotion.

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Can You Microwave Crabs?

Microwaving crab legs can be a convenient and quick method of cooking, but it is important to follow proper techniques to ensure the best results. The answer is yes, you can microwave crabs, but there are some important considerations.

When microwaving crab legs, it is suitable to use both frozen or thawed legs. If you have frozen crab legs, it is essential to thaw them before microwaving to ensure even cooking. Thawing crabs can be done in either the refrigerator or under cold running water. It is crucial to avoid defrosting them at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Two Methods To Microwave Crab Legs

There are two common methods for microwaving crab legs:

  1. The first method involves thawing the legs, placing them in a microwave-safe dish, adding a small amount of water, and microwaving them for a specific time based on their weight.

  2. The second method is a variation of a recipe by renowned chef Alton Brown. It involves wrapping the crab legs in a damp paper towel with dill, followed by plastic wrap, and microwaving them.

Important: The key to successfully microwaving crab legs is to ensure they are cooked thoroughly while retaining their moisture and flavor.

Method 1: Thawing And Microwaving Crab Legs

To prepare crab legs using the first method, follow these steps:

  1. Thaw the crab legs: Thaw them either in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.
  2. Remove excess moisture: Once thawed, pat the legs dry with a paper towel.
  3. Arrange in microwave-safe dish: Place the crab legs in a microwave-safe dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  4. Add water for steam: For each 8 ounces of crab legs, add approximately one tablespoon of water to the dish. The water will create steam to help cook the crab legs properly.
  5. Cover and vent: Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  6. Microwave cooking: Microwave the crab legs on high for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per 8 ounces. To ensure even cooking, flip the legs halfway through the cooking time.
  7. Rest before serving: After microwaving, let the crab legs sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
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Remember to use caution when handling hot dishes. Enjoy your delicious crab legs!

  • Thaw crab legs in refrigerator overnight or under cold running water
  • Pat dry with paper towel
  • Arrange in microwave-safe dish
  • Add water for steam: 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of crab legs
  • Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent
  • Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes per 8 ounces, flipping halfway through
  • Let them sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

“To ensure even cooking, flip the legs halfway through the cooking time.”

Method 2: Alton Brown’s Microwave Recipe For Crab Legs

If you’re looking for an alternative method to cook crab legs, you can try this approach adapted from chef Alton Brown:

  1. Gather the following items: damp paper towels and fresh dill.
  2. Wrap each thawed crab leg individually in a damp paper towel, making sure to fully cover the legs.
  3. Sprinkle fresh dill over the legs to add a delightful herbal aroma.
  4. Seal in the moisture by wrapping the legs tightly with plastic wrap.
  5. Place the wrapped legs on a microwave-safe plate.
  6. Microwave the legs on high for approximately 2 minutes.
  7. After microwaving, let the legs rest for a couple of minutes before unwrapping and serving.

Remember to handle the hot plate and plastic wrap with caution!

  • Ensure that the legs are fully covered with damp paper towels.
  • Sprinkle fresh dill over the legs for added aroma.
  • Wrap the legs tightly with plastic wrap to seal in moisture.
  • Allow the legs to rest for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.

Note: The above method is a quicker way to cook crab legs using a microwave. The resulting crab legs should be tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions For Microwaved Crab Legs

Once you’ve successfully microwaved your crab legs, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments. Crab legs pair exceptionally well with lemon wedges or garlic butter. Lemon adds a refreshing citrus tang that complements the sweet and succulent meat, while garlic butter adds a rich and indulgent flavor. Serve the crab legs with these condiments on the side, allowing your guests to experience the full gastronomic delight of perfectly microwaved crab legs.

So, the next time you’re in a hurry and wondering if you can microwave crabs, rest assured that you can. By following the proper techniques and methods outlined here, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly cooked crab legs in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you heat up crabs in the microwave?

While it is technically possible to heat up crabs in the microwave using the method described, it is not recommended for a few reasons. Firstly, microwaving crabs can result in uneven heating, with some parts becoming overcooked while others remain cold. Additionally, microwaving crabs can cause the shells to become soft and rubbery, compromising the overall texture and taste of the dish. Therefore, it is generally advised to use alternative methods, such as steaming or sautéing, to reheat crabs for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Is crab safe to reheat?

Crab can be safely reheated without any significant loss of quality. To do so, fill a large pot with enough water to reach the bottom of a steamer basket and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the crabs in the steamer basket, season them, and cover. Steaming the crabs for five minutes or until the meat is thoroughly heated will ensure a delicious and safe reheating process.

How do you cook crab without boiling it?

Grilling crab is a flavorful alternative to boiling. To prepare grilled crab, start by preheating your grill to medium heat. If you’re using pre-steamed crabs, simply place them on the grill for 4 minutes per side, using tongs to carefully flip them over. For fresh crabs, grill them for a total of 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The grill imparts a delicious smoky flavor to the crab meat, giving it a unique and irresistible taste. Enjoy your smoky and succulent grilled crab without the need for boiling!

How long can you microwave crab?

When it comes to microwaving crab, it is recommended to cook it for a total of 6 1/2 minutes at full power. It is important to be cautious when taking the crab out of the bag, as it can be very hot. For larger crabs, you can add an extra 1 1/2 minutes for every additional 1/2 pound, up to a maximum of 15 minutes. Happy microwaving and enjoy cracking and serving the delicious crab!