How to Cook Snow Crab Legs: The Ultimate Guide with Garlic Butter Sauce
Snow crab legs are a seafood delicacy that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just craving a hearty seafood meal, we’ve got the perfect guide for you. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to cook snow crab legs using three simple methods—boiling, steaming, and baking. And to top it all off, we’ll show you how to make a rich garlic butter sauce to elevate your dish. Ready to impress your guests? Let’s dive in!
What Are Snow Crab Legs?
Snow crab legs come from the cold waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, and they’re known for their sweet, delicate meat. The legs are long and slender, with a reddish hue, and are typically pre-cooked when sold, which makes them incredibly convenient to prepare at home. You only need to heat them, add a flavorful butter sauce, and they’re ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to cook up a batch of mouthwatering snow crab legs:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Snow crab legs | 2 lbs |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Methods for Cooking Snow Crab Legs
Boiling Method
Boiling is the quickest way to prepare snow crab legs and ensures that they remain moist and flavorful.
- Fill a large pot with water, toss in a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add the crab legs into the boiling water, letting them cook for about 4-5 minutes, just until they’re thoroughly heated.
- Carefully use tongs to lift the crab legs out of the pot, allowing any excess water to drip off. serve them immediately with your favorite sauce.
Pro Tip: Crab legs are pre-cooked when sold, so make sure not to boil them for too long to prevent overcooking.
Steaming Method
Steaming is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of crab legs while ensuring they stay tender and juicy. It locks in moisture, so each bite is full of that rich, buttery flavor without drying out the meat.
- Pour about an inch of water into a large pot and bring it to simmer.
- Place a steaming rack inside the pot and arrange the crab legs on top.
- Place the lid on the pot and let the crab legs steam for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until they’re heated through and perfectly tender.
Pro Tip: This method helps retain the natural juices of the crab legs for extra flavor.
Baking Method
If you love the roasted flavor, baking snow crab legs is a great option.
- Set your oven to 370°F (190°C).
- Lay the crab legs out on a baking sheet and generously brush them with the warm, melted butter. Make sure they’re evenly coated to lock in all that delicious flavor before cooking!
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until thoroughly heated.
Pro Tip: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the butter can bring an extra layer of flavor to your crab legs.
Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
This sauce is a must for dipping your snow crab legs!
- Warm ½ cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently now and then, until it’s fully melted and smooth.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a tablespoon of fresh parsley.
- Serve warm alongside your crab legs.
This rich garlic butter sauce takes your snow crab legs to the next level.
Pro Tip: For a deeper, nutty flavor, try browning the butter before adding the garlic.
Serving Tips
Snow crab legs are versatile and pair well with many side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Pair them with roasted vegetables like Esparragos (asparagus) for a healthy, fresh side.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up all the butter sauce.
- Add mashed potatoes or corn on the cob for a heartier meal.
If you’re in the mood for a seafood feast, you can also serve the crab legs alongside shrimp, lobster, or clams for a luxurious spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook snow crab legs from frozen?
A: Yes! If you’re cooking snow crab legs from frozen, increase the steaming or boiling time by a few minutes until they’re fully heated through.
Q: How do I store leftover crab legs?
A: You can store cooked crab legs in the fridge for 3 days. To reheat, steam or microwave them with a little water to keep them moist.
Q: How many snow crab legs should I buy per person?
A: Typically, plan on about 1 to 1.5 pounds of snow crab legs per person for a main course.
Q: Can I bake crab legs from frozen?
A: Yes, baking frozen crab legs works well, but you’ll want to extend the cooking time by about 5 minutes to ensure they’re heated all the way through.
Final Thoughts
Cooking snow crab legs at home is a breeze once you know the right techniques. Whether you’re boiling, steaming, or baking them, the key is not to overcook and to let their natural sweetness shine through. Paired with a rich garlic butter sauce, these crab legs become an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or an impressive meal for guests.
Remember, the beauty of snow crab legs lies in their simplicity, but don’t be afraid to get creative with sides like roasted Esparragos or even throw in some mashed potatoes for a heartier touch. Once you’ve mastered these methods, you’ll wonder why you ever thought you needed to head to a restaurant for such a luxurious treat. Enjoy your meal, and feel free to experiment with different seasonings and flavors to make it your own!
