Red king crabs are crustaceans that are harvested as a source of meat. If you want to eat healthy, crab meat is a great choice because it is high in protein and low in fat. There are red king crabs in oceans all over the world, but most of the ones Americans eat come from the waters near Alaska. U. S. legislation states only male crabs, which are larger than females, can be commercially caught and sold.
King crab is a prized crustacean that many seafood lovers eagerly await each year The succulent, sweet meat from the legs is what you’ll typically find on restaurant menus and at fish markets But a king crab’s body also contains edible and delicious meat. So can you eat the body of a king crab?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely eat the body meat of a king crab! While not as popular as the leg meat, the body meat of king crabs is entirely edible. In fact, many consider it to be the best part of the crab!
In this complete guide. we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating king crab body meat including
- The benefits of eating king crab body meat
- How to extract and prepare the body meat
- Cooking methods and recipe ideas
- Differences between leg meat and body meat
- Where to buy king crab body meat
- Unique global culinary traditions featuring crab body meat
Let’s get cracking and dive right in!
Nutritional Benefits of King Crab Body Meat
Most people are familiar with the delicious, sought-after leg meat of king crab. But the body meat is arguably the best part of the crab, and offers some stellar nutritional benefits
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Excellent source of lean protein: A 3 oz serving contains around 15g of protein. That’s about 1/3 of the daily recommended intake for most adults.
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Rich in B-vitamins: Especially vitamin B12, which supports red blood cell formation and neurological function.
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High in minerals: Zinc for immunity and wound healing, magnesium for muscle and nerves, and phosphorus for bone health.
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Low in fat: King crab is naturally low in fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol. A smart choice for heart health.
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Low calorie: With only about 85 calories in a 3 oz serving, king crab meat fits into a weight loss diet.
So by eating the body meat of king crab, you get a nutritional powerhouse meal that’s low in calories and fat, but high in protein, vitamins and minerals.
How to Extract and Prepare King Crab Body Meat
Extracting the body meat from a king crab requires a little more time and effort than the legs. Here are some tips for getting at that sweet, delicious goodness:
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Use sturdy kitchen shears or scissors to cut the underside of the shell. Cut along the perimeter to remove the top shell.
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Pull the shell away slowly and discard. Be careful of sharp edges.
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Remove the gills and discard. Rinse the body under cool water to rinse away any debris.
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Use your fingers, a spoon or crab cracker to carefully pick the meat from the body cavity. Discard any inedible parts.
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The body meat can be eaten fresh just like the legs. It can also be frozen for 4-6 months for later use.
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Soak in saltwater for 30 minutes before cooking to add flavor if desired.
And that’s really all there is to it! With a little time and care, you’ll have delicious, sweet king crab body meat to create seafood masterpieces.
Best Cooking Methods for King Crab Body Meat
Since the body meat is already cooked, you just need to heat it thoroughly before eating. Here are some of the best cooking methods:
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Sauté: Cook over medium-high heat in butter or olive oil until heated through. Season with garlic, lemon, herbs, etc.
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Steam: Place meat in a steamer basket and steam for 4-5 minutes until hot. Serve with melted butter.
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Grill: Quickly grill the body meat on high heat until warmed through with nice char marks.
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Bake: Place meat on a sheet pan and bake at 375°F for about 5 minutes until hot. Finish under the broiler for crispy edges if desired.
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Boil: Gently boil the body meat for 3-4 minutes to heat through. Use in soups, seafood boils or pasta dishes.
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Stir fry: Toss cubed body meat in a hot wok with veggies and sauce for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
The sweet flavor of king crab body meat pairs well with butter, garlic, lemon, onions, parsley and many other herbs and spices. Get creative with the seasoning to match your tastes!
King Crab Body Meat vs. Leg Meat: Key Differences
So how does king crab body meat compare to the popular leg meat? Here are a few key differences:
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Texture: The body meat is firmer and denser than the leg meat. The legs are more tender and flaky.
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Flavor: The body meat is sweeter and more succulent. Legs have a more delicate crab flavor.
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Nutrition: The body is very high in healthy fats like omega-3s. Legs contain a bit less fat.
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Ease: Legs are simpler to crack open and enjoy. Body meat takes more time and effort to extract.
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Appearance: Leg meat looks more appealing and restaurant-ready. Body meat is not as visually striking.
Delicious King Crab Body Meat Recipes
To take advantage of the unique flavor and texture of king crab body meat, here are some mouthwatering recipe ideas to try:
King Crab Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Toss chunks of body meat with mixed greens, orange segments, avocado and red onion. Drizzle with a tangy citrus dressing.
Crab Cakes with Sriracha Aioli
Bind lump crab meat with breadcrumbs, egg and seasoning, then pan fry into crisp crab cakes. Serve with a spicy sriracha and mayo dipping sauce.
King Crab Frittata
Stir pieces of crab meat into a veggie-packed egg frittata. Cook on the stovetop then finish under the broiler until puffed and golden.
Linguine with King Crab in Tomato Cream Sauce
Boil linguine and toss with king crab meat, cherry tomatoes, spinach and a rich sauce of cream, white wine, garlic and parmesan.
Thai Curry Noodle Soup with King Crab
Simmer curry-flavored coconut broth with rice noodles, king crab, shiitake mushrooms, baby bok choy and basil.
As you can see, the sweetness of the crab body meat pairs perfectly with bright, acidic and creamy flavors. It’s ideal for appetizers, salads, pasta and more!
Where to Buy King Crab Body Meat
Wondering where you can find this precious commodity? Here are some of the best places to buy fresh king crab body meat:
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Local fish markets: Many seafood shops sell pre-cooked body meat ready to eat. You may even find it raw to prepare yourself.
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Online seafood retailers: Several companies ship fresh-frozen king crab overnight to your door.
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Alaska fishermen: Some crab fishermen in Alaska sell portions of their catch directly to consumers.
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Specialty grocery stores: Some higher-end grocers like Whole Foods Market carry king crab in prepared seafood cases.
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Direct from the dock: If you live in a port city, you may be able to purchase freshly-caught crab right off the fishing boats.
No matter where you source it, look for king crab body meat that smells sweet and fresh, with no fishy odor. It’s worth seeking out the best quality you can find!
Global Culinary Traditions with King Crab Body Meat
From Alaska to Norway, king crab is savored around the world in local cuisines. Here are a few unique ways different food cultures make delicious use of the crab’s body meat:
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Japan – King crab body meat shines in nabe hot pot dishes, paired with broth, noodles, veggies and mushrooms.
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Norway – King crab bodies are stuffed with a rich filling, then roasted whole for a dramatic presentation.
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Russia – In Kamchatka, crab salad often features chunky body meat mixed with eggs, potatoes, carrots, onions and mayo.
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Alaska – Native Alaskans boil freshly caught crab bodies, then pick the meat to eat with butter or animal fat dipping sauces.
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Korea – In Korean cuisine, crab body meat is used for flavoring kimchi stews along with pork or seafood.
As you can see, cultures across the globe all prize king crab body meat as a delicacy not to be missed!
So can you eat the body meat of king crab? Absolutely! This sweet, succulent meat should not be overlooked. With some extra effort to extract it from the shell, the body meat offers a hearty dose of flavor
Which Parts to Eat
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It is mostly the legs and sometimes the claws of the red king crab that are eaten. All crabs have five pairs of legs, with the foremost set having developed into a set of pincers. On red king crabs, the three sets of legs closest to the claws are the biggest and meatiest. The fifth set of legs is small and hidden under the shell. The record length of an adult’s legs is almost 5 feet, so there’s a lot of meat in them. Most males that are caught weigh between 4 and 9 pounds.
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Live crabs are cleaned and the body split to divide the legs into two separate sections. The legs are then boiled in salty water right away and then quickly washed in cold salty water to stop any leftover heat from cooking the meat even more, which can make it tough. The sections are then frozen for distribution commercial distribution.
People buy the red king crab’s legs and claws because they have the juiciest meat. However, the shells are often sent to canners, who pick out the bodies of any remaining meat to use in canned crab products.
Tackling a king crab at home is also straightforward. Clean the crabs then pull off the legs and boil or steam them for 20 to 30 minutes. The flesh is obtained by cracking open the legs and claws using nut crackers or a small hammer.
Fresh crab meat can be enjoyed as part of a salad with chopped avocado and a zesty dressing. You can also use crab meat that has been spiced with fresh chilies to make a classic Italian dish with spaghetti or just put it on sandwiches.
How to Eat Crabs
Can you eat the body of a king crab?
Yes, you can eat the body of a king crab. I love king crab because it’s sweet, juicy, and savory. In comparison to Dungeness crab flesh, it is firmer and coarser in texture. In comparison to leg meat, the king’s body meat is a little more prone to flaking. The crimson color of the fried crab leg’s spiky shell comes from the food coloring.
Are red king crab legs healthy?
Many seafood lovers find red king crab legs are delicious. Red king crabs are crustaceans that are harvested as a source of meat. Crab meat is high in protein and low in fat making it an excellent choice as part of a healthy diet.
Is king crab better than Dungeness crab?
One of my favorite dishes is king crab since it is succulent, flavorful, and sweet all at the same time. When compared to the texture of Dungeness crab meat, it is noticeably more robust and grainy. The body meat of the monarch tends to flake a little bit more easily than the leg meat does.