How Much Are Fresh King Crab Legs? The Price Guide You’ll Need

King crab legs are considered a delicacy and can be quite expensive depending on the size and quality. If you’re wondering how much fresh king crab legs cost, this comprehensive guide provides an overview of the pricing landscape to help you make informed purchasing decisions.

Overview of King Crab Legs

King crab legs come from two species – the red king crab and the golden king crab. They are wild-caught in the cold waters of the Bering Sea near Alaska The legs are removed from the body, flash frozen and shipped worldwide

King crab legs are prized for their sweet briny flavor and tender texture. The meat has a naturally sweet taste and does not require much seasoning beyond some lemon and melted butter. The long, thick legs contain a generous amount of flaky white meat. Due to their premium quality and limited supply, king crab is amongst the most expensive types of crab in the world.

Typical Price Range

• Jumbo red king crab legs (1 lb) – $30 to $60
• Colossal red king crab legs (1 lb) – $50 to $90
• Golden king crab legs (1 lb) – $60 to $100

So on average, expect to pay around $30 to $100 per pound for king crab legs depending on the size.

Here are some benchmark prices from online seafood retailers:

• Sam’s Club – Jumbo Alaskan king crab legs – $50/lb
• Costco – Alaska King Crab Legs – $40/lb
• Wild Alaskan Company – Wild red king crab legs – $60 to $100/lb
• Seattle Fish Company – Frozen king crab legs – $30 to $50/lb

The more premium offerings like the colossal-sized crab legs and overnight fresh shipments will be at the higher end of this range. Smaller, value packs of frozen king crab legs will cost comparatively less.

Factors Affecting Price

Several factors account for the price variability seen in the market for king crab legs.

Size of Crab Legs

• Jumbo – 1.25-1.5 lbs per leg
• Colossal – Over 1.5 lbs per leg
• Super colossal – Over 2 lbs per leg

Larger legs with thicker meat and bigger chunks will be more expensive per pound compared to smaller legs.

Species

The red king crab lives in shallower waters and has a higher population density, so it costs marginally lesser than the rarer golden king crabs that live in deeper waters.

Supply and Seasonality

King crab fishing in Alaska has quotas and seasons to maintain sustainability of the fisheries. During peak harvest seasons like fall, temporary gluts may lower prices a bit.

Source

• Wild-caught vs farmed – Wild Alaskan king crab will be more expensive than farmed king crab from Norway or Russia.

• Fresh vs frozen – Fresh legs shipped overnight will cost more than frozen legs.

Quality

The grading system for king crab is based on consistency of size, meat color and lack of damage. Higher quality grades will command premium pricing.

• Captain’s Select – Highest quality, intact large legs
• Ketchikan – High quality, consistent size
• Juneau – Medium size legs with some variability
• Petersburg – Smaller legs with more variability in size

Cost Saving Tips

Here are some tips to get your hands on king crab legs without breaking the bank:

• Buy frozen legs instead of fresh overnight shipments to save about $10-15/lb.

• Opt for legs packed under generic labels instead of branded crab legs.

• Purchase crab legs during peak harvest seasons like fall when prices dip slightly.

• Buy jumbo legs instead of colossal or super colossal to pay less per pound.

• Look for leg clusters rather than intact full legs to get a lower per-pound cost.

• Buy in bulk directly from retailers offering discounts on volume purchases.

Is It Worth the Price?

King crab legs are one of the most premium seafood treats out there. Beyond the steep price, their rich, sweet taste and tender meat deliver an unmatched culinary experience for seafood aficionados. The large legs provide plenty of meat making them perfect for sharing.

King crab legs are worth splurging on for special occasions like holidays and celebrations when you want to indulge in something ultra-luxe. For everyday seafood meals, opt for cheaper alternatives like snow crab legs or wild-caught shrimp. Ultimately, the exceptional flavor and enjoyment you’ll get out of king crab legs make them worth the cost.

How to Pick Your Own King Crab Legs

When picking raw king crab legs either at the store or when ordering online, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose legs that are translucent white to light pink with a glossy sheen rather than yellowish or grey.

• Pick legs that are intact without cracks or visible damage.

• Opt for legs that are consistently sized if possible.

• Give them a sniff – you want legs that smell like fresh ocean without any fishy odor.

• Legs should feel very cold and frozen solid if buying frozen.

• When in doubt, ask your fishmonger for their freshest stock.

Storing King Crab Legs

Proper storage preserves the quality and shelf life of your expensive king crab legs:

• Keep legs frozen until ready to thaw and cook. Do not refreeze after thawing.

• Store thawed crab legs in the coldest part of the fridge and use within 2 days.

• Wrap the legs in moisture-proof packaging or place in an airtight container.

• Never store legs in direct contact with ice as this damages the texture.

Cooking Your King Crab Legs

King crab legs should be cooked gently to prevent overcooking the delicate meat. Here are some foolproof cooking methods:

Steaming – The most common method. Steam for 8-10 minutes until the meat is opaque.

Grilling – Quick grill for 2-3 minutes per side to get nice char marks.

Baking – Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.

Sautéing – Fry briefly in butter for 2-4 minutes to enhance flavor.

Microwaving – Microwave frozen legs for 2-3 minutes based on thickness.

Avoid boiling the legs as it can make the meat tough. Always check for doneness before overcooking. Enjoy the king crab legs with clarified butter, garlic sauce or just a squeeze of lemon.

Worth the Splurge for Special Occasions

King crab legs deliver a sweet, succulent taste that seafood fans find hard to resist. While undeniably pricy, their unmatched flavor and enjoyment make them worth the splurge for special occasions and foodie indulgences. Use this guide to understand the pricing and make the most of your purchase!

King crab legs are expensive due to a combination of limited supply, high demand, and challenging harvesting conditions. Specifically, the Alaskan red king crab fishery, known for its premium quality, has faced closures and restrictions in recent years, further impacting supply.

No, Alaskan King crab legs are not necessarily cheaper in Alaska. While they are caught there, the majority is shipped out, and prices are often higher due to demand and shipping costs.