The Best Ways to Serve King Crab Legs: A Complete Guide

by Oleg Nikitenko October 16, 2024

Serve King Crab Legs

When it comes to indulging in seafood, few dishes rival the luxurious taste and texture of king crab legs. Known for their large size, tender meat, and rich flavor, king crab legs are the perfect centerpiece for any special meal. But to truly make the most of this delicacy, it's important to know the best ways to serve king crab legs. In this complete guide, we'll explore various serving methods, recipes, and tips to ensure your guests enjoy every bite.

From simple steaming to more elaborate recipes, this article covers all the techniques you'll need to serve king crab legs like a pro.

Why King Crab Legs Are a Seafood Favorite

King crab legs are prized for their sweet, succulent meat, making them one of the most sought-after seafood options. Whether served on their own or as part of a larger dish, they bring a touch of luxury to any table. According to Chef Thomas Keller, a Michelin-starred chef renowned for his seafood expertise, "King crab legs, when served simply, allow the true flavor of the sea to shine."

This seafood delicacy is not only delicious but also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy choice for your meal.

Introduction to Cooking and Serving King Crab Legs

How to Choose the Best King Crab Legs

Before you start cooking, choosing the right quality of king crab legs is essential. Opt for high-quality, sustainably sourced Golden King Crab or Snow Crab Legs & Clusters to ensure the best flavor.

When purchasing king crab legs, you’ll typically find them frozen and pre-cooked, which helps preserve their natural flavor. Look for bright orange-red shells and avoid any legs that show signs of freezer burn or discoloration.

Best Methods for Cooking King Crab Legs

There are several popular ways to cook king crab legs. Each method brings out different flavors and textures, so you can choose the one that best suits your meal.

Steaming King Crab Legs

Steaming is one of the most common ways to cook king crab legs. This method helps retain the natural sweetness and tenderness of the crab meat. Here’s how to steam king crab legs:

  1. Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the crab legs.
  3. Cover the pot and steam the legs for 5-7 minutes, until heated through.
  4. Serve immediately with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Boiling King Crab Legs

Boiling is another simple method that ensures the crab legs stay moist. To boil:

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Submerge the crab legs in the water and cook for 4-5 minutes.
  3. Remove the legs and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Grilling King Crab Legs

Grilling gives the crab legs a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the meat. Here’s how to grill king crab legs:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Brush the crab legs with olive oil or melted butter.
  3. Grill the legs for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until they have a slight char.
  4. Serve with garlic butter or your favorite seafood sauce.

The Best Side Dishes to Serve with King Crab Legs

Serving king crab legs with the right sides can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some of the best sides to pair with your crab legs:

1. Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce

No king crab meal is complete without a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. Melted butter mixed with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon creates the perfect complement to the delicate crab meat.

2. Fresh Green Salad

A crisp green salad made with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens helps balance the richness of the crab legs. Add lemon vinaigrette for a zesty touch.

3. Steamed Vegetables

Lightly steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans pair well with the sweet meat of king crab. These sides provide a healthy, crunchy contrast to the softness of the crab.

Recipes for Serving King Crab Legs

For those looking to elevate their king crab dinner, here are a few recipes that will impress any guest.

King Crab Legs with Lemon-Garlic Butter

This recipe brings together the classic flavors of butter, garlic, and lemon to complement the crab meat perfectly.

Ingredients:

  • 4 king crab legs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Steam or boil the king crab legs as directed above.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the garlic and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. Drizzle the butter sauce over the crab legs and garnish with fresh parsley.
  4. Serve with extra butter on the side for dipping.

King Crab Linguine

For a more indulgent dish, this king crab linguine combines rich pasta with the succulent taste of crab.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 king crab legs, meat removed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add the white wine and lemon zest, then simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the crab meat and cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

FAQs About King Crab Legs

1. Can You Cook King Crab Legs from Frozen?

Yes, most king crab legs are pre-cooked and can be reheated directly from frozen. Simply adjust the cooking time by a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.

2. What’s the Best Sauce for King Crab Legs?

Garlic butter, lemon aioli, and remoulade are all popular choices for dipping king crab legs. The key is to keep the sauces light so they complement the natural sweetness of the crab.

3. How Should I Store Leftover King Crab Legs?

Store leftover king crab legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them by steaming or grilling for best results.

4. What is the Difference Between King Crab and Snow Crab?

King crab legs are larger, meatier, and have a richer taste compared to Snow Crab Legs , which are sweeter and have a more delicate texture.

5. Can I Grill King Crab Legs?

Yes, grilling king crab legs adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweet, tender meat. Just be sure to brush them with butter or oil to prevent them from drying out.

Conclusion: Enjoying King Crab Legs at Their Best

King crab legs are a versatile, delicious seafood that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them simply steamed or paired with rich sauces and sides, knowing how to cook and serve king crab legs ensures that you’ll make the most of this luxurious dish.

For top-quality king crab legs, check out Golden King Crab and other seafood options available at Global Seafoods. And don’t forget to visit our YouTube channel for more seafood recipes and tips!

Back to Recipes
Go to full site