Instant Pot Simple Steamed Crab Legs

Ingredients and Weight:

• Fresh crab legs: 2 pounds (900 grams)
• Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Old Bay seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Steaming liquid (e.g., chicken broth or water): 1 cup

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus additional time for thawing crab legs if frozen)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty due to precise timing and handling of seafood)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the crab legs by thawing if frozen. Rinse with cold water and remove any visible impurities.
2. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. Mix well.
3. Set the Instant Pot to the "Steam" setting. Add the steaming liquid to the pot.
4. Arrange the crab legs in a steamer basket or stand and place them in the Instant Pot.
5. Cover the pot and set the timer for 15 minutes. (Note: The time may vary depending on the freshness and size of the crab legs.)
6. After steaming, carefully remove the crab legs from the pot and transfer them to a serving dish.
7. Drizzle the prepared seasoning mixture over the steamed crab legs and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g (primarily healthy fats)
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g (Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich, seafood flavor with a touch of lemony seasoning.
• Texturally, the crab meat is tender and flaky after steaming.
• A simple yet elegant dish that pairs well with white wine or cocktails.

User Comments:

1. "The crab legs were so tender and full of flavor! The lemon seasoning gave them a nice tangy taste."
2. "This was an easy dish to make in the Instant Pot. The Old Bay seasoning added a unique touch."
3. "I loved how juicy and fresh the crab meat was after steaming. Will definitely make this again!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure crab legs are fully thawed before steaming to ensure even cooking.
• Use fresh ingredients like lemon juice and seasoning to enhance flavor.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
• When handling seafood, ensure proper food safety measures are followed, especially if the dish is intended for a larger gathering.