The Essential Guide to Alaskan King Crab
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Alaskan King Crab Guide
Welcome to your go-to guide for everything Alaskan King Crab!
These Alaskan King Crab legs, known for their remarkable size ranging from 9 to 12 inches, are sourced from the pristine cold waters of Alaska. Prized for their sweet, succulent meat, they offer a truly indulgent dining experience. Whether you choose to steam, boil, or grill them, these King Crab legs are a delicacy that will captivate any seafood lover. Pair them with melted butter and a squeeze of lemon for an unforgettable meal.
ORIGIN: USA
SIZE: 9-12 INCHES
USES: Steam and serve with butter, Crab Cakes, Sushi
TASTE: Sweet and Succulent Meat
Preparation Guide
Thawing Crab:
- Refrigerator Method: Thaw in the fridge for 12-24 hours for best texture and flavor.
- Cold Water Method: Submerge in cold water, changing every 30 minutes until thawed.
Storing:
- Refrigeration: Store thawed crab in the fridge for up to 2 days in a sealed container.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Instructions
Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs with Butter and Lemon
- Place a steamer tray in a large pot.
- Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the steamer tray.
- Heat the water on high until it reaches a boil.
- Once boiling, add the crab legs to the pot.
- Cover the pot and steam the crab legs for 5 minutes.
- Remove the crab legs from the pot.
- Serve immediately with melted butter and lemon wedges
Cool Facts About Alaskan King Crab
- Alaskan king crabs can reach impressive sizes, with females up to 10.5 lbs and males up to 24 lbs. They can live 20-30 years, growing throughout their lives.
- Their blood is blue due to hemocyanin, a copper-based pigment that turns blue when oxygenated, helping them survive in cold, low-pressure environments.
- King crabs form pods, stacking on top of each other as a defense against predators. These pods can be several feet high and contain thousands of crabs.
Side Dishes for Alaskan King Crab
- Garlic Butter Asparagus: Sautéed asparagus with garlic and butter.
- Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf: Rice with lemon zest, parsley, and thyme.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Roasted sprouts with crispy bacon.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth potatoes with butter and cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do king crabs live?
A: Red king crabs can live up to 20-30 years
Q: How many eggs does a king crab lay?
A: An adult female Alaskan King Crab can lay between 45,000 and 500,000 eggs per year!
Q: Why is king crab so expensive?
A: King crab has a short harvesting season, which leads to limited availability