Ultimate Guide to Cooking Delicious Snow Crab Legs

Let's talk snow crab, shall we? It's one of those things that just screams "special occasion," doesn't it? And for good reason. They're a bit of a splurge, but oh my, the deliciousness is worth every penny. I remember the first time I had snow crab legs – I was on a family holiday in Maine, and we went to this fantastic seafood restaurant. We ordered a giant platter of snow crab legs, and I was blown away. The meat was so sweet and delicate, the flavour was incredible. From that moment on, I was a snow crab convert.

But here's the thing – while snow crab is definitely a treat, it doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need to be a fancy chef or have a fancy kitchen to cook it. Some of the best snow crab I've had was cooked right at home, using simple techniques. So, if you're looking to impress your friends and family with a delicious seafood feast, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cooking snow crab legs, from picking the perfect crab to serving it up like a pro.

(Part 1) Choosing Your Crab

The first step to cooking delicious snow crab legs is choosing the right crab. Here's what to look for:

Freshness is Key

Freshness is paramount when it comes to crab. You want your crab to be as fresh as possible. If you're lucky enough to be near a coast, try and buy your crab live. Look for crabs that are active, with bright, clear eyes. Avoid any crabs that smell fishy or have discoloured shells.

Now, I know not everyone has access to live crab. If you're buying frozen crab legs, make sure they're firm and have a bright white colour. Avoid any crab legs that look discoloured or have frost crystals on them. Those are signs that the crab might have been frozen for too long.

Size Matters

Snow crab legs come in a variety of sizes. If you're looking for the most meat, opt for the larger legs. Remember, the size of the crab will also depend on how many people you're cooking for. For a smaller group, a couple of pounds of crab legs should be enough. But for a larger gathering, you might need to get three or four pounds.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!

If you're not sure what to look for, don't be afraid to ask your fishmonger or supermarket employee for help. They're the experts, after all. They can help you choose the perfect crab for your needs.

(Part 2) Prepping Your Crab Legs

Now that you've got your crab legs, it's time to prep them. This will ensure they cook evenly and are ready to be enjoyed.

Thawing Time

If you've bought frozen crab legs, the first step is to thaw them out. You can do this in the fridge overnight, or in a bowl of cold water for a few hours. Don't thaw them out at room temperature, as this can encourage bacteria growth.

Get Those Bands Off

Once the crab legs are thawed, you'll need to remove the rubber bands that hold the legs together. These bands are often used to keep the crab legs from falling apart during shipping. Just snip the bands with a pair of kitchen shears. You can keep the bands to wrap the legs after cooking to prevent them from drying out.

A Little Rinse

Give the crab legs a quick rinse under cold water. This will remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated on them.

(Part 3) Cooking Your Crab Legs

Now, for the fun part! Cooking crab legs is surprisingly simple. You can cook them in a variety of ways, from steaming to boiling to grilling. My personal favourite is steaming. It's the most flavourful method and keeps the crab legs moist and tender.

Steaming Your Crab Legs

To steam your crab legs, you'll need a large pot with a steamer basket.

1. Fill the pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place the crab legs in the steamer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
3. Cover the pot and steam the crab legs for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through. The meat should be opaque and flaky.
4. You can add aromatics to the water, like lemon slices, garlic, and herbs, to infuse the crab with extra flavour. A bay leaf and a few peppercorns are always a good addition.

Boiling Your Crab Legs

If you don't have a steamer, you can also boil your crab legs.

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the crab legs to the boiling water and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
3. You can also add aromatics to the water, like lemon slices, garlic, and herbs, to infuse the crab with extra flavour. A bay leaf and a few peppercorns are always a good addition.

Grilling Your Crab Legs

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also grill your crab legs. This method gives the crab legs a nice smoky flavour. Be careful, though. Grilling can dry out the crab legs if you aren't careful.

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place the crab legs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
3. You can brush the crab legs with melted butter or a simple marinade before grilling. A simple marinade of garlic, lemon juice, and herbs can really enhance the flavour.

(Part 4) Knowing When Your Crab is Cooked

How do you know when your crab legs are cooked? Here are a couple of simple tricks.

The Colour Test

The colour of the crab legs will change when they're cooked. They'll go from a pale, greyish-white to a bright, reddish-orange.

The Meat Test

If you're not sure, you can always test the meat. Once the crab legs are cooked, the meat should be opaque and flaky. It shouldn't be translucent or mushy.

(Part 5) Cracking Your Crab Legs

Alright, the crab legs are cooked. Now, how do you get to the juicy goodness inside? Cracking those legs can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you'll be a pro in no time.

Tools of the Trade

You'll need a few tools to crack your crab legs.

1. A crab cracker. These are designed to crack the tough shells. You can find them at most kitchen stores or online.
2. A crab fork. This has two prongs and is used to extract the meat from the shell.

Cracking Techniques

There are a few different ways to crack crab legs, but here's my preferred method:

1. Find the joint in the crab leg. This is the weakest point.
2. Place the crab leg in the crab cracker, with the joint facing the side of the cracker.
3. Squeeze the handles of the cracker until you hear a crack. You'll want to use a bit of force, but be careful not to crush the leg completely.
4. Once the leg is cracked, use the crab fork to gently pry open the shell.

The Big Reveal

And there you have it! The delicious, succulent crab meat is ready to be enjoyed. Don't forget to pick at the joint, where you'll find some of the sweetest meat.

(Part 6) Serving Up Your Snow Crab Legs

Your snow crab legs are cooked, cracked, and ready to be served. You've put in the work, now let's create a fantastic dining experience.

The Presentation Matters

Snow crab legs are beautiful. Don’t hide them in a plate. Let them shine! Place them on a platter or in a large bowl. You can add a garnish of lemon slices, fresh herbs, or even a few sprigs of dill. It's a classic and simple touch that looks amazing.

The Perfect Accompaniments

Snow crab legs are best enjoyed with a few simple accompaniments.

1. Melted butter. This is a classic pairing that enhances the sweet flavour of the crab meat. Serve it in a small ramekin or a dipping bowl, and don't forget a small spoon for dipping.
2. Cocktail sauce. This tangy sauce is perfect for adding a touch of flavour to the crab. You can find it pre-made at the grocery store, or make your own with ketchup, horseradish, and lemon juice.
3. Lemon wedges. These add a bright and tangy flavour that complements the crab meat.
4. Warm bread. This is great for soaking up all of the delicious butter and juices. Choose a crusty bread that will hold up to the dipping.

(Part 7) Drinks to Pair with Your Crab

No crab feast is complete without a good drink. Here are a few pairings to consider.

White Wines

Crisp, dry white wines are a classic pairing with snow crab. Think Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Riesling. These wines will complement the sweetness of the crab meat without being overpowering.

Rosé Wines

A chilled rosé is another great option. Look for a dry rosé with bright fruit notes. It will be light and refreshing, and won't clash with the flavours of the crab.

Beer

If you're a beer drinker, a light lager or a pale ale is a good choice. These beers won't overpower the delicate flavour of the crab.

(Part 8) Leftovers? No Problem!

You've enjoyed a delicious feast. Now you have leftovers. Don't worry, snow crab legs are a great leftover.

Storing Your Leftovers

You can store leftover crab legs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container. You can wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a container for extra protection.

Reheating Your Leftovers

There are a couple of ways to reheat crab legs.

1. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the crab legs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
2. Microwave: Place the crab legs on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Leftover Ideas

Don't just reheat the crab legs! Get creative. Here are a few ideas.

1. Add crab meat to a salad.
2. Make crab cakes.
3. Use crab meat in a pasta dish.
4. Add crab meat to a sandwich.
5. Make a crab dip.

(Part 9) FAQs

How long does it take to cook snow crab legs?

It typically takes about 10-15 minutes to cook snow crab legs, depending on the size and the method used.

How do you know if snow crab legs are bad?

You can tell if snow crab legs are bad by looking for signs of spoilage, such as a foul odor, a slimy texture, or discoloration. If the meat is mushy or has a strange smell, it's best to throw it away.

Can you freeze cooked snow crab legs?

You can freeze cooked snow crab legs, but the texture might change a little. It's best to freeze them for a short period of time, like a few months.

Can you eat snow crab legs raw?

No, you should not eat snow crab legs raw. Eating raw crab can put you at risk of foodborne illness.

What is the best way to eat snow crab legs?

There is no right or wrong way to eat snow crab legs. But, I prefer to use a crab cracker to crack the legs and then use a crab fork to extract the meat. And, of course, plenty of butter!

(Part 10) Conclusion

And there you have it! That's your ultimate guide to cooking delicious snow crab legs. Remember, it's a simple, but rewarding process. You can enjoy a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. So, next time you're craving some incredible seafood, skip the takeout and try your hand at cooking snow crab legs. It's an experience that will leave you wanting more.