The Essential Guide to Opilio “Snow Crab” (Queen Crab

Welcome to the ultimate guide on Queen Crab, commonly known as the opilio crab or "opies." This species of snow crab thrives in the cold waters of the North Pacific and Northwest Atlantic Oceans. Smaller and more affordable than the King Crab, opilio crabs are highly valued for their sweet, succulent meat, offering a milder flavor and more delicate texture.

 Origin: Canada and United States

Preparation Instructions

Thawing

Refrigerator Method:

• Place the frozen snow crab legs on a tray or in a shallow dish to catch any moisture that may escape during thawing.
• Thaw the crab legs in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours, preferably overnight. This slow thawing process helps preserve the crab’s texture and flavor.

Cold Water Method:

• Place the frozen snow crab legs in a sealed plastic bag to prevent water from entering and affecting the taste.
• Submerge the bag in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure consistent thawing.
• The crab legs should thaw within 1-2 hours, making this a quicker option if you need them ready sooner.

Storing:

Freezer:

• Keep the snow crab legs frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag to prevent freezer burn and preserve their quality.
• When properly stored, the crab legs can last up to 3 months in the freezer without significant loss of flavor or texture.

Refrigerator:

• Once thawed, store the crab legs in the refrigerator at 32-38°F (0-3°C).
• Consume within 3 days to enjoy the best flavor and texture. Do not refreeze thawed crab legs as this can negatively impact their quality.

Cooking:

Let the water in the bottom of the steamer pot come to a boil, then add the crab legs in the steamer and cover. The crabs will be heated through when you can smell them. You can also pick one up with a tong and touch the meaty part just to be sure that it is indeed warm. Serve immediately with warm butter for dipping

For a more detailed description visit our guide on How To Cook Snow Crab

FAQs

Whats the difference between Snow Crab and King Crab?

• Size: King crabs are larger; snow crabs are smaller.
• Flavor: King crab is richer; snow crab is milder.
• Shell: King crabs have harder shells; snow crabs have softer shells.
• Price: King crabs are pricier; snow crabs are more affordable.
• Habitat: King crabs live in deep, cold waters; snow crabs are found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific.

What to Serve with Snow Crab Clusters?

• Garlic Butter, Lemon Wedges, Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw, Steamed Veggies, Garlic Bread, or Potato Salad.

Fun Facts About Snow Crab

• Snow crab is often called “queen crab.”
• Only male snow crabs are legally harvested.
• Snow crab shells are easier to crack than king crab shells.

Recipes

• Alaskan Snow Crab Cakes with Aioli: Recipe Link
• Snow Crab Pasta: Recipe Link

Side Dishes:

Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw, Steamed Veggies, Garlic Bread, or Potato Salad.

Uses:

Opilio Snow Crab 5/8, being medium-sized, is versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications.

1. Seafood Boils: Perfect for traditional seafood boils, where the crab is boiled with other seafood, corn, and potatoes.
2. Crab Legs: Served steamed or boiled, often with melted butter, lemon, or garlic sauce.
3. Crab Salads: The meat can be used in cold salads mixed with mayonnaise, celery, and herbs for a refreshing dish.
4. Crab Cakes: The meat is ideal for making crab cakes, where it is combined with breadcrumbs, spices, and sometimes egg to form patties that are then fried.
5. Soups and Stews: The crab can be added to seafood soups or stews, such as chowders, for a rich flavor.
6. Sushi: The meat can be used in sushi rolls or as a topping for nigiri.
7. Pasta Dishes: Incorporate the crab meat into creamy pasta dishes, such as linguine with crab and white wine sauce.
8. Grilled or Baked: The legs can be grilled or baked with seasonings like garlic, butter, and herbs.