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snow crab legs

Snow Crab Legs Recipe

Rachid Yousfi
Snow crab legs are a luxurious yet surprisingly simple dish that will elevate any meal. Whether you're a seafood lover or new to trying crab, this recipe promises a delightful, flavorful experience with tender meat and minimal preparation—perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine North Atlantic
Servings 3 People
Calories 99 kcal

Equipment

  • Crab cracker
  • Large pot or steamer
  • Tongs
  • Serving plates or bowls
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pound snow crab legs
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the crab legs:
    If using frozen snow crab legs, thaw them in the fridge for about 6–8 hours, or place them in cold water for about 30 minutes. If using fresh crab legs, skip this step.
  • Boil water:
    Fill a large pot with water, enough to submerge the crab legs. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  • Steam or boil the crab legs:
    Once the water is boiling, carefully place the crab legs in the pot. If you're boiling them, cook for 6–8 minutes. If steaming, place the crab legs in a steamer basket over the pot and cover. Steam for about 10 minutes until the legs are heated through and fragrant.
  • Make the garlic butter:
    While the crab legs are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat.
  • Serve:
    Arrange the crab legs on a serving platter. Drizzle the garlic butter over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
  • Enjoy:
    Crack open the crab legs using a crab cracker or kitchen shears. Dip the tender meat into the garlic butter and enjoy the sweet, succulent flavor!

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Notes

  • Thawing is key: If you're using frozen crab legs, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Thawing helps the meat cook evenly and retains its natural flavor.
  • Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder will work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as vibrant.
  • Don’t overcook the crab: Overcooking snow crab legs can lead to tough, rubbery meat. Keep a close eye on your cooking time—6-8 minutes is usually plenty for boiling.
  • Opt for fresh butter: For the richest flavor, use fresh, high-quality butter. Salted butter is fine, but unsalted gives you more control over the seasoning.
  • Serve immediately: Snow crab legs are best when fresh and hot. Serve them immediately after cooking for the full flavor experience.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Snow Crab Legs Recipe
Serving Size
 
100 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
99
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
1
g
2
%
Trans Fat
 
40
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.3
g
Cholesterol
 
20
mg
7
%
Sodium
 
200
mg
9
%
Potassium
 
200
mg
6
%
Protein
 
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
 
20
IU
0
%
Calcium
 
35
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1.1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Snow Crab Legs
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