Snow Crab is an edible crustacean living in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf Stream.
Snow crabs can be found from Alaska to South America. However, “snow crab” is usually used to describe their prevalence in chilly northern seas.
Queen crabs (in Canada) and spider crabs are two names for crabs in this species, which are also known by various names in other world regions.
1 Cluster of Snow Crab Legs. Credit: canva
Why Do We Eat Crab Legs?
They are high in beneficial fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a low-carb diet.
They’re easy to make and ideal for a quick, simple, delicious supper. They can be baked, cooked, or air-fried in only a few minutes and are keto-friendly. They’re great for making a quick, simple dinner.
Are Snow Crab Legs Worth It?
Yes. They are often less expensive than king crab.
They are sustainably managed and responsibly harvested, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable seafood alternative.
The extended harvesting season and their ease of detection are major reasons for the lower cost.
Which is Better: Snow Crab or Alaskan King Crab?
Alaskan King Crab Legs. Credit: canva
Both are fantastic!! Snow crab has thinner shells and is often sold in clusters. The crab’s meat is sweet and mild, with a salty flavor. It has a firm texture that breaks apart readily into chunks.
They are simpler to open. However, there are more feet in a 1-pound serving, so they are more difficult to crack open.
King crab has thick-shelled, spiky legs, purchased individually instead of in clusters. The meat is similar to lobster meat in taste and texture.
How much is a pound of snow crab legs?
1 lb is about 3 clusters.
The number of clusters or legs varies based on the crab’s size. Typically, you’ll see 2 to 3 clusters or 8 to 12 legs.
The weight will include the body section and the large white piece that connects all legs.
How to Fry Snow Crab Legs?
There are three frying methods: deep-frying, stir-frying, and air frying.
Deep Frying
Deep-fried Snow Crab Legs. Credit: canva
Benefits
It’s quick, convenient, and healthy! Deep-frying is one of my favorite ways because it gives me the best of both worlds.
I get the crunchy crust from pan-frying while maintaining the crab leg’s juiciness.
I also love how easy it is to make — add oil to your skillet and heat until hot. You don’t even need any other ingredients.
Deep-fried crab legs are great for sandwich fillings. You can also have them for snacks with your favorite dipping sauces.
How to Fry?
This is how:
To deep-fry, start by heating your oil over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 350° F (177° C), carefully drop in the crab legs.
Cook the legs for 4 to 5 minutes per side, remove them from the oil, and drain them on paper towels.
Deep Fry Recipe
This recipe is also for deep-fried king crab legs
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
2 lbs Snow Crab or 2-4 Alaskan King Crab
1 cup Flour
2 Tbsp Cornstarch
1 Cup Buttermilk
3 Tbsp Hot Sauce
1 Tbsp Salt & Pepper
1/2 Tbsp Garlic Salt
1 Tbsp Butter
Enough Canola oil to fry
Instructions on how to fry:
Heat oil to 350 degrees (use a thermometer). Steam Crab for 12-15 mins until heated through.
In the meantime, in a bowl, mix Buttermilk, and hot sauce. Melt butter and stir in.
In a bag or bowl, add flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Blend well.
Cut the shell down the center with scissors when the crab is done and gently pull the crab meat.
Dip crab in buttermilk mixture. Soak for 5 mins.
Deep fry for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with a dash of your favorite seasonings.
Enjoy!
Stir-Frying
Stir-fried Crab Legs. Credit: canva
Benefits
A stir-fry is usually made up of vegetables (usually green) and meat (usually red). With a little preparation time, you can make a delicious meal without spending hours cooking.
You can use any meat you’d like. You can use whatever veggies you like. The best way to eat stir-fried them is to have rice or mashed potatoes.
How to Make?
Start by cutting off the ends of the crab legs. Then peel away the tough outer layer of skin.
Next, slice lengthwise so you have flat strips.
Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Now, you’re ready to cook!
First, pour some vegetable oil into a wok or large pot. Heat over high heat.
Then, add the chopped pieces.
Let them sear for 1 minute before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Add the garlic, ginger, scallions, and chilies—Cook for 30 seconds.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and sugar. Mix well.
Let them simmer for 3 minutes.
Remove from the wok and place them on a plate.
Serve immediately.
Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
Snow crab legs (about 1 pound)
Veggies (optional)
Garlic (chopped)
Ginger (minced)
Scallion (thinly sliced)
Chili flakes
Soy sauce
Rice wine vinegar
Sugar
Oil
Salt
Pepper
Instructions
Cut the legs into bite-size pieces.
Peel away the tough outer layer.
Slice lengthwise.
Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Add the garlic and ginger to the wok.
Cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the legs. Let it simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from the wok. Place them on a serving platter.
Add the scallions and chili flakes to the wok. Cook for another 30 seconds.
Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Pour the sauce over and serve immediately.
Air Frying
Credit: canva
Benefits
Cooking in an air fryer is quick and simple to prepare. This is the way to go if you want them at home.
Air-fried crab legs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re perfect for dipping in sauces.
Because they cook quickly, they’re ideal for busy weeknights.
Air-fried crab is healthier than deep-fried crab because it’s cooked with less oil.
The main disadvantage is that you can’t cook huge amounts of food in an air fryer. Aside from that, these are ideal for making a few crab leg clusters at a time.
How to Air Fry?
Remove any soil or debris from the legs. A potato brush might be used to clean them thoroughly. Using a paper towel, dry them as needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab legs, olive oil, old bay, and garlic powder for a basic recipe. Rub oil and seasonings all over with your hands.
Place the legs in aluminum foil wrap and seal tightly.
Place in an air fryer basket.
Air fry at 380°F for 5-7 minutes.
Air Fryer Cajun Recipe
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 5
Total Time: 10
Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Ingredients
1 cluster Snow Crab legs or King crab legs fresh
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
Optional: serve with melted butter, Old Bay seasonings, or lemon wedges
Instructions
Combine the crab legs, olive oil, and cajun seasoning in a mixing dish.
Transfer to the air fryer and air fry for 3-5 minutes at 350°F.
Plate, serve, and enjoy!
How to Eat?
There are many different ways to enjoy fried crab meat of legs. Here are a few ideas:
Dip them in mayonnaise, mustard, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, ketchup, or remoulade.
Use them as a topping for salads, sandwiches, burgers, or tacos.
Mix them with pasta or rice.
Make crab cakes out of them.
Eat them plain.
FAQs
How do you eat fried snow crab legs?
The proper method for eating fried “hard shells” is to eat them like you pick and eat boiled hard shell crabs.
First, bite off the batter crust. Then pick out all the crab meat.
How do you reheat fried crab legs?
Follow these steps:
Wrap your crab legs in aluminum foil and double the wrapping to conceal sharp edges that protrude from the surface.
Grill the legs for 10 to 15 minutes on indirect medium-high heat.
Put the food over the heat. Wait for three to five minutes on each side.
Do you need to thaw frozen crab legs before cooking?
They should be thawed before being reheated or cooked. To ensure that the crabmeat heats up uniformly, thaw it first.
The legs can be defrosted in the refrigerator for an entire night (about 8 hours) or by running cold water over them.
How do you know when crab legs are done?
The color you should look for depends on whether they are fresh or frozen.
The legs are already cooked and will be orange or red. Fresh crab meat will be greenish-brown. And when it’s done, the crab flesh will become pink/red while the meat is opaque.
Related Topics
Can You Cook Frozen Crab Legs in the Oven?
Yes, you can cook in the oven for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The key is to thaw them first. If they’re still frozen, put them in a bowl of cold water until they defrost.
How Do You Know When Snow Crab Legs are Done?
They’re done when the crab turns pink/red and the meat is opaque.
The best way to know when they are done cooking is to use a meat thermometer. If the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, then they are ready.
Is Snow Crab Healthy?
Yes. They are healthy since they’re low in calorie and fat content but high in protein. They’re also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health.
How Many Crabs Do You Need Per Person?
The amount of crabs per person depends on how much crab meat you want to eat. If you like them, then you should order at least one dozen. However, if you just want some crab salad for lunch, then you only need two or three.
Can You Eat Raw Crab Legs?
You must cook the raw legs before eating them.
Crabmeat should not be consumed raw because it may contain harmful microorganisms that cause illnesses such as bacterial infections and parasitic infections that can lead to lung disease.
Can You Put Crab Legs in the Microwave?
Of course, we can. Add one tablespoon of water per eight ounces and cook them in the microwave for three to four minutes per eight ounces. When you can smell them, or when they’re ready to eat, they’re done!
How Do You Eat Snow Crab Legs?
Eating them can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with them. To enjoy, break them into smaller pieces and suck the meat out of their shells.
Which is Sweeter Snow Crab or King Crab?
Snow crab is sweeter than King crab. It has sweet and mild meat with a salty flavor.
Some people prefer the milder flavor of king crab legs, while others enjoy the sweet taste.
