I’m not sure about you, but I love crab legs. Something about their delicate flavor and buttery texture makes them irresistible.
If you’re new to the world of crab legs or need a refresher course, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these, from selecting the correct type of crab to cooking them perfectly.
So read on, and get ready to enjoy some delicious delicacies!
Crab legs are the long, slender legs of crabs. They are a popular seafood dish and can be found in many restaurants.
They are usually cooked before they are eaten, as this helps to preserve their flavor and texture.
There are two main types: cold water and warm water. Cold water crab legs, like those from Alaska, have a firmer texture and a sweet flavor. Warm water ones, like those from the Gulf of Mexico, have a softer texture and a more delicate flavor.
What Do They Taste Like?
They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. Crab legs’ taste is similar to that of lobster or shrimp.
Crabmeat can also taste somewhat fishy, depending on the species of crab. Their texture is also similar to lobster but not as tough.
Alaska king crab legs are the most popular type of crab leg. They are also the largest and have a firm texture and sweet flavor.
Dungeness crab legs are also famous and are similar in size to the king ones. They have a more delicate flavor than Alaska king crabs, and their meat is softer.
Snow crab legs are another popular type of crab leg. They are smaller than king and Dungeness ones and have a softer texture. Their flavor is also more delicate.
Health Benefits
Benefits
Several health benefits that are associated with eating these include:
A good source of protein
Low in calories
Low in fat
A good source of omega-three fatty acids
Keto Diet
The crabs are an excellent option for those on the keto diet, as they are high in protein and low in carbs. A four-ounce serving contains around 18 grams of protein and only three grams of carbs.
How to Enjoy Them
How to Buy
When selecting crab legs, look for ones that are plump and have a pinkish color. Avoid the discolored ones or black spots, as this may indicate they are old.
You can purchase them fresh or frozen. If you buy frozen ones, thaw them properly before cooking.
There are several ways to cook crab legs. The most popular methods are steaming and boiling. But you can also deep fry and air fry them.
Steaming
To steam, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cover the pot and steam them for five to seven minutes until they are cooked. Please place them in a steamer basket or insert and lower it into the pot.
Boiling
To boil, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add them to the pot and cook for three to five minutes.
Once they are cooked, remove them from the pot and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. I like to use a simple mixture of melted butter and lemon juice.
Frying
To fry your crab legs, heat a large pot or deep fryer filled with oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add them to the fryer and cook for two to three minutes until golden brown.
Air Frying
The benefit of air-frying them is that you don’t need to use as much oil, so they are healthier.
To air-fry crab legs, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Please place them in the air fryer basket and cook for six to eight minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when cooking these crabs:
Do not overcook, as this will make them tough.
Be sure to thaw the frozen ones properly before cooking.
If you are boiling them, add enough salt to the water.
Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. I like to use a simple mixture of melted butter and lemon juice.
Now that you know everything there is to know about crab legs, it’s time to enjoy them! Whether you steam, boil, fry, or air-fry them, they will surely be a hit with your family and friends. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
If you have any tips on how to cook them, be sure to share them in the comments below. Until next time, happy cooking!
