Crab is a type of shellfish that has many different kinds.
The most common type of crabs is what we call blue or stone crabs.
These are what people eat when they order “crab legs”.
There are many different types of crab leg recipes, but what do they taste like? In this blog post, we will go in-depth about what crab legs taste like and what to expect when eating them.
What are Crab Legs?
A favorite American food.
Crab legs contain delicious meat from crabs which can then be eaten with your hands alongside other goodies like potatoes and corn.
Crab legs are just as tasty and satisfying for many people’s cravings as other seafood dishes- crab cakes or lobster tail being two examples.
They are a popular food in certain coastal regions of the United States, such as Maryland and Virginia.
Crab legs come in many shapes, from knuckles to claws; it’s always best to buy whole ones so you can pick what type is right for your dish.
You can find them in most grocery stores near the frozen section.
When buying a bag of crab legs, make sure to check the dates on the package as they will only last for so long before going bad.
Nutritional Facts of Crab Legs
Crab legs are one of the most popular seafood dishes in America, and for a good reason- they’re delicious.
But did you know that crab legs are also healthy? They’re a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A.
One pound of snow crab legs (raw weight) contains about: 440 calories; 34g fat; 0g carbohydrates; 1600mg sodium; 32g Protein.
Depending on the type of crab legs you select, the nutritional content can vary.
For example, snow crab meat has more fat and sodium than Dungeness or king crab.
If you’re looking for low-fat options, try to find Dungeness Crab Legs with less than 20g per serving size (about six pieces) or King Crab Legs with less than 12g per serving size (about four pieces).
What Do Crab Legs Taste Like?
Crab legs are incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking.
You can boil them, steam them, deep fry, and bake.
The flavor of crab meat varies depending on how you cook the crustacean, but generally, they have a salty taste with a buttery, sweet aftertaste.
The texture of crab legs is also different depending on the cooking method, but generally, they are soft and flaky when boiled or steamed.
They can be crispier like a chip with their natural meat juices seeping out of them when deep-fried.
When baked, crab legs may lose some flavors compared to boiling or steaming methods because they don’t absorb as much from the shellfish’s juices.
However, if you season these crabs beforehand, then this might not happen at all.
King Crabs vs Snow Crabs
King Crabs and Snow Crabs are both edible crustaceans.
But, the King Crab is reserved for a more gourmet experience with its delicate sweet flavor, while everyone can enjoy the Snow crab because of its milder taste.
King Crab is larger than Snow Crab.
King Crabs have massive, rigid legs which need a tool to remove, and Snow Crabs have straighter appendages.
King Crab has a broader body than snow crab.
King crabs also have white or tan-colored claws, while the Snow crab’s legs are black with orange pincers on top of them to help you feed it pieces of bait from your hand without getting bitten.
King Crabs live at higher latitudes.
They can be found as far north as Alaska, along the coasts of Canada and Russia, down into Siberia-parts of Japan; all around Iceland, Norway, Sweden Finland.
They’re also found in more temperate zones such as the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada, Chile.
How to Cook Crab Legs?
Crab legs are a delicious summertime treat that’s perfect for the grill or oven.
You’ll need to make sure you buy them fresh and not frozen, then follow these easy steps to cook crab legs.
- Clean your hands well.
- Rinse off all of the dirt and mud from under his claws.
- Remove any visible bits of the shell by running water over it.
- Scrub with salt.
- Take out their gills.
- Put some oil in the pan.
- Place crabs into the hot frying pan.
- Cook until crispy.
- Sprinkle with seasoning.
- Serve up.
A must-have recipe this grilling season is cooking moist, tender, succulent crab legs right at home.
Where to Buy Crab Legs?
Are you looking for a place to buy crab legs? There are options, both online and in-store.
Online companies like Amazon offer many different types of seafood, including crabs that can be shipped right to your door.
In-store locations might not have as much variety, but they’re still worth checking out, especially if you’re a local and don’t want to pay for shipping.
Below are some of the most popular in-store locations that sell crab legs:
- Walmart.
- Kroger (this is mainly just supermarkets).
- Costco.
- Grocery stores near your home or workplace.
Conclusion
Even though they’re not as popular in America, crab legs are a delicacy around the world.
Crab is abundant and easy to harvest from our coastal waters, making this seafood choice an excellent addition to your next meal.
And what’s even better? They taste just like lobster.
So give them a try today and see for yourself why people love these aquatic critters so much.
Just be warned – you might become addicted after one bite.
What Do Crab Legs Taste Like? Do Crab Legs Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Crab legs
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
About The Author
