How to Cook Snow Crab Legs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crab legs are a delicious seafood that many people enjoy, and snow crab legs are no exception. Whether you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or simply satisfy your seafood cravings, cooking snow crab legs can be a great option. In this article, we’ll go over the steps necessary to prepare and cook snow crab legs to perfection.

What Are Snow Crab Legs?

Snow crab legs are the legs of the snow crab, a type of crab that is caught in the cold waters of the North Pacific and the Bering Sea. These legs are prized for their sweet and delicate flavor, as well as their tender and succulent meat. Snow crab legs come pre-cooked, but you’ll still need to heat them up before serving.

Step 1: Thaw the Crab Legs

If you’re using frozen snow crab legs, you’ll need to thaw them before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw them under cold running water. Do not use warm water to thaw the crab legs, as this can cause them to lose some of their flavor and texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Crab Legs

Once the crab legs are thawed, you’ll need to prepare them for cooking. Use a pair of kitchen shears to cut the crab legs into pieces that are about 2-3 inches long. This will make them easier to handle and serve. If the legs still have shells on them, you can also use the shears to cut the shells open to expose the meat.

Step 3: Boil the Crab Legs

The most common way to cook snow crab legs is to boil them. Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the crab legs and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the crab legs. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the crab legs to the pot.

Let the crab legs boil for about 4-6 minutes, or until they’re heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become dry and tough. Once the crab legs are done, remove them from the pot with a pair of tongs and transfer them to a plate.

Step 4: Serve the Crab Legs

You can serve snow crab legs with a variety of different sides, such as melted butter, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, or garlic butter. Simply place the crab legs on a platter and add your desired sides. If you want to get fancy, you can also garnish the plate with some fresh parsley or other herbs.

Tips for Cooking Snow Crab Legs

-Don’t overcook the crab legs, or they’ll become dry and tough.
-If you don’t have kitchen shears, you can also use a sharp knife to cut the crab legs into pieces.
-If you want to add more flavor to the crab legs, you can also add herbs or spices to the boiling water.

FAQs

1. Can you microwave snow crab legs?

It is not recommended to microwave snow crab legs, as this can cause them to become tough and rubbery.

2. How should I store leftover snow crab legs?

If you have leftover crab legs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be eaten within 1-2 days.

3. Can you freeze cooked snow crab legs?

Yes, you can freeze cooked snow crab legs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.