Snow crab legs are a delicacy that many seafood lovers crave. With their sweet and tender flesh, they can be a showstopper at any dinner party or special occasion. However, cooking snow crab legs can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to cooking seafood. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook 2 lbs of snow crab legs to perfection.
Understanding Snow Crab Legs
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand what snow crab legs are and how they’re different from other types of crab legs. Snow crab legs come from the snow crab, also known as the queen crab, which is found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They’re known for their sweet and tender flesh, which is often described as a cross between king crab and Dungeness crab.
Snow crab legs are usually sold frozen or thawed, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming, boiling, and baking. However, the most popular way to cook snow crab legs is by steaming them, as it helps preserve their delicate flavor and texture.
Choosing the Right Snow Crab Legs
When buying snow crab legs, it’s essential to choose the right ones to ensure that they’re fresh and of high quality. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Freshness: Look for snow crab legs that are frozen or thawed recently. Avoid legs that have been sitting in the store for too long, as they may be stale or spoiled.
- Size: Snow crab legs come in different sizes, ranging from small to jumbo. Choose legs that are suitable for your needs, keeping in mind that larger legs may be more expensive.
- Quality: Look for legs that are free of cracks and breaks. Avoid legs that are discolored or have a strong odor, as they may be spoiled.
Preparing Snow Crab Legs for Cooking
Before cooking snow crab legs, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Rinse the legs: Rinse the snow crab legs under cold water to remove any impurities or debris.
- Pat dry: Pat the legs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Remove the shell: If the legs are still in their shell, remove the shell and any cartilage or membranes.
Seasoning Snow Crab Legs
Seasoning snow crab legs is essential to bring out their flavor. Here are a few ways to season them:
- Old Bay seasoning: Old Bay seasoning is a popular seasoning for seafood, and it pairs well with snow crab legs. Sprinkle a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning over the legs and toss to coat.
- Lemon and garlic: Mix lemon juice and garlic powder for a light and refreshing seasoning. Brush the mixture over the legs and toss to coat.
- Cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning is a spicy seasoning that pairs well with snow crab legs. Sprinkle a generous amount of Cajun seasoning over the legs and toss to coat.
Cooking Snow Crab Legs
Now that we’ve prepared and seasoned the snow crab legs, it’s time to cook them. Here are a few ways to cook snow crab legs:
Steaming Snow Crab Legs
Steaming is the most popular way to cook snow crab legs, as it helps preserve their delicate flavor and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to steam snow crab legs:
- Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt and 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Place a steamer basket over the pot and add the snow crab legs.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the legs for 8-10 minutes or until they’re cooked through.
Steaming Times for Snow Crab Legs
Here are some steaming times for snow crab legs:
| Size | Steaming Time |
| — | — |
| Small | 6-8 minutes |
| Medium | 8-10 minutes |
| Large | 10-12 minutes |
| Jumbo | 12-15 minutes |
Boiling Snow Crab Legs
Boiling is another way to cook snow crab legs, although it’s not as popular as steaming. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to boil snow crab legs:
- Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the snow crab legs.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt and 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the snow crab legs to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they’re cooked through.
Baking Snow Crab Legs
Baking is a dry-heat cooking method that’s perfect for snow crab legs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bake snow crab legs:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the snow crab legs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place the legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the legs are cooked through.
Serving Snow Crab Legs
Now that we’ve cooked the snow crab legs, it’s time to serve them. Here are a few ways to serve snow crab legs:
- With melted butter: Serve the snow crab legs with melted butter for a rich and indulgent treat.
- With lemon wedges: Serve the snow crab legs with lemon wedges for a light and refreshing treat.
- With cocktail sauce: Serve the snow crab legs with cocktail sauce for a tangy and flavorful treat.
Cracking Snow Crab Legs
Cracking snow crab legs can be a bit tricky, but it’s essential to get to the delicious flesh inside. Here are a few ways to crack snow crab legs:
- Use a nutcracker: A nutcracker is a great tool for cracking snow crab legs. Simply place the leg in the nutcracker and squeeze until the shell cracks.
- Use a hammer: A hammer is another tool for cracking snow crab legs. Simply place the leg on a hard surface and tap gently with a hammer until the shell cracks.
- Use your hands: If you don’t have a nutcracker or hammer, you can use your hands to crack the snow crab legs. Simply place the leg in your hand and squeeze until the shell cracks.
Conclusion
Cooking snow crab legs can be intimidating, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be a breeze. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can cook 2 lbs of snow crab legs to perfection and enjoy a delicious and indulgent treat. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, snow crab legs are a great option for any occasion.
What is the best way to thaw frozen snow crab legs?
Thawing frozen snow crab legs is an essential step before cooking. The best way to thaw them is by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. This method allows for a slow and even thaw, which helps preserve the texture and flavor of the crab. It’s also important to keep the crab legs in their original packaging or a sealed bag to prevent moisture from entering and causing the crab to become soggy.
Alternatively, you can thaw the crab legs by submerging them in cold water. This method is faster than refrigeration, but it requires more attention. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold and prevent bacterial growth. Never thaw crab legs at room temperature or in warm water, as this can cause bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
How do I cook snow crab legs in boiling water?
Cooking snow crab legs in boiling water is a simple and effective method. To start, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab legs. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt and any other desired seasonings, such as lemon juice or garlic. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then carefully add the crab legs. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the heat and steam.
Cook the crab legs for 4-6 minutes, or until they turn bright red and the meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the crab legs from the water with a pair of tongs or a slotted spoon, and serve immediately. Be careful when handling the hot crab legs, as they can cause burns.
Can I steam snow crab legs instead of boiling them?
Steaming is a great alternative to boiling snow crab legs. This method helps preserve the delicate flavor and texture of the crab, and it’s also a healthier option since it doesn’t require adding extra salt or fat. To steam snow crab legs, fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then place a steamer basket over the pot.
Add the snow crab legs to the steamer basket, cover the pot with a lid, and steam for 4-6 minutes, or until the crab legs turn bright red and the meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also add aromatics like lemon slices, garlic, or herbs to the steamer basket for extra flavor.
How do I know when snow crab legs are cooked?
Cooked snow crab legs are bright red and the meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also check for doneness by twisting one of the legs – if it comes off easily, the crab is cooked. Another way to check is by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the leg. Cooked snow crab should have an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
It’s also important to note that overcooking can make the crab tough and rubbery. So, aim for the minimum cooking time and check the crab frequently to avoid overcooking. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of undercooking, as you can always cook the crab a bit longer if needed.
Can I cook snow crab legs in the oven?
Yes, you can cook snow crab legs in the oven. This method is great for a more hands-off approach, and it’s also a good way to add extra flavor to the crab. To cook snow crab legs in the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the crab legs under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Place the crab legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and drizzle with melted butter or olive oil.
Add any desired seasonings, such as lemon juice, garlic, or paprika, and toss the crab legs to coat. Bake the crab legs for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn bright red and the meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also wrap the crab legs in foil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
How do I crack and eat snow crab legs?
Cracking and eating snow crab legs can be a bit messy, but it’s also a fun and rewarding experience. To crack the crab legs, use a nutcracker or the back of a heavy knife to crack the shell along the seam. You can also use a crab cracker or a pair of kitchen shears to crack the shell. Once the shell is cracked, use a fork or your fingers to pull out the meat.
Be sure to remove any cartilage or shell fragments from the meat before eating. You can also dip the crab meat in melted butter or a sauce of your choice for extra flavor. Some popular dipping sauces for snow crab include lemon butter, cocktail sauce, and remoulade.
Can I reheat cooked snow crab legs?
Yes, you can reheat cooked snow crab legs, but it’s best to do so gently to avoid overcooking. The best way to reheat cooked snow crab is by steaming it. Simply place the crab legs in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover the pot with a lid, and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the crab is heated through. You can also reheat cooked snow crab in the oven by wrapping it in foil and baking at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Avoid reheating cooked snow crab in the microwave, as this can cause the meat to become tough and rubbery. Also, be careful not to overheat the crab, as this can cause it to dry out and lose its flavor.