Does Costco Sell King Crab Legs? A Guide to Finding This Prized Seafood

With its reputation for bulk buys and bargains Costco is a prime place to find deals on premium foods like giant slabs of ahi tuna whole lobsters, and juicy filet mignon. So it’s no surprise that shoppers often ask – does Costco sell king crab legs, one of the most decadent types of seafood you can buy?

The answer is yes, Costco does carry king crab, specifically wild-caught red king crab from Alaska. However, thanks to overfishing and fishery regulations, king crab makes limited appearances at Costco. And when it does show up, the price per pound is higher than ever.

Here’s a complete guide to finding king crab legs at Costco and other retailers when supplies are scarce

What is King Crab?

King crab refers to the largest species of crab harvested commercially. There are three types caught in Alaskan waters:

• Red king crab – The most popular type, with meat compared to lobster. Legs can span 5 feet tip to tip.

• Blue king crab – A bit smaller than red kings with a sweet delicate flavor.

• Golden king crab – The smallest of the three, but still averaging 10 pounds.

Red king crab is by far the most prized for its tender texture and rich, sweet taste. The legs and claws contain delicious meat that’s pre-cooked for convenience.

Why is King Crab Expensive?

Red king crab fetches high prices for a few reasons:

• Large size – A single crab can yield over 5 pounds of meat.

• Difficult harvest – Found in remote, icy Alaskan waters up to 600 feet deep.

• Limited supply – Strict fishing regulations and declining populations.

• High demand – Loved for its lobster-like flavor and meaty legs.

• Difficult prep – The thick shell requires shell crackers to open.

Expect to pay $35-$60 per pound at retailers like Costco. Live king crab can cost up to $90 per pound!

Does Costco Sell King Crab Legs?

Yes, Costco does carry king crab legs, but only from select Alaskan fisheries and only for limited times. Here are tips for finding it:

• Check frozen seafood section late winter through spring. This is peak harvest time.

• Call ahead to ask if king crab is in stock to avoid a wasted trip.

• Be prepared to pay $40 per pound or more. Price varies based on supply.

• Buy it immediately if you see it – supplies are very limited!

• No rain checks – once it sells out, they cannot offer the sale price later.

Your best chance of snagging king crab is visiting Costco stores in Alaska where freshly caught product is more readily available.

Why is King Crab Hard to Find at Costco?

In the past, Costco frequently carried wild-caught Alaskan king crab legs at reasonable prices. However, in recent years king crab has become increasingly difficult to source. Here’s why:

• Overfishing led to strict catch limits to prevent depletion.

• King crab populations dropped sharply in 2019 after a marine heatwave.

• The Alaska red king crab fishery was closed in 2021 and 2022.

• Imports from Russia were banned amid the Ukraine invasion.

• Only select sustainable fisheries can operate, yielding lower catches.

So while Costco still offers king crab when possible, supply is extremely limited compared to the 2000s. Expect prices to be higher and availability to be low.

Where Else Can You Buy King Crab?

If you strike out finding king crab legs at Costco, try these alternative retailers:

• Online seafood retailers – Buy frozen legs, claws and sections shipped overnight.

• Local fish markets – Check specialty seafood shops or the fresh counters at grocery stores.

• Restaurant supply stores – Products for food service businesses but open to public.

• Direct from Alaska – Order online and get legs shipped directly from the source.

Buying direct from fisheries in Alaska and online seafood retailers will give you the most options, but prices will likely be higher than Costco.

How to Cook Costco King Crab

King crab legs require minimal preparation since the meat is pre-cooked. Defrost if frozen then simply:

• Steam or boil for 4-5 minutes just until heated through.

• Crack shells with mallet, scissors or your hands. Watch out for splinters!

• Remove meat and enjoy dipped in butter, garlic sauce or lemon aioli.

• Sauté crab meat in pasta, make crab cakes or add to seafood bisque.

• Grill legs and claws for added smoky flavor.

The rich crab meat pairs perfectly with buttery sauces. Now get cracking on those legs!

Is King Crab Worth the High Price?

Due to small populations and very limited fishing, king crab commands a premium price – often $50 per pound or more. At that price, is it worth buying? Here are the pros and cons:

Pros

• Delightfully sweet, tender meat with rich flavor
• Impressive presentation with giant legs and claws
• Perfect special occasion or holiday meal
• Supporting sustainable Alaskan fisheries

Cons

• Very expensive, especially for a large gathering
• Can be difficult to crack and extract meat
• Require reheating as legs are pre-cooked
• Availability is unreliable

If you’re celebrating a special milestone or hosting a small dinner party, splurging on king crab may be money well spent. The wow factor of the giant legs and incredible flavor can make it worth the price. But for everyday meals or larger gatherings, the cost likely outweighs the benefits.

The Takeaway

When it comes to buying king crab legs, the days of Costco always stocking its freezer section are gone. Thanks to overfishing and population declines, this premium crab is now harder to come by. Costco does carry it periodically when possible, but often in limited quantities and at higher prices. Your best bet is checking the freezer section during peak season and calling ahead to stores. Be prepared to pay $40 per pound or more. Or consider ordering online and going straight to the source in Alaska. Just brace yourself – enjoying this delicacy will require shelling out a princely sum!