Best Way To Eat Alaskan King Crab Legs
If you are a fan of seafood, you will surely enjoy the delicious and succulent taste of Alaskan king crab legs. However, eating them can be quite challenging, especially if you are a novice in this area. With their hard shells and complex structure, it is not easy to know the right way to break down the crab legs to access the sweet and juicy meat inside. In this article, we will guide you through the best way to eat Alaskan king crab legs.
Buying Alaskan King Crab Legs
The first step in enjoying Alaskan king crab legs is to buy the right product. When buying crab legs, it is important to consider the size and quality of the legs. You want to make sure that the legs are large enough to have plenty of meat and that they are fresh and of high quality.
You can buy Alaskan king crab legs in different forms, including fresh or frozen, cooked or uncooked. Fresh legs are the best option if you can find them, as they have the most flavor and texture. If fresh legs are not available, you can opt for frozen legs, which are usually of high quality and can be stored for a long time. Cooked legs are also a good option, especially if you are short on time and do not want to go through the hassle of cooking them yourself.
Preparing Alaskan King Crab Legs
The next step is to prepare the crab legs for cooking or serving. If you bought uncooked crab legs, you need to cook them first. The best way to cook Alaskan king crab legs is to steam them. Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the crab legs in a steamer basket and place the basket over the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam the legs for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
If you bought cooked crab legs, you can serve them immediately. However, you may want to reheat them first to enhance the flavor and texture. To reheat cooked crab legs, you can either steam or bake them. To steam, follow the same process as for uncooked legs. To bake, place the legs on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Eating Alaskan King Crab Legs
Now comes the fun part – eating the crab legs! Alaskan king crab legs have a hard shell that needs to be cracked open to access the meat inside. The best way to do this is to use a crab cracker or nutcracker. Place the leg on a flat surface and use the cracker to crack open the shell at the thickest part of the leg.
Once the shell is cracked, you can pull it apart to expose the sweet and juicy meat inside. You can also use a small fork or seafood pick to extract the meat from the smaller joints and crevices of the legs.
Alaskan king crab legs have a delicate and sweet taste that can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular dipping sauces for crab legs include melted butter, garlic butter, lemon butter, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce. You can also serve the legs with a side of vegetables or rice to make a complete meal.
Conclusion
Eating Alaskan king crab legs can be a bit challenging, but with the right guidance, you can enjoy this delicious seafood delicacy. Remember to buy the right product, prepare it properly, and have the right tools on hand to crack open the shell and extract the meat. Whether you enjoy crab legs on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces, they are sure to satisfy your taste buds with their succulent and sweet flavor.