Best Way To Make King Crab Legs
Crab legs are a popular delicacy enjoyed by seafood lovers all over the world. They are known for their tender, succulent meat and unique flavor. One of the most popular types of crab legs is king crab legs. King crab is a type of crab that is found in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean. It is known for its large size and sweet, delicious meat. In this article, we will show you the best way to make king crab legs.
Choosing the Right King Crab Legs
The first step in making king crab legs is choosing the right ones to cook. King crab legs can be purchased either fresh or frozen. Fresh king crab legs are the best option if you can find them. Look for crab legs that are bright red in color and have a firm texture. If you are unable to find fresh crab legs, frozen crab legs are a good alternative. Look for frozen crab legs that are vacuum-sealed and indicate that they have been previously frozen. When purchasing, calculate about 1-2 pounds of crab legs per person.
Thawing the Crab Legs
If you have opted for frozen crab legs, the next step is to thaw them. To thaw the crab legs, remove them from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you need them to thaw quickly, you can place them in a large bowl and run cold water over them until they are completely thawed. Once thawed, rinse them under cold water.
Boiling the Crab Legs
The most common method for cooking king crab legs is boiling. To boil the crab legs, fill a large pot with enough water to completely cover the crab legs. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the crab legs to the pot. Boil the crab legs for about 6-8 minutes or until they are heated through. Remove them from the pot and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Steaming the Crab Legs
Steaming is another popular method for cooking crab legs. To steam the crab legs, place a steamer basket inside a large pot and add enough water to reach just below the basket. Bring the water to a boil and place the crab legs in the steamer basket. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the crab legs for about 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through. Remove them from the pot and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Baking the Crab Legs
Baking is another option for cooking crab legs. To bake the crab legs, preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the crab legs out in a baking dish and brush them with melted butter. Season them with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Bake the crab legs for about 10-12 minutes or until they are heated through. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving the Crab Legs
Once the crab legs are cooked, it's time to serve them. Crab legs are typically served with melted butter and lemon wedges. To eat them, use a crab cracker or kitchen scissors to crack open the shells and extract the meat. Dip the meat in melted butter and enjoy!