This post first appeared on Yellow Bliss Road where I am a contributor.
Did you know it’s really simple to cook snow crab legs at home? With this simple recipe, you can have your favorite seafood in 10 minutes.
Did you know that you can make snow crab legs at home for a lot less money than going out to eat? They only need 5 to 15 minutes to cook, depending on how you cook them. This recipe tastes just as good as going out to eat without the wait!.
When it comes to dining out, I’m a sucker for crab. It’s my favorite restaurant food to order. This isn’t exactly cheap, but I like to treat myself to it every once in a while.
There’s nothing tricky to this crab recipe. You can make as much or as little crab as you want. I usually make 2 pounds, and each person gets 1 pound. Pick a cooking method from the list below, along with some seasonings and the crab. When the timer goes off, take it out. Done. It’s SO easy friends!.
Snow crab clusters are a delicious seafood treat, but determining how many legs you get per pound can be confusing. Unlike standard crab legs, snow crab legs come connected in clusters at the body, making it trickier to estimate quantities. In this article, we’ll break down what to expect from snow crab clusters so you can shop and meal plan with confidence.
What are Snow Crab Clusters?
Snow crab, also called opilio crab, are found in the cold, northern Pacific waters off Alaska and Canada. Their legs are thin, long, and tapered compared to king crab legs. Snow crabs are harvested and processed while still connected at the body in cone-shaped clusters.
Each cluster contains 4-8 legs along with the central body. The number of legs depends on the size and maturity of the crab. Heftier meatier clusters come from older snow crabs. Since each cluster contains a portion of the crab’s body, they weigh more than individual legs.
Average Number of Legs per Pound
On average, expect around 6-8 snow crab legs per pound when purchasing clusters. However, this can vary:
- Smaller clusters: 4-5 legs per pound
- Medium clusters: 6-8 legs per pound
- Large clusters: 8-10 legs per pound
Larger, premium clusters will fall on the lower end of that range. Medium clusters around 3⁄4 lb to 1 lb are most common.
To visualize it A 1 lb bag of medium snow crab clusters contains approximately 3 clusters Each cluster has about 6-8 legs So you get 18-24 legs total.
Why Buying Clusters is Different than Crab Legs
With snow crab legs sold individually, it’s easy to estimate 4-8 legs per pound. But clusters add weight from the extra body meat, making the math less straightforward.
That’s why when shopping, snow crab clusters are typically sold in 1⁄2 lb or 1 lb bags rather than per leg. This takes the guesswork out for consumers.
Expect to pay a premium for clusters over crab legs since you gain more meat. The extra body meat also enhances the flavor compared to legs alone.
Average Weight of Snow Crab Clusters
On their own, snow crab legs weigh just a few ounces each. But combined in clusters, the total weight jumps significantly:
- Small clusters: 3⁄4 lb to 1 lb
- Medium clusters: Around 1 lb
- Large clusters: 11⁄2 to 2 lbs
So while a bag of clusters contains fewer individual legs than crab legs, you get more total meat. Make sense of the varying weights using the legs per pound estimates.
Cost and Value Comparison
When comparing cost, don’t just look at the price per pound. The extra body meat makes clusters more expensive than similar quantities of legs.
Instead, consider the cost per leg or cluster. While clusters cost more per pound, you gain sweet, succulent body meat in each cluster. When dividing cost over the meat gained, clusters can provide excellent value.
Buying clusters in bulk multiple pound packages can offer the best deal. You pay less per pound than small retail packs. Negotiate prices for fresh clusters purchased directly from local crab fishermen.
Serving Suggestions by Cluster Size
Use these serving recommendations as a starting point when meal planning:
- Small clusters: 1-2 per person
- Medium clusters: 1-11⁄2 per person
- Large clusters: 1⁄2 – 1 per person
Adjust portions depending on your menu, sides, and appetite of guests. More is better when it comes to these tasty crustaceans!
Getting the Best Use from Each Cluster
Some cooks separate the legs and body meat after cooking clusters, while others serve them whole. Keeping them intact makes for impressive visual presentation.
If separating, reserve the succulent body meat for adding to sauces, pasta, crab cakes, or cheesecake. Use the legs and shoulders for dipping in melted butter or garlic aioli.
Don’t discard the yellow mustard (or tomalley) in the body cavity either. This delicacy is ideal for sauces and spreads. Waste no part of the crab!
Tips for Buying and Storing Snow Crab
Check clusters for moisture and avoid any with signs of drying or freezer burn. Look for a fresh, seaweedy aroma.
Store fresh clusters for no more than 2 days refrigerated. For longer storage up to 3 months, place in ziplock bags and freeze.
Thaw frozen clusters overnight in the fridge. Cook within 1-2 days for best texture and flavor.
Get Cracking on Snow Crab Cluster Meals
Now that you know how many legs are in snow crab clusters, you can shop for them like a pro. Keep the serving sizes and value tips in mind to pick the right quantities. Then get ready for a feast of sweet, briny crab flavor.
Snow crab clusters provide a taste of the bounty from northern Pacific seas. Their majestic clusters piled high on platters are sure to impress your guests. Just have plenty of napkins ready for the feast!
FAQ on Snow Crab Clusters
Still have some lingering questions on snow crab clusters? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How many snow crab cluster legs are there typically per pound?
On average, expect 6-8 legs per pound when buying medium snow crab clusters. Larger clusters will be on the lower end of this range.
Why are snow crab clusters sold by the pound instead of per leg?
Unlike individual legs, clusters contain a portion of the crab body and meat connecting all the legs. This makes the weight more variable. Selling clusters by the pound accounts for this difference.
Should I pay more for snow crab clusters versus legs?
Yes, clusters fetch a higher price per pound than legs alone. But you gain sweet, robust body meat. Considering the total meat content, clusters can offer good value.
How should I store snow crab cluster packages?
Store fresh clusters for no more than 2 days in the fridge. For longer storage, place clusters in a ziplock bag with excess air removed and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I break apart cooked snow crab clusters into individual legs?
Yes, you can carefully separate the legs from the body after cooking. This lets you use the prized body meat in sauces, dips, and other dishes.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen snow crab clusters?
For maximum flavor and texture, thaw frozen clusters overnight in the refrigerator. Use within 1-2 days. Do not thaw at room temperature.
How many snow crab clusters should I allow per person?
A good rule of thumb is 1-2 medium clusters per diner. Adjust the portion up or down based on your menu and appetite of guests.
How to Cook Snow Crab Legs
There are a lot of different methods for cooking snow crab legs. You can broil, grill, and even pressure cook them in addition to the methods below.
Steamed snow crab legs
Place a few inches of water in a large pot. Place a steamer basket in the pot and bring the water to a simmer. You could also you a large pot with a colander insert. I have one and it works great for this method.
Once the water is simmering, add the crab legs to the steamer basket and then cover the pot. Steam the crab for about 6 minutes. Remove from the pot and serve immediately.