Do you want to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills? Cooking crab can be a daunting task, but fear not because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll teach you how to cook king crab like a pro. We’ll provide you with tips and tricks to make this dish a crowd-pleaser. So, prepare your apron and let’s get cooking.
What is King Crab
King crab is a type of crustacean that is highly prized for its succulent, sweet meat. There are three species of king crab, which are the red king crab, the blue king crab, and the golden king crab. These three species are found in different regions of the world’s oceans like the Barents Sea, Aleutian Islands, and the Gulf of Alaska, respectively. Despite their name, king crabs are not true crabs but instead are more closely related to hermit crabs and lobster.
Characteristics
King crab is known for its large size, with males sometimes exceeding 24 pounds in weight and a leg span of 5 feet. Female king crabs can grow up to 12 pounds and a leg span of up to 3 feet. They have a hard exoskeleton and spiky legs and claws. They can vary in color, but most species have reddish-brown shells that are covered in tiny, raised bumps.
Harvesting
King crab is harvested by commercial fishing boats that drop large cage-like traps onto the seafloor, baiting them with herrings, squid, or other fish. The traps are then left on the seafloor for a certain period, ranging from a few hours to several days, because of weather and location. Once the traps are hauled back on board, the crabs are sorted, and live they are taken to the processing plant or back to the shore. King crab can be expensive because of their high demand, but the meat is a delicacy and well worth it.
How to Choose the Perfect King Crab
King crab is a luxurious delicacy that should be carefully selected to fully enjoy its rich taste. Follow these tips to choose the perfect king crab for your next meal.
Look for Crab that Comes from a Reliable Source
The best way to ensure the crab you are purchasing is fresh is to buy it from a reputable seller. Check whether the seller has a good reputation and look for any negative reviews. If possible, purchase your crab from a local supplier. It ensures that you are buying fresh crab and also supports the local community.
Check the Crab’s Weight
The weight of the crab will give you an idea of how meaty it is. If you want to have the most meat, look for a heavier crab. The weight of the crab should account for about a pound per person.
Inspect the Crab’s Shell
The quality of the crab’s shell is an excellent indicator of whether the crab is fresh. The shell should be shiny, and there should be no cracks or mussel shells attached to it. If the crab’s shell is dull, it may mean that the crab is not fresh or has been frozen for a long time.
Check the Crab’s Limbs
When you examine the crab, you should check the limbs to ensure that none of them are missing, and they are all attached correctly. If the limbs are flimsy or fall off easily, it may be because the crab is not fresh.
Store the Crab the Right Way
If you are not planning to cook the crab on the same day you bought it, you should store it in a cool place. You can wrap it in damp newspaper or store it in the refrigerator. Do not place King crab meat in the freezer as it may affect the texture and taste of the crab meat.
Discovering King Crab Cooking Methods
King crab is a delicacy that can be enjoyed in various ways, from steaming to grilling. The cooking method you choose will depend on your taste preferences as well as the occasion. Here, we take you through the different cooking methods for king crab and help you decide which one is best for your cooking needs.
Boiling King Crab
Boiling is a quick and easy method for cooking king crab. It involves submerging the crab legs in a pot of boiling water and cooking them for around 8-10 minutes. This method is ideal for those who want the crab to taste natural, without any additional flavors. However, the downside of boiling is that it can sometimes make the crab meat a bit water-logged.
Steaming King Crab
Steaming is another popular method for cooking king crab. It involves placing the crab legs in a steamer basket or pot with a small amount of water, then steaming them until they are heated through, which takes around 5-7 minutes. This method is ideal for those who want to retain the natural sweetness and flavor of the crab. In addition, steaming is a healthier option than boiling, as it preserves nutrients.
Baking King Crab
Baking is a less common but still delicious method for cooking king crab. It involves placing the crab legs in a baking dish, seasoning them with herbs, butter, or other ingredients, and then baking them in the oven at 350°F for around 10-12 minutes. This method adds more depth of flavor and can be a good option for those who like their crab with a crispy texture.
- When baking, you can brush the crab legs with butter for a richer flavor.
- You can also add garlic or lemon to the crab legs for an extra burst of flavor.
Grilling King Crab
Grilling is a fun and adventurous method for cooking king crab. It involves placing the crab legs on a preheated grill for around 5 minutes per side, until they are heated through and have a slightly charred exterior. This method adds a smoky flavor to the crab and is perfect for outdoor dining. However, grilling can be a bit tricky, and if not done properly, the crab can be dry and overcooked.
Tip: To keep the crab moist while grilling, brush it with butter or oil before placing it on the grill.
Seasoning Your King Crab
If you’re looking for ways to elevate your King crab dish, take a look at the variety of seasonings you can use. The right seasoning can bring out the sweet and succulent meat of King crab even more. Here are some of the most popular spices and herbs used to season King crab:
- Garlic: Garlic can add a savory and slightly spicy flavor to your King crab. You can rub minced garlic onto the crab or mix it into butter for a tasty dip.
- Lemon: Lemon can provide a bright and zesty flavor that complements the natural sweetness of King crab. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the crab or mix it into melted butter.
- Butter: Butter is a classic seasoning for King crab that provides a rich and creamy taste. Melt butter and pour it over the crab or dip it into melted butter for a decadent treat.
Different Recipes for Seasoning King Crab
Now that you know about the popular seasonings for King crab, it’s time to explore different recipes to make your dish truly stand out. Here are some ideas:
| Recipe | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Garlic Butter King Crab | King crab legs, butter, garlic, salt, pepper |
| Lemon Herb King Crab | King crab legs, lemon juice, fresh parsley, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper |
| Spicy King Crab | King crab legs, spicy pepper flakes, garlic, butter, lemon juice, salt |
Tip: When choosing seasonings for King crab, it’s best to stick to flavors that don’t overpower the natural sweetness of the meat. Stick to one or two seasonings at most to avoid a dish that’s too busy in flavor.
How Long to Cook King Crab
King crab is a delicacy that not only tastes great, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. To enjoy this delicious seafood, you need to know how to cook it properly. Here’s what you need to know about how long to cook King crab:
Size Matters
The size of your King crab is crucial in determining how long you should cook it. The larger the crab, the longer it will take to cook. As a general rule of thumb, you should allow about 8 to 10 minutes of cooking time per pound of crab.
Cooking Methods
The cooking method you choose will also affect the cooking time. Here are some common cooking methods and the estimated cooking time for King crab:
- Boiling: Boiling is the most common method of cooking King crab. To boil King crab, simply fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the crab and cook for 10-12 minutes for a 1-pound crab or 15-18 minutes for a 2-pound crab.
- Steaming: Steaming is another popular way to prepare King crab. To steam King crab, fill a large pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the crab to a steamer basket and place it over the pot. Cover and steam for 5-10 minutes per pound.
- Baking: Baking is a great option if you want to infuse your King crab with flavor. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the crab in a baking dish and add your choice of seasonings, butter, and lemon juice. Bake for 10-12 minutes for a 1-pound crab or 15-18 minutes for a 2-pound crab.
How to Tell if King Crab is Cooked Properly
It’s crucial to cook King crab properly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. One way to tell if the crab is cooked is by looking at the color. The shell should be bright red, and the meat should be opaque and white. You can also check the internal temperature of the crab, which should be at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pro Tip: To prevent overcooking, remove the King crab from heat as soon as it reaches the correct temperature. Overcooked King crab can become tough and rubbery.
How to Serve Your King Crab Like a Pro
If you want to impress your dinner guests, serving King crab is a great way to do it. However, it’s not just about how to cook King crab – it’s also about how to present it. Here are some tips and ideas on how to serve your King crab like a pro:
1. Add Some Lemon
Lemon is a classic pairing with seafood and King crab is no exception. Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the crab meat to add a bright, fresh flavor. You can also serve King crab with lemon wedges on the side, so your guests can adjust the amount of lemon to their liking.
2. Melt Some Butter
Melted butter is another classic accompaniment to seafood, and King crab is no different. Simply melt some butter in a small dish and let your guests dip their crab meat into it. You can even add some herbs or spices to the butter, like garlic or parsley, for an extra flavor boost.
3. Offer Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a simple but delicious side dish that pairs well with King crab. You can make your own garlic bread by toasting some sliced bread and spreading it with a mixture of butter, garlic, and parsley. Or, you can buy pre-made garlic bread from the store and heat it up in the oven.
4. Serve with Cocktail Sauce
Cocktail sauce is a tangy and spicy dipping sauce that goes great with King crab. To make your own, mix together ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.
5. Try Some Mustard Sauce
If you want to try something a little different, mustard sauce is a unique and flavorful dipping sauce for King crab. To make it, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
6. Pair with Wine
A glass of wine is the perfect complement to a seafood feast, including King crab. If you’re not sure what type of wine to pair with your meal, try a crisp white wine with fruity or floral notes, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. Alternatively, you can ask your local wine store for recommendations.
Thank You for Joining Us
Thank you for taking the time to learn how to cook king crab like a pro! We hope our tips and tricks have helped you master this delicious seafood dish. Be sure to visit us again for more exciting recipes and culinary adventures!
Learn How to Cook King Crab Like a Pro
Learn how to cook king crab like a pro with this comprehensive recipe guide. From selecting the right crab to preparing it with various cooking methods, we’ve got everything you need to know.
- 4 lbs king crab
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup salt
- 2 lemons (halved)
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- When selecting your king crab, look for those that are heavy for their size and have firm shells. Avoid any with cracks or holes. Frozen crab is also a good option if fresh is not available.
- To prepare your king crab, first rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Next, fill a large pot with water, salt, garlic, and lemons. Bring to a boil and add the crab, letting it cook for 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, remove the crab from the pot and let it cool before cracking it open to extract the meat.
- King crab can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods, including baking, grilling, steaming, and boiling. Some popular seasoning options include garlic, butter, and lemon, but feel free to get creative with your flavors!
- King crab is often served with melted butter and lemon on the side for dipping. It pairs well with a variety of sides including roasted vegetables, rice, and pasta dishes.
