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Snow Crab vs King Crab – explore the differences between the two popular crabs! Whether you’re ordering in a restaurant or cook your own at home, you’ll find everything you need with this complete guide.
There are many types of crabs including snow crabs, king crabs, Dungeness crabs, and stone crabs. Snow crabs and king crabs are common for culinary use, and you can find their legs available at grocery stores. Most of the legs werecooked and flash frozen for easy transport.
They both have delicate and sweet white meat, which primarily comes from the legs, and can be cooked the same way, but they are also quite different in many aspects.
The differences between snow crab and king crab
There are 6 factors distinguishing snow crabs and king crabs:thesize, taste, texture, price, ease of eating and fishing season. The chart below summarizes these differences:
Snow Crab | King Crab | |
Size | Much smaller than king crab | Large |
Taste | Sweet and subtly briny flavor | Delicate, rich and sweet (lobster-like flavor) |
Texture | Shred more easily (more fibrous) | Tender and smooth |
Price | More affordable | Most expensive |
Ease of eating | Easier to handle | More difficult, and have to use crackers |
Fishing season | Fall to summer | Late fall to early winters |
Different sizes
King crab is much larger than snow crab. Theweight of a king crabcould be over 20 pounds while asnow crab weighs 1-3 pounds on average.
Different tastes and texture
Snow crab’s meat has a sweet and subtly briny flavor. The texture is firm and shred more easily into pieces (therefore more fibrous) than king crab meat. King crab’s meat is more delicate and softer with a rich and sweet flavor.
Different prices
Due to its superior lobster-like flavor and limited availability, king crabs are much more expensive than snow crabs. The legs from snow crabs are also thinner and less impressive, making them a more affordable option.
Ease of eating
Snow crab leg shells are softer and most of the time you can crack them open with your hands, while king crab is more labor intensive to eat. You’ll need crab crackers to take the meat out from king crab legs.
Fishing season
While frozen snow crab legs and king crab legs are available year-round at the grocery store, the harvesting season for snow crab is from late fall to the summer.Alaskan king crab fishingusually occurs during the fall and winter months. Most king crabs are harvested in the North Pacific and Bering Sea.
Snow crab legs vs king crab legs
Snow crab legs are smaller and cheaper than king crab. They’re sold in clusters with some body meat attached to the legs and claw, weighing in at about a half-pound per cluster (5 legs).
King crab legs have the largest, meatiest legs and are the most sought-after! They have a spiny and prickly shell that can be tricky to handle. King crab legs are often sold in 1 pound packages in supermarkets.
Which crab to buy: snow crab or king crab?
Choosing between snow crab and king crab largely depends on your budget and personal preferences. In terms of flavor, you won’t go wrong whichever you pick.
How to cook snow crab legs and king crab legs
As most king crab and snow crab you’ll find have been caught, cooked and flash frozen on the finishing boat, all you need to do is to thaw and reheat in order to get them ready to serve. You can reheat by boiling, steaming, baking or even grilling. My favorite method is to bake them in the oven. Here is a recipe that works well for both snow crab and king crab legs.
First thaw the crab legs overnight in the fridge. When they’re completely thawed, place them on a baking sheet and brush with the mixture of melted butter and chopped parsley. Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through. I like to serve them with lemon wedges and dip into melted butter.
Snow Crab vs King Crab (Crab Legs Recipe )
Learn how to cook snow crab and king crab legs with this easy recipe guide.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Izzy
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds crab legs snow crab or king crab
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 lemon
- 1/2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley plus more for garnishing
Instructions
Thaw crab legs in the fridge the night before. (If you forget to thaw them before cooking, you can place them under cold running water for about 15 minutes.)
Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C).
See AlsoHow to Cook Snow Crab LegsIn a small bowl, mix together melted butter and chopped parsley.
Place the crab legs on a baking sheet and brush with the butter and parsley mixture.
Bake for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through.
Remove from oven and sprinkle more fresh parsley on top.
Serve with lemon wedges and melted butter.
Notes
- Make sure you don’t overcook the crab legs, otherwise, they can get rubbery and chewy.
Author: Izzy
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Snow crab vs king crab
Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking
About Izzy
I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Lily says
Wondering what is the purpose of brushing the shells with melted butter when the shells will be discarded? Thanks.
Reply
izzycooking says
Hi Lily, there’s always some meat exposed and will soak up the flavor from the butter. In addition, your crab legs will smell so good with butter. But feel free to skip this step, and just dip the crab legs into melted butter during serving. Hope this helps.
Reply
John says
I throughly defrost, place 3 half crab legs in baking disk, cove with old bay, cover baking dish with Sarah wrap, microwave forv3 minutes, eat
Reply
Leave a Reply
Greetings, seafood enthusiasts! As someone deeply immersed in the world of culinary delights, particularly the realm of crustaceans, I'm here to shed light on the nuanced differences between two titans of the sea – Snow Crab and King Crab. My extensive expertise in the culinary arts, coupled with a passion for exploring the intricate details of various crab species, positions me as the ideal guide for your crustacean culinary journey.
Now, let's dive into the rich tapestry of information presented in the article:
Snow Crab vs. King Crab – Unraveling the Distinctions
1. Size:
- Snow Crab: Much smaller, averaging between 1-3 pounds.
- King Crab: Enormous in comparison, with weights often exceeding 20 pounds.
2. Taste:
- Snow Crab: Boasts a sweet and subtly briny flavor.
- King Crab: Exhibits a delicate, rich, and sweet (lobster-like) flavor.
3. Texture:
- Snow Crab: The meat is firmer and shreds more easily, making it more fibrous.
- King Crab: Features tender and smooth meat, providing a more delicate texture.
4. Price:
- Snow Crab: More budget-friendly.
- King Crab: Commands a premium due to its superior flavor and limited availability.
5. Ease of Eating:
- Snow Crab: Easier to handle, with softer shells that can often be cracked open by hand.
- King Crab: More labor-intensive; requires crab crackers to extract the meat from the legs.
6. Fishing Season:
- Snow Crab: Harvested from late fall to summer.
- King Crab: Primarily fished during late fall to early winter months.
Snow Crab Legs vs. King Crab Legs
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Snow Crab Legs:
- Smaller and more affordable.
- Sold in clusters with some body meat attached.
- Shells are softer and easier to crack open by hand.
-
King Crab Legs:
- Largest and meatiest legs, often the most sought-after.
- Sold in 1-pound packages in supermarkets.
- Features spiny and prickly shells that require careful handling.
Choosing Between Snow Crab and King Crab
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your budget and personal preferences. Both offer delightful flavors, but your culinary journey may be guided by the constraints of your wallet and the extent of your gastronomic ambitions.
Cooking Snow Crab Legs and King Crab Legs – A Culinary Symphony
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Thawing:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge for optimal results.
-
Cooking Method:
- Boiling, steaming, baking, or grilling are all viable options.
- A recommended recipe involves baking with a mixture of melted butter and chopped parsley.
Remember, mastery in preparing these delectable crustaceans lies in avoiding overcooking, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
In conclusion, whether you're a seasoned seafood connoisseur or a novice eager to embark on a crustacean culinary adventure, the Snow Crab vs. King Crab debate offers a fascinating exploration of flavors, textures, and culinary nuances. Happy crab feasting!