Step 1

Soak the frozen crab legs in enough cool water to cover them in a large bowl or stock pot until the joints are loose and move back and forth freely (about 20 minutes).

Step 2

Pour the water off of the crab legs and move the crab legs to the steamer basket or the colander (whichever you are using).

Step 3

Heat 4 cups of water on the stove over high heat until the water is boiling well. Make sure the steamer basket does not touch the water. Pour the Old Bay Seasoning into the water and allow to boil for about 1 minute.

Step 4

Place the crab legs in the steamer basket over the top of the boiling pan of water and Old Bay. Place the lid on the top of the steamer and set your timer for 8 minutes. Allow to steam.

Step 5

After 8 minutes, remove the crab legs to a warmed platter and serve immediately with the butter dip and lemon slices. Squeeze the lemon juice over the crab as ready to eat.

Step 6

Melt the butter in a small sauce pan over low heat on the stove top, add the garlic, salt and thyme and turn the heat off. Allow to sit while the crab legs are steaming.

Step 7

When crab legs are done steaming, you can strain the butter or just leave the garlic and thyme in the butter for dipping. Either way is acceptable and tasty!