Cooking king crab legs without making them too salty involves choosing the right cooking method and being mindful of the ingredients you use. Here's a method that can help you achieve delicious and perfectly seasoned king crab legs:
Thawing the crab legs: If you are using frozen king crab legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing them quickly at room temperature or under running water, as it can make them waterlogged and may affect the flavor.
Boiling Method: The goal here is to enhance the flavor of the crab legs without making them excessively salty. You can use the following steps:
a. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. You can add aromatics like lemon slices, bay leaves, or garlic cloves to the water for extra flavor.
b. Once the water is boiling, add the crab legs and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes. Be cautious not to overcook them, as they are already pre-cooked before being frozen.
c. Remove the crab legs from the boiling water and place them in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to stop the cooking process. This will help preserve their natural sweetness and prevent them from becoming too salty.
Steaming Method: Steaming is another great way to cook king crab legs without making them overly salty. Here's how you can do it:
a. Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket or a colander over the pot.
b. Put the crab legs in the steamer basket or colander and cover the pot with a lid. Steam the crab legs for about 5-7 minutes.
Grilling or Baking: Grilling or baking crab legs can also yield delicious results without adding too much salt. Here's how you can do it:
a. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
b. Brush the crab legs with melted butter and any desired seasonings, like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs.
c. Grill or bake the crab legs for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and have a nice char.
By using these cooking methods and avoiding excessive salt in the boiling water or seasonings, you can enjoy tender and flavorful king crab legs without them becoming too salty. Remember, the crab legs themselves already contain natural brine, so you don't need to add much salt during the cooking process.