Where Can I Buy King Crab Legs Near Me? A Guide to Finding Fresh King Crab Legs in Your Area

King crab legs are a delicious and indulgent seafood treat. Their sweet, briny flavor and tender texture make them a favorite for special occasions and celebrations. But finding fresh, high-quality king crab legs near you can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look.

In this article, I’ll share the best places to buy king crab legs near you, whether you’re looking for them at grocery stores, seafood markets, or restaurants. We’ll also go over how to pick out the freshest king crab legs and tips for preparing them at home Let’s dive in!

Check Your Local Grocery Store or Seafood Market

The first place to check for king crab legs is your local grocery store or specialty seafood market. Stores like Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons often carry king crab legs in the frozen seafood section. You can usually find legs sold in 1-2 lb bags.

Make sure to check the label for the harvest location – legs from Alaska or Russia are considered top quality. The label should also have a sell-by date so you can be sure they’re fresh. The best king crab legs will be bright red and translucent when thawed with a clean, sea breezy aroma. Avoid any with dry cracked shells or a fishy odor.

In addition to grocery stores, you may have better luck finding king crab legs at local seafood markets or fishmongers. Independent seafood shops are able to source a wider variety of fresh catch options. Let them know you’re looking for king crab legs and ask when their next shipment is expected.

Some reputable seafood chains like Pike Place Fish Market also ship fresh frozen legs nationwide if you can’t find them nearby Ordering online is a convenient way to get wild-caught Alaskan king crab delivered right to your door,

Check the Seafood Counter at Your Supermarket

Another place to find king crab legs is right at the seafood counter of your local supermarket. Stores like Publix, Wegmans, and Costco often stock fresh king crab legs in their self-serve seafood department.

The benefit of buying from the seafood counter is you can hand-select each leg for quality. Look for legs with a bright red shell and visible fat content. Inspect the legs closely for any nicks, cracks, or dull spots. A strong seafood odor is also a red flag for older product.

For the best selection, try to shop early in the morning when the seafood counter is freshly stocked. Be sure to keep king crab legs chilled until ready to cook.

Order King Crab Legs at Local Restaurants

Of course, the easiest way to indulge in fresh king crab legs is to order them at a local restaurant! There are a few spots in most cities that serve them as an appetizer or entree.

Seafood restaurants and steak houses are your best bet for finding legs on the menu. Places like Joe’s Crab Shack, Rustic Inn Crabhouse, and Miami Joe’s serve Alaskan king crab legs boiled or steamed alongside drawn butter.

You can also find king crab legs at higher-end restaurants during seasonal promotions. Keep an eye out for special crab leg nights or all-you-can-eat crab deals.

Be aware that ordering crab legs at restaurants often comes with a higher price tag. Expect to pay $40-60 or more per pound at most establishments. Going out for crab legs makes for a great special occasion splurge.

Tips for Selecting Fresh King Crab Legs

Now that you know the best places to buy king crab legs near you, let’s go over some tips for selecting the freshest ones:

• Check the harvest location. Wild-caught king crab from Alaska or Russia offer the best flavor and texture. This info should be on the label.

• Inspect the shell. It should have a bright red color with a smooth, firm texture. Avoid any with cracks, dull spots, or dry patches.

• Look for plumpness. Quality king crab legs will have a dense, plump shape with visible fat. Lean, flat legs are a sign of older product.

• Give it a sniff. Fresh king crab has a clean ocean aroma. Any rancid or strong fishy odor means the crab has spoiled.

• Mind the weight. With frozen legs, choose packages labeled “6-9 lbs” for larger, meatier legs. Or opt for “4-5 lbs” for smaller legs.

• Check the price. Expect to pay $25-40+ per pound for fresh king crab depending on the size. Beware of prices that seem too low.

Following these simple tips will help you select the finest, freshest king crab legs for your meal. Now let’s go over how to store and prepare them at home.

Storing and Preparing King Crab Legs

Once you’ve brought your king crab legs home, proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and quality. Here are some quick tips:

• Keep legs chilled at 32-40°F until ready to cook. They will last for 7-10 days fresh.

• For longer storage, place legs in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• King crab legs should be cooked gently using moist heat methods like steaming, boiling, or baking.

• Steam or boil legs for 8-12 minutes until the shell turns bright red. Take care not to overcook.

• For baking, coat legs in butter and cook at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

• Enjoy king crab legs split with a mallet and served with melted butter, lemon wedges, and seafood tools.

• The sweet crab meat also shines in pastas, seafood bisques, crab cakes, and stuffing recipes.

With proper storage and preparation, you can enjoy delicious king crab in your home kitchen. Just follow these tips for selecting and cooking up the finest king crab legs near your location.

Where to Buy King Crab Legs Near Me: A Recap

From grocery stores to restaurants, there are many places to buy king crab legs fresh near you when you know where to look. Here’s a quick recap of the best spots to find king crab legs close to home:

• Check the seafood case at grocery stores like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Albertsons
• Visit local fish markets and independent seafood shops
• Check the fresh seafood counter at supermarkets like Costco and Publix
• Look for king crab on the menu at local seafood restaurants and steak houses
• Order online from reputable seafood companies like Pike Place Fish Market
• Follow the tips above for picking out the freshest legs

With this guide, you’ll be ready to seek out delicious king crab legs close to home. Just remember to keep them chilled until ready to cook. Share your favorite king crab recipes and serving ideas in the comments below!