Snow crab is a delicious crustacean that many seafood lovers look forward to cooking and eating. When it comes to preparing snow crab at home, boiling is one of the most popular cooking methods. But exactly how long does it take to boil snow crab to perfection? In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to boil snow crab like a pro.
Selecting Snow Crab for Boiling
The first step is selecting high quality snow crab legs for boiling Look for legs that are solid, firm and have a lively reddish-orange shell color Avoid any with black spots or a dull color. The legs should have a fresh sea smell, not a fishy odor. Snow crab is sold both raw and pre-cooked. Raw crab legs will need a bit longer boiling time.
Preparing the Crab Legs
Before cooking, raw snow crab legs need to be thawed if frozen. Place in the refrigerator for 24 hours or submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes until pliable. Pre-cooked legs just need to be taken straight from the fridge to the pot. For either raw or pre-cooked, use kitchen shears to remove any rubber bands around the legs before boiling.
Filling the Pot
Use a large pot and add enough water to fully submerge the crab legs. The pot should only be filled halfway at first. Cover and bring the water to a rapid boil.
Adding Seasonings (Optional)
For flavor, add 2 tablespoons salt, some lemon slices, garlic, onion and crab boil seasoning. The salt helps absorb into the meat to season it from the inside out. Crab boil contains spices like garlic, lemon, peppercorns and coriander for flavor.
Boiling Time Based on Type
- Raw snow crab legs: 5-7 minutes
- Pre-cooked snow crab legs: 3-4 minutes
- King crab legs: 6-8 minutes
- Snow crab clusters: 4-6 minutes
The boiling times can vary a bit based on size of the legs, Watch them closely and test doneness after about 3 minutes
Checking for Doneness
After the minimum boil time, take out a leg and test it. Insert a fork into the thickest section of meat and pull it apart a bit. The meat should appear opaque, white and just barely flake apart. It should be firm yet still tender. If it seems underdone, continue boiling for another 1-2 minutes and recheck.
Overcooked crab meat will be rubbery in texture. If boiling a large batch, take out the smaller legs first when they are done so they don’t overcook.
Draining and Serving
When the snow crab is cooked properly, remove from the pot with tongs and let drain briefly in a colander. This prevents excess water from making the meat soggy. Serve immediately with melted butter, lemon wedges and dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Now that you know how long snow crab takes to boil, you can master cooking this seafood delicacy at home. Follow the tips above for perfect snow crab every time. Here are some additional questions many people have about boiling snow crab legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Salt the Water?
Yes, adding 2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water is recommended. The salt helps penetrate the shell and seasons the meat. Omitting it can lead to bland flavor.
Do I Need a Special Pot to Boil Snow Crab?
A tall stock pot or lobster pot works best since you need ample room to submerge the long legs completely. Stainless steel or aluminum pots conduct heat well for even cooking.
Can I Reuse the Boiling Liquid?
It’s best not to reuse the crab boiling liquid. Discard it after cooking for food safety, as it could contain bacteria from the raw crab. Start fresh with each batch.
Is Boiling Snow Crab Hard?
Boiling crab legs is surprisingly easy! There’s no need to worry about precise timing or complicated steps. Just be sure to select fresh legs, boil with ample water, and test for doneness.
Can I Boil Already Cooked Legs?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked snow crab just needs to be heated until hot throughout. Boil for only 2-4 minutes until heated to 145°F internally. Proper thawing is still important.
Do I Need Special Tools to Eat Boiled Crab?
Snow crab legs can be tricky to extract the meat from. Nutcrackers, small hammers and picks make the job much easier. Provide these tools with your boiled crab for guests.
So now you know exactly how long snow crab legs take to boil for perfect results each time. In less than 10 minutes, you can enjoy tender, succulent snow crab meat. Use this complete guide for your next seafood feast!
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Serving Suggestions for Snow Crab Legs
Serve your Snow Crab Legs on large platters with crab or nut crackers and small pick seafood forks.
We usually serve it with boiled new potatoes. To do this, we boil the potatoes in salted water for 20 minutes before adding the Snow Crab Legs. Author: