How to Cook Snow Crab Legs Perfectly Every Time

Snow crab legs are a delicious seafood treat that many people love to indulge in. With their sweet, succulent meat and delicate flavor, they make a wonderful appetizer or main course. However, cooking snow crab legs properly can seem intimidating for home cooks. Luckily, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can cook snow crab legs perfectly every time.

Choosing High-Quality Snow Crab Legs

The first step to cooking great snow crab legs is selecting high-quality crab. When purchasing snow crab legs either fresh or frozen look for legs that are firm and plump with a shiny shell. Avoid any legs that seem soggy or have an unpleasant odor. High-quality snow crab legs will have a sweet ocean aroma. If buying frozen be sure to thaw the legs completely before cooking.

Preparing the Crab Legs

Once you have your snow crab legs, prepare them for cooking. Use kitchen shears or scissors to cut the clusters into individual legs. This makes them easier to manage when cooking. You can leave the legs whole or cut them in half widthwise for smaller portions. Rinse the legs and pat dry with paper towels.

Cooking Methods

There are several excellent methods for cooking snow crab legs at home The three most popular techniques are boiling, steaming, and baking

Boiling

Boiling snow crab legs allows them to absorb seasoning while cooking. Fill a large pot halfway with water and add 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the crab legs and boil for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the cooked legs from the pot and serve immediately with melted butter.

Steaming

Steaming gently cooks the crab legs while preserving moisture. Place a steamer basket in a large pot filled with 1 to 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a simmer then add crab legs to the basket in a single layer. Cover and steam for 4 to 6 minutes until the meat is opaque. Serve the steamed legs with lemon wedges.

Baking

Baking crab legs in the oven creates juicy, aromatic meat infused with flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place crab legs on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until hot and shell turns reddish. Squeeze fresh lemon over the baked crab before serving.

Pro Tips

• Check for doneness by looking for an opaque, pearly white interior meat color. The shell will become bright red when fully cooked.

• Provide small crab forks or picks for getting into narrow spaces.

• Allow cooked legs to cool completely before storing leftovers. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Seasoning Ideas

Snow crab legs have a naturally sweet taste that pairs well with simple seasonings. Try topping them with just melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, or Old Bay seasoning. For more flavor, brush on olive oil mixed with Cajun spices before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Snow crab legs make an elegant presentation on their own served with lemon wedges. Or, pair them with dipping sauces like clarified butter, aioli, or chimichurri. They also complement fresh seasonal sides:

• Steamed asparagus
• Herb rice pilaf
• Corn on the cob
• Roasted potatoes
• Green salad

For an easy appetizer, cut legs into pieces and mix with tomato, avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for a crab leg salad.

How to Eat Snow Crab Legs

Snow crab legs contain delicious meat inside the hard outer shell. Follow these steps for accessing the tender meat:

• Grasp the leg firmly and twist and pull each section to remove it.
• Use a crab cracker or small hammer to crack the shell open. Tap gently to avoid shattering leg.
• Break shell pieces off and pull out meat using a seafood fork.
• Dip pieces of crab meat in lemon butter, garlic sauce or other dipping sauces.
• Savor the sweet crab flavor!

Storing Leftover Crab

Properly stored, leftover snow crab legs will keep for 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Allow cooked legs to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze legs up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should crab legs be thawed before cooking?

Yes, always thaw frozen snow crab legs fully in the refrigerator before cooking. This prevents uneven cooking.

Do you rinse snow crab legs before cooking?

It’s a good idea to rinse legs briefly under cool water before cooking. This removes any ice crystals or debris from the shell.

How can you tell when snow crab legs are done?

The shell will turn bright red-orange and the meat will be opaque white when fully cooked. Press the meat with tongs to check for firmness.

Is it better to boil or steam crab legs?

Either boiling or steaming are excellent cooking methods. Boiling adds flavor as seasonings penetrate the shell while steaming preserves natural flavors.

How long do snow crab legs last in the fridge?

Cooked snow crab legs keep 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Discard any leftovers that smell unpleasant or look slimy.

Can you reheat previously cooked crab legs?

Yes, you can reheat precooked snow crab legs. Steam them for 2 to 3 minutes or bake at 375°F for 4 to 5 minutes until hot.

The Takeaway

With proper thawing, seasoning, and cooking technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality snow crab legs at home. Boiling, steaming, and baking all produce tender, juicy, and sweet crab meat when done correctly. Serve legs hot with dipping sauces and lemon for a spectacular seafood meal.