Crab legs are a delicious treat, but eating them plain again and again can get boring. The good news is, there are so many ways to season crab legs to take their flavor to the next level! Whether you prefer simple spices or bold herb blends, boiling liquid or buttery drizzles, this guide will walk you through the best seasonings for crab legs to satisfy your tastebuds.
Season Crab Legs During the Cooking Process
One of the easiest ways to impart flavor into crab legs is to season the liquid while they’re cooking The seasonings will gently infuse into the meat, adding flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the crab. Here are some top picks
Old Bay
This classic crab seasoning is a foolproof choice. It contains a blend of spices like celery salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes to give a warm, savory flavor. For boiling, use a ratio of 6 ounces Old Bay to 4 quarts of water. The spice level is moderate, so those who like it hot can increase the amount.
Lemon
Fresh lemon juice and zest add a bright, citrusy note that balances the briny seafood flavor. For a simple boil, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the pot and add a tablespoon of grated zest. Lemon also pairs well with garlic, parsley, butter or olive oil.
Salt and Pepper
A simple seasoning of salt and black pepper enhances the natural sweet and briny notes of the crab. Add a tablespoon or two of salt while boiling. Finish with freshly cracked pepper after cooking.
Coat Crab Legs with Seasoning Mixes
If you steam, bake or grill crab legs, coating them with spice mixes is a handy way to directly season the meat. Try wet mixtures containing oil or butter so the seasonings stick, or dry rubs for a crusty texture.
Cajun Spices
The lively flavors of cayenne, paprika, garlic, and oregano give a New Orleans flair. For added richness, combine the spices with melted butter before brushing onto crab legs before baking or grilling.
Chili Powder
The mild heat and smoky taste of chili powder is fantastic with seafood. Make a quick blend with olive oil, cumin, oregano, garlic powder and smoked paprika to brush over crab before cooking.
Italian Herbs
An Italian-inspired mix of dried basil, oregano, parsley and garlic adds robust herby flavor. Simply combine the herbs with olive oil and lemon juice to make a marinade to coat steamed crab legs.
Make Flavored Butters and Sauces
Compound butters and dipping sauces allow you to directly control the flavors you want with each bite of crab. Whip up a flavored butter to spread over cooked crab legs or design a sauce for dipping – the options are endless!
Garlic Herb Butter
For an indulgent crab experience, try mixing softened butter with minced garlic, Italian parsley, lemon juice and pepper. Spoon over hot crab legs so the butter melts deliciously over each piece.
Spicy Cocktail Sauce
Kick things up with a zingy blend of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice and hot sauce. The cool, creamy sauce offsets the natural sweetness of crab meat perfectly.
Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce
For an Asian twist, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger and garlic. The savory-sweet sauce packs a flavorful punch with each dip.
Season Simply to Let the Crab Shine
When working with ultra high-quality crab like Alaskan King Crab, it’s understandable to want the true flavor to stand out. In that case, simple seasonings are best for accentuating (but not overpowering) the crab’s sweetness:
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Salt, pepper and lemon – enhances brininess and balances richness
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Melted butter – adds luxurious flavor and moisture
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Fresh herbs like dill, parsley or chives – brightens with herbal notes
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Splash of white wine or seafood stock – imparts subtle depth
The key is to use a light hand so the crab can be the star! Special varieties like King Crab are treasured for their pure, fresh sweetness from the icy Pacific waters.
While plain crab legs are tasty on their own, seasoning them properly takes the experience to new heights. Whether you like things tangy, spicy, buttery or herby, the possibilities for kicking up crab legs are endless. With some creativity and the seasoning suggestions above, you can make this seafood even more crave-worthy! Just be careful not to overdo it – a little seasoning goes a long way with good quality crab.
What You Need to Steam Crab Legs
- A large stock pot for steaming the crab
- Tongs to remove the crab legs from the pot
- I love using crab leg crackers to make the job easier, but they arent necessary.
Ingredients for Steaming Crab Legs
| Ingredient | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Old Bay Seasoning | A classic choice for seafood, Old Bay combines primarily celery salt and paprika with other spices such as cayenne and mustard powder. You can use any seasoning of your preference. |
| Salt | I always recommend Maldon Sea Salt Flakes. Kosher salt is a good alternative. For best flavor, avoid using fine table salt. |
| Crab Legs | You can use fresh or frozen crab legs for this recipe, both work! I have a guide to using frozen crab legs below in addition to the fresh guide. My photos picture king crab legs, but use your favorite. |
| Vegetable Oil | Use a neutral vegetable oil such as canola oil or avocado oil. |
| Light Beer | You want to use canned light beer, not beer from a bottle. |
| Corn Cob Halves | This is optional, but I love to cook some corn on the cob at the same time as crab for an easy side dish. Then its like a proper seafood boil! |
Note About Seasoning: Crab seasoning is a matter of preference. Steaming allows you to infuse the meat with more flavor, so you can use just a bit of seasoning and get the most amazing results!
My personal favorite seasoning for crabs uses a can of light beer and Old Bay. I love the flavor it infuses in the crab legs! But, you can steam them in plain water and enjoy them just as much. Crab meat is so tasty either way!
The BEST WAY to make crab legs in the oven #shorts #crablegs #easyrecipe #oven
FAQ
What is the best way to season crab legs?
If you plan to boil or steam your crab legs, your first option is to use the water to impart extra flavor. Don’t be shy about adding salt, pepper, lemon juice and lemon rinds, or the classic Old Bay seasoning to your pot before boiling or steaming your crab legs.
Why is it important to season crab legs?
Seasoning crab legs is important because it can help make the crab meat’s inherent qualities even more flavorful. Old Bay seasoning, lemon, garlic, and butter are some seasonings that can bring out all the meat’s sweetness and give the taste profile depth and complexity. The flavor of crab legs can be significantly improved by seasoning.
When does the Dungeness crab legs season start?
In the United States, the Dungeness crab legs season generally starts in December and runs through the end of June. It’s important to check with local authorities for the exact dates and regulations before heading out to catch your own crabs. Dungeness crab legs are most commonly found along the Pacific coast, from Alaska down to California.
When does crab season start & end?
Some of the largest crab-producing states, like Alaska and Maine, start crab season in the fall, around October, and end it as temperatures start climbing in early spring. Some Southern states, such as Florida and South Carolina, have a year-round crab season.