How To Cook Snow Crab Legs

Cracking open a perfectly cooked snow crab leg and dipping it in butter is one of those strangely satisfying things. It is the kind of thing that feels indulgent, something you would have at a fancy seafood restaurant, But here is a surprise for you, cooking snow crab legs is really a cinch.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully prepare for a dinner party or just a little self-indulgence.

Meet the Star: What Exactly Are Snow Crab Legs?

These delicious beings are found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and the North Pacific. Their long and slender legs contain sweet and delicate flesh inside them, which seafood lovers really cannot get enough of. And unlike the king crab, which is a much meatier and spikier crab, snow crab’s legs are less challenging to handle and generally much more affordable for an everyday Joe, making them the perfect dish to be eaten at home with family and friends.

Gather Your Gear, Fellas: What You Will Need Before You Begin Cooking?

Now, let’s keep it all simple. There is no need to make this a confusion in the first place.

Here are a few things you need to get before you start on your cooking adventure:

Snow crab legs, fresh or frozen.
Have a big old pot or a steamer, grill, or baking dish, depending on the method.
Tongs.
Butter.
Garlic which is an option you can skip if you want to.
Lemon wedges.
Old Bay or Cajun seasoning if you want some spicy kicks.

Pro Tip: When buying snow crab legs, skip the thawing process before cooking. Many of the available methods work just fine when they are frozen.

The Classic Boil: Easiest Way to Cook Snow Crab Legs

Boiling happens to be the most conventional way of doing things, and you can hardly go wrong here.

Here’s how you do it:

First, start by filling a big pot with fresh and clean water, which is just about enough to cover those big crab legs.
Then add a good pinch of salt or seasoning to the water.
Check to see if the water starts boiling.
Drop those legs into that pot and boil them for 5 to 7 minutes if they are frozen or 3 to 4 minutes if they are thawed.
Lastly, remove them with the help of those long tongs and serve them when they are hot.

Finally, serve it with some melted garlic butter and lemon wedges. There you go. Easy, huh?

Steam It Up: The Gentle Way to Lock Snow Crab Legs in That Juicy Flavor!

Another excellent method to capture the good, sweet, briny flavor of crab. It’s also a bit hands-off if you are specifically short on time and would like to avoid getting the flesh very waterlogged.

Here’s how to manage it:

Put a steaming rack or colander in a big pot.
Add some water, wine, or beer, somewhere about an inch higher.
Boil.
Crab legs can now be added, just put the lid on, and steam them for about 6 to 8 minutes.
Voila, you are done.

This method is great for preserving texture and gives you a little room to play with aromatic additions like lemon slices or herbs in the steaming liquid.

Oven Goodness: How to Bake Snow Crab Legs to Perfection

If you are a real big fan of that rich buttery taste with a roasted flavor, this is one for you.

So, here is how you start the process:

First, make sure to heat that oven of yours to 375°F.
Then rub those legs in a baking dish.
Brush it all with melted butter and sprinkle some garlic, parsley, or seasoning.
Cover and bake it for 20 to 25 minutes with aluminum foil.

All in all, this is a great method if you want that “set it and forget it” vibe. It’s an added bonus that the kitchen will smell divine.

The BBQ Vibes: How to Grill Snow Crab Legs for that Smoky Flavor

Are you ready for a good summer party? Because it’s time to fire up that expensive grill you bought at a store, and let’s throw in some of those meaty legs. It is going to be a good night.

Here is how to make it happen:

Brush the legs carefully with some olive oil or butter. Make sure it is of a good quality brand.
Then, place it on a grill for about 5 to 7 minutes, and don’t move it more than once, otherwise everything will be ruined.
Serve it with grilled lemon halves for that extra zesty vibe.

All of this adds a really smoky char and subtle crispness to the shell, which, if you ask me, is a game changer.

Especially when combined with an ice-cold beer. Damn its figners licking good.

The Best Sauces and Seasonings for Snow Crab Legs

Always go for the Classics. And that is melted garlic butter. But the fun doesn’t just stop here.

Try some of these as well:

Lemon herb butter (chopped parsley and lemon zest added in)
Cajun dip (melted butter + Cajun seasoning + lime juice squeezed in)
Asian style soy garlic sauce (soy sauce + garlic + sesame oil + honey)
Cocktail sauce for tang lovers. Or go bold with homemade honey mustard sauces for a sweet and zesty contrast.

If you have the perfect sauce, you can take your crab game to a whole new level. So, now go and make your very own special.

The Most Perfect Pairings: What to Serve?

Even though this dish will always be the center of attention, it will shine even brighter with the right co-stars.

And here are some crowd-pleasers:

Corn on the cob sprinkled with paprika.
Garlic-roasted potatoes.
Either steamed broccoli or steamed asparagus.
Fresh greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
Crusty bread to mop up excess butter.
Chilled white wine, crisp lager, or try a Grateful Dead cocktail recipe if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Eat Snow Crab Legs Like a Pro?

Using one’s hands while eating is a pleasant thing, but these tips should help you maintain the poise and neatness factor:

Use kitchen scissors to cut open the shells instead of shattering them.
Hold the joint of the leg, and gently twist it to break it.
With the aid of a seafood fork or your fingers, slide the meat right out.
Have a lemon water bowl handy near you for quick cleaning.

Even if it isn’t perfect, half the fun will still be in the cracking and dipping.

How to Store and Reheat the Leftover Snow Crab Legs?

The best crab legs are fresh crab legs. But old crab legs can also taste really good if they are stored properly.

To Store Them:

Wrap every inch of it in that aluminium foil or place it in an airtight container. It will make sure everything remains fresh for a long time.
Make sure to put them in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To Reheat Them:

Steam for about 5 minutes or heat in the oven (covered) at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Microwave them because they usually ruin the texture.

Some Insider Secrets: Best Tips to Level Up Your Crab Game

Add white wine or beer to your boiling or steaming water for a flavor boost.
Just don’t overcook it, because crab legs are usually pre-cooked, so you’re just warming them up.
Are you having dinner? Make it a crab boil night with newspaper on the table, plenty of dipping sauces, and the sound of some seafood jazz playing in the background.

Bonus for Fish Lovers

Got fish at home? After treating yourself, don’t forget your aquatic friends! Learn how to make fish food at home easily and affordably.

Our Final Verdict: It’s Easy, Yet So Delicious

Ultimately, cooking snow crab legs at home doesn’t require a culinary degree. All you need is just a little confidence, a splash of butter, and maybe a crab cracker or two.

Whether you are going classic with boiling or getting adventurous with the grill, the end goal will always be the same, which is a plate of sweet, juicy crab you can be proud of.

So go on, grab those legs and let your inner seafood chef come out and shine.

FAQs

Can you cook these legs even when they are frozen?

Of course, you can.

What is the secret?

Be patient and let them turn red and ripe.

How can I eat it in the most elegant manner?

Just gently cut it, and carefully pull the meat out.