Cooking Alaskan King Crab

A highly popular product for any crab lover is the Alaskan King Crab. There are only 4 specific species of crab caught in the Alaskan waters of the 18 that currently live there. The most popular locations being Norton Sound and Bristol Bay. However, these crabs are typically frozen and shipped out due to the location of where they are fished.

Below are several ways to prepare those crabs to make them still delicious. The best part? Cooking super colossal crabs are easy enough that you don’t need to be a top chef to make it taste good.

Preparing & Handling

LobsterAnywhere prides itself on the high-quality preparation and handling that goes into our Alaskan Crabs. As previously mentioned, most King Crabs are frozen and then shipped out to be delivered to your front door. Similarily to ensure the perfect crab meat upon delivery, LobsterAnywhere crabs are pre-cooked and flash-frozen.

On the day of delivery, there are several ways to store the crabs to ensure they stay fresh. Properly wrapped Alaskan King Crab can be stored in the home freezer for up to 4 months at 0 degrees F or lower. It’s highly recommended, for optimum quality, thawed crab should be stored in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days.

5 Ways to Prepare Alaskan King Crab

Firstly, Alaskan King Crabs are exceptionally diverse when it comes to how to prepare them. Not only can you cook them, but it’s also acceptable (and delicious) to serve them chilled. Below are 5 different ways that you can prepare your crabs, however, be sure not to overcook them as you’ll lose the delicious taste and texture of your crab meat.

Serve King Crab Chilled

For those of you looking for that delicious crab taste, but not necessarily looking to cook an entire meal, this is the recipe for you. Although it Alaskan King Crabs taste good cooked, they are also delicious chilled as well. Perfect for a simple appetizer, or, a delicious side to go along with a fantastic surf and turf dinner.

• Place frozen crab legs in a shallow pan or on a tray.
• Cover with plastic wrap or foil and thaw, refrigerated, 8 to 10 hours or overnight.
• Simply cut up and eat chilled with fresh lemon and lime wedges.

Steam:

One of the best options for cooking Alaskan King Crab is steaming them. The best part is that cooking crab doesn’t take long, and only requires a few simple ingredients. This method is great for legs and claws.

1. Place a steam basket in large pot; fill pot with boiling water to depth of ¾ inch.
2. Place Alaska King crab legs in a basket
3. Reduce the heat and cover for about 5 minutes, or until the crab is thoroughly cooked.
4. Serve with plenty of melted butter and lemon.

Broil:

1. Place Alaska King crab split legs in broiler pan, shell-side down; brush with butter or favorite sauce.
2. Place pan about 4 inches from heat; broil 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, brush occasionally with butter or sauce while broiling.

Microwave:

You can thaw and heat Alaskan King Crab legs in the microwave in one step. Wrap legs in a damp paper towel and microwave for about four minutes (time will vary depending on the number of legs you have.

Barbecue:

1. 5 inches above hot coals, place Alaska King Crab legs shell-side down on the rack.
2. Barbecue about 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated; brush occasionally with butter or sauce

Pro Tip: A crab/lobster shell cracker or just a good ol’ nutcracker will come in handy. All you have to do is crack it, pull away the shell and eat it. On the other hand you can also use a good pair of good scissors if you like to get the meat out in big pieces. Hold the crab in one hand and cut lengthwise on one or both sides of the leg.