How To Cook King Crab

How To Cook King Crab: A Delicious Seafood Delight

Welcome to our culinary adventure on how to cook king crab! Nothing screams extravagant seafood feast like a plateful of succulent king crab legs. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply treating yourself, learning how to cook king crab is a skill worth mastering. From choosing the right crab to savoring every mouthwatering bite, we’ve got you covered.

1. Choosing the Perfect King Crab

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about selecting the best king crab. Look for crabs with shiny, firm shells and a deep red color. The weight of the crab is also essential; heavy crabs indicate a generous amount of tender meat inside. Don’t forget to check for any unpleasant fishy odors, as this may indicate the crab is not fresh.

2. Preparing the Crab for Cooking

Once you’ve brought home your mouthwatering king crab, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Follow these simple steps:

1. Thaw the crab legs: If your crab legs are frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
2. Clean the legs: Rinse the crab legs under cold water to remove any residual ice or debris.
3. Crack the shells: Using kitchen shears or a crab cracker, carefully crack the shells of the crab legs at several points. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it easier to extract later.

3. Boiling King Crab Legs

Boiling is a popular and straightforward method for cooking king crab legs. Follow these steps to achieve delightful results:

1. Fill a large pot with water: Add enough water to cover the crab legs fully.
2. Add flavorings: Enhance the taste by adding a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or your favorite seafood seasoning to the pot.
3. Bring the water to a boil: Heat the pot over high heat until the water reaches a rolling boil.
4. Add the crab legs: Gently place the crab legs into the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Cook for 5-6 minutes: Let the crab legs cook, uncovered, for 5-6 minutes or until they turn a vibrant orange color.
6. Remove and serve: Using tongs, carefully remove the crab legs from the pot and transfer them to a platter. Serve hot with melted butter and lemon wedges.

4. Steaming King Crab Legs

If you prefer a more delicate and moist texture, steaming is an excellent cooking method to consider. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the steamer: Fill a large pot with water, making sure it doesn’t touch the steaming basket. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Season the crab legs: Sprinkle your preferred seasoning over the legs. Old Bay seasoning or garlic butter work wonders.
3. Steam the crab legs: Carefully place the crab legs in the steaming basket and set it on top of the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid.
4. Steam for 6-8 minutes: Allow the crab legs to steam for 6-8 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish and serve: Transfer the steamed crab legs to a platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve with drawn butter or your favorite dipping sauce.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of cooking king crab, it’s time to indulge in the buttery, sweet taste of this delectable seafood delight. Whether you choose to boil or steam, each method brings out the natural flavors and ensures a memorable dining experience. So, grab those crab crackers, gather your loved ones, and savor the taste of king crab legs like a true seafood connoisseur!