How Long to Cook a King Crab
The majority of the time, if someone's cooking king crab, it's just the legs, but you can actually cook the whole thing if you manage to get your hands on one. It takes less than a half-hour to cook a whole king crab, with the exact time depending on your cooking method. The biggest challenge might just be getting your hands on a pot that's big enough for the task!
How Long to Cook a King Crab by Boiling
To boil a king crab, fill an extra-large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add in your king crab and allow it to boil for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. You'll know it's done once the shell has turned orange.
How Long to Cook a King Crab by Steaming
Add a steamer basket to an extra-large pot with a few inches of water at the bottom and bring it to a boil. Once it's up to temperature, put your king crab into the basket and place the lid on the pot. Reduce the heat and allow your king crab to steam for approximately 5 minutes.
The body may not contain as much meat as the legs, but there is some, and it can be handy having that added amount you're using it as an ingredient for a dish such as crab cakes.