Does Costco Sell Crab Legs?

Crab legs are a coveted seafood delicacy that many grocery stores sell. With its huge selection of foods at warehouse prices, Costco is a popular place that shoppers turn to when they want to pick up crab legs. But does the major retailer actually carry this prized crustacean treat?

The answer is yes – Costco does sell fresh crab legs! The wholesale store offers various types of crab legs at affordable prices, available either in-club or through their online grocery delivery service.

Below is an overview of the kinds of crab legs sold at Costco and tips for selecting the best crab legs during your shopping trips

Types of Crab Legs Available at Costco

Costco provides shoppers with several fabulous options when it comes to crab legs:

King Crab Legs

• From Alaska’s cold northern waters
• Extra-large size with sweet, succulent meat
• Sold as leg clusters or leg and claw combo packs
• Premium-priced but very meaty

Snow Crab Legs

• Smaller legs from the colder Canadian Atlantic
• Economical choice still tasty and affordable
• Sold attached in clusters or loose by the pound

Dungeness Crab Legs

• Harvested off the Pacific Northwest coast
• Medium-sized legs, reasonably priced
• Attached in clusters or loose legs

Stone Crab Claws

• From Florida and the Gulf of Mexico
• Only the claws are eaten (like lobster)
• Delicate, firm meat with signature flavor
• A high-end splurge item

In addition to whole legs and claws, Costco also sells containers of shelled crab meat in various sizes

Buying Fresh Crab at Costco

The crab legs at Costco arrive pre-cooked so they just need reheating Here are some tips for selecting the best fresh crab legs on your Costco trip

• Look for crab legs tightly closed shut. Avoid any with cracked shells.

• Check for leg joints that are firmly attached.

• Opt for bright white coloring on shells; avoid yellowed or brown-tinged shells.

• Frozen legs should not have much frost or ice crystals.

• Pick up thawed crab legs last on your shopping trip.

• Inspect for proper labeling of type and origin.

• Peak season is late winter through early summer.

• Buy frozen legs if you don’t plan to eat within a couple days.

Getting your crab legs at Costco allows you to buy fresh seafood in larger quantities at lower prices. Freeze any extras to enjoy later.

How To Prepare and Cook Crab Legs

As the crab legs from Costco are pre-cooked, preparation is a breeze. You simply need to reheat them using a method like:

• Steaming for 4-6 minutes
• Boiling gently for 3-5 minutes
• Grilling for 4 minutes per side
• Broiling for 2-3 minutes per side
• Sautéing in butter for 2-3 minutes per side
• Microwaving frozen legs for 1 minute per leg

Check for doneness when the shells are hot and start to split at the joints. Avoid overcooking which can make the meat rubbery.

Then just crack them open using a crab cracker, hammer or kitchen shears. Dip the sweet meat into melted butter, lemon juice or your favorite sauce!

Serving Suggestions for Crab Legs

Along with reheating, here are some tasty ways to prepare and serve your crab legs:

• Split lengthwise before grilling or broiling.
• Sprinkle with Old Bay or other crab seasoning when cooking.
• Pair legs with corn on the cob and red potatoes.
• Serve with clarified butter for dipping.
• Garnish with fresh lemon wedges.
• Make a crab boil with sausage, corn, and onions.
• Toss cold crab meat with celery, onion and mayo for crab salad.
• Put crab meat on toast points or crackers for appetizers.
• Use crab in seafood pasta, risottos or stir fries.

Get creative with the delicious crab from Costco! A seafood feast is now affordable and easy to make at home.

Benefits of Buying Crab at Costco

Purchasing your crab legs at Costco offers many advantages:

• Freshness – Constant resupply means you get crab when it’s freshest.

• Affordability – Competitive pricing means more value for your dollar.

• Quality – Rigorous supplier standards result in better, tastier seafood.

• Convenience – Easy to grab legs when doing regular shopping trips.

• Selection – Various types like king, snow, and Dungeness offered.

• Custom Ordering – Can special order desired pieces like crab claw meat.

• Availability – Crab legs stocked year-round so you can always find them.

• Bulk Buying – Can purchase multiple packages at once for easy meals later.

• Peace of Mind – Reputable source with transparent seafood supply chain.

• Guarantee – Can return unsatisfactory seafood for full refund.

Shopping at Costco allows you to purchase top-notch crab legs at bulk savings compared to other grocery stores. Their buyer relationships and seafood standards ensure you get delicious, high-quality crab every time.

Crab Legs Are an Ideal Costco Purchase

With their popularity and price, crab legs are a perfect type of seafood to buy from Costco. Their inventory turns over rapidly, so you know you’re getting crab at the peak of freshness. And you can stock up on bulk packages of legs while saving significantly compared to other retailers.

So next time you’re shopping at Costco for pantry essentials or frozen foods, make sure to swing by the seafood case and pick up some crab legs too. With minimal preparation needed, you’ll be ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy crab leg dinner at home. Costco truly takes the guesswork and hassle out of buying fabulous crab legs for less.