How to Eat Snow Crab: Preparing, Cooking and Enjoying the Delicious Meat

Introduction

Snow crabs are a popular seafood delicacy enjoyed around the world. They are known for their sweet, succulent meat and are often served as a main course in restaurants. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, learning how to eat snow crab is a must-have skill. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of preparing and cooking snow crab, as well as some tips on how to enjoy it. We’ll also provide some great snow crab recipes to try this season.

Preparing Snow Crab Legs: Learn the Basics

Before you can enjoy the taste of snow crab, you need to learn how to properly prepare it. Here’s what you need to know about selecting, buying, and cleaning snow crab before you start cooking.

Types of Snow Crab

There are two types of snow crab—the North American species (Chionoecetes opilio) and the Japanese species (Chionoecetes japonicus). The North American species is more widely available in stores, while the Japanese species is usually caught in the wild. Both types of snow crab have a sweet, delicate flavor and creamy texture.

Selecting and Buying Fresh Snow Crab

When selecting snow crab, look for ones that are bright orange-red in color and have a sweet smell. You should also check that the legs are intact and not cracked or broken. When buying fresh snow crab, make sure to buy from a reputable source. Frozen snow crab is also an option, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Cleaning and Prepping Snow Crab

Once you’ve chosen your snow crab, it’s time to clean and prep them for cooking. Start by removing any dirt or debris from the shell using a stiff brush. Then, use a pair of scissors or kitchen shears to cut off the claws and legs. Once the claws and legs are removed, use a sharp knife to crack open the shell and remove the meat. Make sure to discard the shells after you’re finished.

How to Cook Snow Crab: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve prepped your snow crab, it’s time to start cooking! Here are some of the most popular methods for cooking snow crab.

Boiling Snow Crab Legs

Boiling is one of the simplest ways to cook snow crab legs. To boil snow crab legs, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the legs. Add 2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water, then bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the snow crab legs and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the legs turn bright red. Remove the legs from the pot and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Baking Snow Crab

Baking snow crab is another easy way to cook them. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the snow crab legs on the baking sheet and brush with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the shells turn bright red. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Grilling Snow Crab

Grilling snow crab is a great way to add a smoky flavor to the meat. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the snow crab legs on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the shells turn bright red. Brush with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Steaming Snow Crab

Steaming snow crab is another simple way to cook them. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the bottom. Place a steamer basket inside the pot and add the snow crab legs. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and steam the snow crab legs for 8-10 minutes, or until the shells turn bright red. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Enjoying Snow Crab Legs

Now that you know how to cook snow crab legs, here are some tips on how to enjoy them.

Recommended Sauces and Seasonings

Snow crab legs taste delicious when served with a variety of sauces and seasonings. Try serving them with melted butter, lemon juice, garlic butter, Old Bay seasoning, or your favorite seafood seasoning blend. For a spicy kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Utensils for Handling Snow Crab

When eating snow crab, it’s important to have the right utensils. A pair of seafood crackers and a seafood fork are essential for cracking open the shells and removing the meat. You can also use a small spoon to scoop out the meat from the legs and claws.

Best Accompaniments for Snow Crab

Snow crab pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Try serving it with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, French fries, coleslaw, or a green salad. A glass of white wine or a light beer also makes a great pairing.

The Best Ways to Eat Snow Crab

Now that you know how to prepare and cook snow crab, let’s explore the best ways to eat it.

Cracking Open Snow Crab Legs

The first step in eating snow crab is to crack open the legs and claws. Use a pair of seafood crackers and a seafood fork to carefully crack open the shells. Be careful not to damage the meat inside.

Eating the Meat from Snow Crab

Once the shells are cracked open, you can start to enjoy the sweet, succulent meat inside. Use a small spoon to scoop out the meat from the legs and claws. The meat can be eaten plain or dipped in your favorite sauce.

Discarding the Shells

After you’ve enjoyed the meat, it’s time to discard the shells. Place the shells in a separate bowl or container and discard them in the trash when you’re done.

Snow Crab Recipes to Try This Season

If you’re looking for some new ideas for cooking snow crab, here are three delicious recipes to try this season.

Snow Crab Bisque

This creamy bisque is perfect for cold winter nights. Start by sautéing onion and celery in butter until soft. Add garlic, white wine, chicken stock, and heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add cooked snow crab meat and simmer for 15 minutes. Finally, stir in sherry and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Snow Crab Cakes

These savory cakes make a great appetizer or light meal. Start by mixing together cooked snow crab meat, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, breadcrumbs, and your favorite seasonings. Form into patties and fry in a skillet until golden brown. Serve hot with tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Snow Crab Stir Fry

This flavorful stir fry is an easy weeknight dinner. Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in oil until fragrant. Add snow crab meat and your favorite vegetables and sauté until tender. Finally, stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutritional Benefits of Eating Snow Crab

In addition to being delicious, snow crab is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of protein, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. It’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Eating snow crab regularly may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and improve overall health.

Conclusion

Snow crab is a delicious seafood delicacy that’s easy to prepare and cook. With the right techniques, you can enjoy its sweet, succulent meat. From boiling to baking to grilling, there are many ways to cook snow crab. Try some of the recipes listed above, or experiment with your own creations. With its many nutritional benefits, eating snow crab can be a healthy addition to your diet.