Dungeness Crab Legs Vs Snow Crab Legs
When it comes to seafood, there's an endless variety of delicious options to choose from. However, two of the most popular types of crab are the Dungeness crab and the snow crab. Both types of crab are known for their sweet and succulent meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. But which one is better? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the differences between Dungeness crab legs vs. snow crab legs.
Dungeness Crab Legs
Dungeness crabs are native to the West Coast of North America and are named after a small fishing village in Washington State. They are a popular choice for seafood lovers due to their sweet and tender meat, which is often described as a cross between lobster and crab. Dungeness crabs have a hard outer shell that is reddish-brown in color, and their legs are thick and spiky with large meaty claws.
Dungeness crab legs are a popular ingredient in a variety of recipes, including crab cakes, crab bisque, and crab salads. They are also delicious when simply boiled and served with melted butter and lemon wedges.
Snow Crab Legs
Snow crabs are found in the cold waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. They are named after their snowy white meat, which is sweet and delicate. Snow crabs have a hard outer shell that is light brown in color, and their legs are long and slender with small claws.
Snow crab legs are a popular ingredient in seafood buffets and are often served in large piles for easy picking and cracking. They are also delicious when broiled and served with garlic butter or Old Bay seasoning.
Differences Between Dungeness Crab Legs Vs. Snow Crab Legs
While both Dungeness crab legs and snow crab legs are delicious, there are some notable differences between the two:
- Taste: Dungeness crab legs have a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, while snow crab legs have a sweet and delicate flavor.
- Texture: Dungeness crab legs have a firmer texture than snow crab legs, which are more delicate and tender.
- Size: Dungeness crab legs are larger and thicker than snow crab legs.
- Price: Dungeness crab legs are typically more expensive than snow crab legs due to their larger size and more robust flavor.
How to Cook Dungeness Crab Legs Vs. Snow Crab Legs
Both Dungeness crab legs and snow crab legs can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, and broiling. Here are some tips for cooking both types of crab legs:
Boiling
To boil crab legs, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the crab legs and boil for 4-6 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool before cracking open and serving.
Steaming
To steam crab legs, place a steamer basket inside a large pot and fill with water. Bring to a boil and add the crab legs to the basket. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool before cracking open and serving.
Broiling
To broil crab legs, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the crab legs on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter and your choice of seasoning. Broil for 5-7 minutes or until the meat is heated through and lightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool before cracking open and serving.
Conclusion
When it comes to Dungeness crab legs vs. snow crab legs, both types of crab are delicious and offer their unique flavor and texture. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but if you're looking for a sweeter and more delicate flavor, go for snow crab legs. If you prefer a firmer texture and a more robust flavor, then Dungeness crab legs are the way to go.
