Snow crab meat is beloved by seafood aficionados for its sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. When cooked properly, this luxurious delicacy is succulent, moist and simply melts in your mouth. However, preparing snow crab meat requires some special considerations to bring out its best qualities Follow this guide to master foolproof techniques for steaming, sautéing, baking and more with snow crab meat
Choosing High-Quality Snow Crab Meat
The key to cooking incredible snow crab every time starts with selecting only the freshest, highest-quality crab meat When buying fresh snow crab meat, look for translucent white pieces tinged with bright reddish-pink The meat should have a clean, briny aroma, without any fishy or ammonia odors. Avoid any meat that smells unpleasant or appears dull and opaque.
For frozen snow crab meat, opt for chunks frozen together in a solid block with minimal ice crystals or freezer burn. Let frozen crab meat thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Canned snow crab meat also works well if you choose a premium brand packed in water or brine. Drain and rinse the crab meat before use.
Steaming for Sweet, Succulent Snow Crab Meat
One of the easiest cooking techniques for snow crab meat is steaming The gentle, moist heat helps retain juices while evenly warming the meat.
To steam snow crab meat:
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Place a steamer basket or colander in a large pot with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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Arrange snow crab meat chunks in a single layer in the steamer, leaving some space between pieces.
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Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
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Serve immediately with melted butter, lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Steaming gently brings out snow crab’s naturally sweet flavor. Be careful not to overcook, as the delicate meat can become rubbery.
Sauté for Deeper, Richer Flavor
For more complex flavor, try sautéing snow crab meat in butter or oil with garlic, herbs, citrus and other seasonings.
To sauté snow crab meat:
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Melt 1-2 tbsp butter or heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add snow crab meat and sauté 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
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Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice and zest, parsley or dill.
The high heat of sautéing caramelizes the exterior of the crab for fuller, richer flavor. Just avoid overcooking the tender meat.
Baking for Crabs Cakes, Casseroles and More
Baking is ideal for cooking snow crab meat in appetizers, main dishes and side dishes.
To bake snow crab meat:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
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Mix crab meat with binders like egg, breadcrumbs or mayo to help hold it together.
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Form into patties, balls or spread in the baking dish.
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Brush the surface with oil or melted butter. Bake 15-20 minutes until heated through.
The dry heat of the oven lightly browns the outside while gently warming the interior. Monitor carefully to prevent drying out.
Simmering in Soups and Stews
Snow crab meat also shines when added to seafood soups, chowders and stews. The chunks provide delightful texture and ocean-fresh flavor.
To use snow crab meat in soups:
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Prepare the soup or stew base recipe.
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Add snow crab meat during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
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Gently stir just until the crab is warmed through.
The moist environment and quick cooking keeps the tender texture intact. Avoid overcooking which can toughen the meat.
Tips for Cooking Snow Crab Meat
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Thaw frozen snow crab meat completely before cooking.
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Handle the delicate meat gently to prevent shredding.
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Don’t overcook, as snow crab can become rubbery.
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Stir in at the end for pasta, risotto, stir fries.
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Enhance with lemon, garlic, parsley, Old Bay, butter, olive oil.
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Chill leftover cooked crab meat and use within 2-3 days.
With these easy techniques, you can enjoy exquisite snow crab meat dishes at home. Pick your favorite preparation to let the sweet succulence of this premium seafood shine.
Steaming Snow Crab Legs and Clusters
While snow crab meat is convenient, many prefer the experience of steaming and cracking their own snow crab legs and clusters. Steaming cooks legs perfectly while sealing in moisture.
To steam snow crab legs:
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Rinse legs and clusters under cold water. Trim any dangling leg tips with scissors.
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Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water. Bring to a boil.
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Place steamer basket in pot and arrange legs & clusters in a single layer inside.
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Cover and steam 8-12 minutes until shells turn bright reddish-orange.
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Serve immediately with melted butter, lemon and seasoning.
Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Carefully cracking open the steamed legs reveals plump, juicy meat with sweet crab flavor.
Tips for Handling and Serving Snow Crab
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Select legs that are tightly closed and chill-firm, avoiding black spots or odors.
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Use shears to cleanly cut legs at joints for easier handling.
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Check doneness by shell color or internal temperature of 145°F.
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Carefully break open cooked legs as steam can escape. Use a mallet.
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Pick out meat starting from the body end which has the most meat.
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Serve with clarified butter, lemon wedges and fun dipping sauces.
Follow these recommendations for selecting, preparing and serving snow crab legs and meat. With the proper techniques, you can enjoy sublime snow crab feasts at home with family and friends.
Boiling Snow Crab Legs:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil, then add the snow crab legs.
- Boil for 4-5 minutes if thawed, or 7-8 minutes if frozen.
- Remove from water, and they’re ready to serve!
Classic Snow Crab with Garlic Butter
Nothing beats the simplicity of snow crab paired with rich, garlicky butter. This classic recipe highlights the crab’s delicate flavor with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs snow crab legs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the snow crab legs using either the boiling or steaming method.
- While the crab legs are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the crab legs from the pot, plate them, and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
How to Prepare our LUXPACK™ Snow Crab Leg Meat
FAQ
Can you cook snow crab?
However, care should be taken not to overcook it, as this can result in tough meat. Baking snow crab is a flavorful option that can infuse the legs with seasonings or butter while keeping them moist. Grilling adds a unique smoky flavor, which can be enhanced by marinating the crab beforehand.
How to cook snow crab legs?
Luckily, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can cook snow crab legs perfectly every time. 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.
How long do you cook snow crab meat?
Bake 15-20 minutes. The hot oven lightly browns the exterior while heating the crab meat through. Bake just until heated through, watching carefully to prevent drying out. Snow crab meat also shines in seafood soups, chowders, and stews.
Can You reheat precooked snow 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. 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.
How do you know if a snow crab is cooked?
Pro Tip: Check for doneness by looking for an opaque, pearly white interior meat color. The shell will become bright red when fully cooked. 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.
How do you cook snow crab in a crock pot?
Bring the water to a boil. Place the snow crab in the steaming basket and cover the pot. For fresh snow crab, steam for 5-7 minutes. For frozen snow crab, steam for 10-12 minutes. After steaming, carefully remove the basket and let the crab cool briefly before serving. Baking adds an aromatic flavor to the snow crab.