The Ultimate Guide to King Crab Legs

Welcome, seafood aficionados! We are thrilled to invite you to explore the wonderful world of King Crab Legs. These succulent and juicy crustaceans are not only an incredible feast for the eyes with their vibrant red color and impressive size, but they are also a delectable culinary experience. With their delicate and sweet flavor, King Crab Legs are sure to hold a special place in your heart.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned culinary connoisseur, King Crab Legs are sure to satisfy your seafood cravings. So, let’s get ready to uncover the deliciousness of King Crab Legs!

The Ultimate Guide to King Crab Legs: Selection, Preparation, and Mouthwatering Recipes

King Crab Legs come from the largest and most prized species of crab, mainly found in the cold, pristine waters of Alaska, Russia, and the Pacific Northwest. There are three main types of King Crab – the Red King Crab, the Blue King Crab, and the Golden King Crab – each offering a unique flavor and texture profile that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

The Red King Crab is the largest of the three types and is known for its sweet, delicate flavor and firm, succulent meat. It is perfect for making crab cakes and other seafood-based dishes.

The Blue King Crab is smaller in size, but packs a big flavor punch. Its juicy, sweet meat is great for soups and salads.

Finally, the Golden King Crab is the smallest of the three species, but it still has an unmistakable flavor. Its meat is tender and buttery, making it ideal for a variety of dishes such as risottos and pastas. No matter which type you choose, King Crab is sure to be a delicious addition to any meal.

Aside from their exquisite taste, King Crab Legs boast an array of health benefits. Rich in high-quality protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc, they are not only delicious but nutritious as well.

Selecting the Best King Crab Legs

Choosing the finest King Crab Legs is essential for enjoying their true flavor and succulence. Here are some valuable tips to help you pick the best crab legs for your next seafood feast:

Responsibly Harvested Alaskan King Crab Meat

We pride ourselves on sustainability of all our crab and seafood offerings. Our Alaskan King crab is 100% American and 100% Sustainable.

Determine the type of King Crab Legs

As mentioned earlier, there are three main types of King Crab – Red, Blue, and Golden. Red King Crab is the most popular and sought after, known for its sweet, delicate flavor and tender, succulent meat. Blue King Crab has a milder taste, while Golden King Crab tends to be the smallest and least expensive. Choose the type that best suits your taste preferences and budget.

Types of King Crab

• Red King Crab
• Blue King Crab
• Golden King Crab

Fresh or Frozen King Crab Legs

King Crab Legs are usually sold frozen, as they are pre-cooked immediately after being caught to preserve their freshness. This also means that “fresh” King Crab Legs can be difficult to find, and frozen crab legs will still provide a delicious and high-quality seafood experience. However, if you are fortunate enough to have access to fresh, never-frozen King Crab Legs, don’t miss the opportunity to savor them.

Check for King Crab Quality

When selecting King Crab Legs, it is important to look for bright red shells with no discoloration, cracks, or damage. The color should be consistent throughout the crab leg and not vary in any way. It is also essential to check the smell of the crab legs; they should have a mild, fresh scent without any strong, fishy odor.

If the crab legs have any strong odor, they are likely old and should be avoided. Checking the texture of the crab legs is also important; they should be firm and have a slight give to them when touched. If the crab legs are soft or mushy, they are not fresh and should be avoided.

King Crab Legs: Size and Weight

King Crab Legs are graded by size, with the number of legs per 10 pounds determining the size grade. Larger crab legs generally contain more meat and are easier to extract. Consider the following size grades:

Colossal: 4-7 legs per 10 pounds
Jumbo: 8-10 legs per 10 pounds
Large: 11-14 legs per 10 pounds
Medium: 15-20 legs per 10 pounds

Choose the size that best meets your needs and preferences, keeping in mind that larger crab legs will usually be more expensive.

Alaskan King Crab Legs come from the meatiest crabs caught in the ocean and are a great way to treat family or friends to an extraordinary dining experience.

Red king crab legs can span up to 3 feet each, meaning there’s plenty of sweet crabmeat inside every red shell.

King Crab Leg Quantity

Determine the amount of King Crab Legs you’ll need based on the number of guests and their appetite for crab. As a general rule, you can estimate about 1-2 pounds of crab legs per person for a main course, and ½ to 1 pound per person for an appetizer.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to select the best King Crab Legs for your next seafood extravaganza.

Mouthwatering King Crab Leg Recipes

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these irresistible King Crab Leg recipes. Each dish highlights the natural flavors of the crab, while adding a unique twist to make your dining experience truly memorable.

Classic Garlic Butter King Crab Legs:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds King Crab Legs, thawed
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
• Place the crab legs on a large baking sheet or roasting pan. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the crab legs.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crab legs are heated through.
• Serve immediately with extra garlic butter for dipping.

Grilled King Crab Legs with Lemon-Herb Butter:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds King Crab Legs, thawed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, fresh herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Cut a small slit along the length of each crab leg shell to expose the meat. Spread the lemon-herb butter evenly over the exposed crab meat.
• Place the crab legs on the grill, shell side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip the crab legs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, until heated through.
• Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

Baked King Crab Legs with Creamy Cajun Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds King Crab Legs, thawed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
• Arrange the crab legs in a single layer in a large baking dish. Pour the creamy Cajun sauce evenly over the crab legs.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the crab legs are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
• Serve immediately with crusty bread or over cooked rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

These mouthwatering King Crab Leg recipes are guaranteed to impress your guests and showcase the delectable flavors of this premium seafood. Enjoy!