The Best Way To Cook King Crab Legs
King crab legs are a delicacy loved by many people around the world. They are succulent, meaty, and full of flavor. However, cooking king crab legs requires some skill and knowledge. To get the best out of these crustaceans, you need to know how to prepare them and cook them properly. This article will guide you through the best way to cook king crab legs, including how to prepare them, cooking methods, and seasoning options.
Preparing King Crab Legs
Before you cook king crab legs, you need to prepare them. Here are the steps involved:
Thawing
If you bought frozen crab legs, the first thing you need to do is to thaw them. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can run them under cold water for 20-30 minutes until they are completely thawed. Do not use hot water as this will cause the crab legs to lose their flavor and texture.
Cleaning
Before cooking, you need to clean the crab legs. Use a pair of kitchen scissors or a crab cracker to cut the shell along the length of the leg. Gently peel off the shell, starting from the bottom and working your way up. You can also remove the small flaps of cartilage on the sides of the crab legs, which are not edible. Rinse the crab legs under cold water to remove any remaining debris.
Seasoning
King crab legs are naturally flavorful, so you don't need to add too much seasoning. However, you can add some spice to enhance the flavor. You can use a mixture of olive oil, salt, garlic, and pepper to coat the crab legs before cooking. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made crab boil seasoning mix or Old Bay seasoning, which is widely available in most grocery stores.
Cooking King Crab Legs
Now that you have prepared the crab legs, it's time to cook them. Here are the best methods for cooking king crab legs:
Boiling
Boiling is the most common way to cook king crab legs. Simply fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab legs, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the crab legs and let them cook for 6-8 minutes or until heated through. Drain the crab legs and serve hot with melted butter or dipping sauce.
Steaming
Steaming is another great way to cook king crab legs. Fill a pot with an inch of water and bring to a simmer. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the crab legs. Cover and let them steam for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Remove the crab legs from the steamer basket and serve hot with butter or dipping sauce.
Baking
You can also bake king crab legs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the crab legs on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter or olive oil. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Conclusion
King crab legs are a delicious and nutritious seafood delicacy that can be prepared in many ways. Whether you choose to boil, steam, or bake them, the key is to ensure that they are seasoned well and cooked properly. By following the steps in this article, you can prepare and cook king crab legs like a pro.