Fresh crab legs last 1-2 days raw, 3-5 days cooked; frozen crab legs last 3-12 months depending on type.
How Long Are Crab Legs Good For?
Crab legs are a delicious and decadent treat. But anyone who’s ever splurged on these tasty crustacean limbs knows they don’t come cheap! So, you want to make sure you don’t waste a single morsel. The key to that is knowing how long crab legs are good for, and how to store them properly.
Fresh vs. Frozen
The first step is figuring out if you’re dealing with fresh crab legs or frozen ones. The storage and shelf life vary depending on which you have:
- Fresh crab legs: These have never been frozen and will spoil quickly.
- Frozen crab legs: Most crab legs you find in the grocery store are sold pre-cooked and frozen.
How Long Are Crab Legs Good For in the Refrigerator?
- Fresh, raw crab legs: Use them within 1-2 days of purchase. They spoil incredibly fast!
- Fresh, cooked crab legs: Enjoy these within 3-5 days. After that, it’s dicey, and you risk getting sick.
- Frozen, cooked crab legs (thawed): Eat those within 3-5 days too. Thawing them basically starts their freshness clock ticking.
Tip: When buying crab legs, always check the “use by” or “best by” date for the freshest possible product. And hey, your nose knows! Crab legs should have a mild, slightly sweet smell. If anything smells sour, fishy, or just plain off, toss them out.
Can You Freeze Crab Legs?
Yes, you absolutely can! It’s the best way to extend the shelf life of both cooked and fresh crab legs. Here’s the how-to:
Freezing Fresh (Raw) Crab Legs:
- Clean them: Gently rinse with cold water if needed.
- Pack tightly: Wrap in plastic wrap, then in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Label and date: Essential for tracking how long they’ve been in there.
Freezing Cooked Crab Legs
- Cool completely: Don’t freeze warm crab.
- Wrap: Follow the same process as for fresh legs.
- Label and date: Don’t skip this step!
How Long Are Crab Legs Good For in the Freezer?
Here’s the breakdown:
| Type of Crab | Shelf life in Freezer |
| King Crab | Up to 12 months |
| Snow Crab | Up to 9 months |
| Dungeness Crab | Up to 3 months |
Important Note: These are guidelines. The quality of frozen crab will decline over time, even if technically still safe. For best taste and texture, aim to eat them within a few months of freezing.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Crab Legs?
Okay, your crab legs have been chilling in the freezer. Time to get them ready for dinner! Here’s the safest way to thaw them:
- Plan ahead: Thawing in the refrigerator takes about 24 hours. Don’t rush it!
- Get them in the fridge: Still wrapped, place them on a plate or tray to catch drips.
- Cook and enjoy: Once thawed, follow the guidelines above on how long the crab legs are still good for.
Thawing Tip: For a quicker thaw (still safe!), submerge tightly packed crab legs in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until fully thawed.
How to Tell If Crab Legs Have Gone Bad
Don’t take a chance on iffy seafood. Here’s how to know if your crab legs are past their prime:
- Off odor: A strong, sour, or ammonia-like smell is a big no-no.
- Texture: Slimy, mushy meat indicates spoilage.
- Discoloration: Look for darkening of the shells or any black spots.
Remember: When in doubt, toss it out! It ain’t worth the risk of food poisoning.
How to Store Crab Legs for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is crucial for keeping crab legs tasty and safe. Follow these tips to ensure every bite is a winner:
Refrigerator Rules:
- Ice, ice, baby: Place crab legs on a bed of ice in a container. The ice keeps them super cold and helps ward off bacteria.
- Cover them up: Don’t just leave ’em uncovered in the fridge. Use a lid, plastic wrap, or a damp cloth to keep them moist.
- Bottom shelf: Always store crab legs on the lowest shelf of your refrigerator, the coldest spot!
Freezing for the Future:
- Airtight is key: Excess air causes freezer burn, ruining that sweet crab flavor. Vacuum sealers are fantastic if you have one!
- Portion control: Freeze smaller portions for easier thawing and less waste if you don’t finish them.
- Don’t refreeze: Once thawed, never refreeze cooked crab legs. It severely impacts quality and increases the risk of bacterial growth.
How to Reheat Crab Legs
You’ve got your crab legs, they’re fresh, and now it’s time to indulge! There are a few ways to reheat those babies:
Steaming:
- The classic: Steaming is the most common way to reheat crab and keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
- Setup: Get a pot, a steamer basket, and a few inches of water. Bring the water to a boil, put crab legs in the basket, cover, and steam until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).
Oven:
- Quick and easy: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap crab legs in foil with a splash of water or white wine. Bake for about 10 minutes or until just heated through.
- Prevent overcooking: Be careful not to overcook them, or you’ll end up with dry, rubbery crab meat.
Boiling
- Not the best option: While you can boil crab legs to reheat them, it’s not ideal. You risk losing flavor and ending up with tough meat. It’s best to save boiling for cooking fresh crab legs.
Tips for Reheating:
- Don’t overheat: Warm them just until heated through. Overheating ruins the delicate texture.
- Add flavor: A little melted butter, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of your favorite seafood seasoning takes it to the next level!
Types of Crab Legs and Their Shelf Life
Not all crab legs are created equal! Different species have slightly different shelf lives and flavor profiles. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular types:
| Type of Crab | Flavor & Texture | Approximate Fresh Shelf Life |
| King Crab | Sweet, succulent, large clusters | 2-3 days |
| Snow Crab | Mild sweetness, tender | 2-3 days |
| Dungeness Crab | Sweet, rich, slightly nutty | 1-2 days |
FAQs About Crab Leg Storage
Let’s wrap up with answers to some of the most common questions people have about crab legs:
Q: How long can cooked crab legs sit out at room temperature?
A: Not long at all! Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature. Never leave cooked crab legs out for more than two hours and toss them sooner in hot weather.
Q: Can I freeze leftover crab dip?
A: It depends on the ingredients. Cream cheese-based dips often don’t thaw well. Check the recipe, but as a general rule, it’s best to make crab dip fresh.
Q: I found a deal on frozen crab legs – Are they safe if the package is past the ‘use by’ date?
A: Technically yes, frozen crab legs will remain safe past the ‘use by’ date. However, the quality starts to decline. They might be a bit mushy or less flavorful. It’s up to you whether you think they’re a worthwhile deal!
Conclusion- How Long Are Crab Legs Good For?
There you have it! How long crab legs are good for depends on whether they’re fresh or frozen, cooked or raw, and how you store them. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to enjoy these delicious treats safely and savor every last bite.