Crab meat should be thawed by placing it in a refrigerator and leaving it overnight. If the crab is needed more quickly, it can be defrosted in a sink full of cold water.
The meat can drain while it is thawing in the refrigerator if it is placed on a rack in a watertight container. When using the sink method, the crab must be wrapped tightly and securely in plastic wrap or put into a sealed plastic bag before it is submerged. Defrosting time depends on the size of the crab. A 2-pound crab will thaw after about one hour in water.
