Have you ever wondered why the crab legs you order come in different sizes? They’re so tasty and sweet that we can see why people would want as many as possible! Keep reading to learn why and how the size may change but the amount of meat in your order will never.
On average, Alaskan king crab legs weigh anywhere from a half pound to two pounds per leg. That’s a pretty big difference! The first thing to keep in mind about Alaskan king crab legs is that they vary in size and weight. One leg might be longer than the other, but it doesn’t have as much mass, so the weight is the same. There are three sizes of king crab legs we sell: Giant, Colossal, and Super Colossal. However, there is a weight range within each size, so the size will vary.
The king crab legs don’t all weigh the same amount, so we just count them as we take your order. In fact, that’s far from the truth. Alaskan king crab legs can vary in size and shape — and that’s normal. We simply cannot control the size of each leg. The only thing we control is ensuring that you absolutely receive the amount of weight that you ordered.
Nature tends to get her way. If not, we’d make hurricanes illegal! The crabs’ sizes change with the seasons because nature is in charge of them. Freshman fifteen, winter blubber, hibernation body — king crabs aren’t the only ones whose weight varies by season!.
This is what it comes down to: we can’t promise that your order of crab legs will be the exact length or width you paid for, but we can promise that they will be the right weight. That never changes. Youll never pay for four pounds of king crab legs and only receive 3. 75 pounds. If anything, we “round up” and give you a little more weight than you paid for, since that’s how leg sizes sometimes work out.
Crab legs are a delicious and indulgent seafood treat. Their sweet, briny flavor and tender texture make them a favorite appetizer or main course. But when buying crab legs, it can be tricky to visualize how much food comes in a pound. Specifically, how many actual crab legs will you get? Understanding serving sizes helps you pick the right amount for your needs and budget.
In this article, we’ll explore all the factors that determine how many legs are in a pound of crab, from type of crab to size variations. You’ll learn exactly what to expect when you buy snow crab legs versus king crab legs. We’ll also cover how clusters and attached body sections impact total weight. Let’s crack into it!
Key Factors That Influence Legs per Pound
The number of legs in a pound of crab can range quite a bit based on:
-
Type of crab – Snow crab legs are smaller and yield more per pound than large king crab legs
-
Size of legs – Larger legs mean fewer per pound compared to smaller, thinner legs
-
Presence of clusters – Clusters add weight with their attached body sections.
-
Time of year – Legs may be heavier during peak season when crabs are fuller.
With those basics covered, let’s do a deep dive into how these factors specifically impact snow crab legs versus king crab legs per pound.
How Many Legs in a Pound of Snow Crab Legs?
Sweet, delicate snow crab legs are a popular appetizer choice. Their thinner size means you’ll get more individual legs per pound compared to larger crab varieties.
For snow crab legs, expect approximately:
- 8-12 legs per pound
- 3 clusters per pound on average
- 1-1.5 clusters per 1⁄2 pound
Keep in mind that “cluster” refers to legs still attached at the body. Since this adds weight, clusters impact the total number of individual legs you’ll get.
Smaller snow crab clusters weigh about 1 pound each. Larger clusters can be up to 2 pounds. When separated into individual legs, expect 8-12 legs per cluster.
So a single 1-pound cluster equals 8-12 legs. In a 1⁄2 pound bag, you’d get 4-6 legs comprising about 1-1.5 clusters. Use this to visualize amounts when planning meals!
How Many King Crab Legs in a Pound?
Meaty, large-sized king crab legs are incredibly impressive looking. But their heft means you’ll get fewer legs per pound compared to smaller snow crabs.
For king crab legs, expect approximately:
- 2 large legs per pound
- 1 extra-large or jumbo leg per pound
Since king crab legs are so thick, you’ll get fewer total in a pound. Two regular large legs make about a pound. Or one giant jumbo leg can weigh a pound by itself!
The leg count is lower, but king crab legs deliver plenty of sweet flaky meat inside their sizeable shells. Keep their large serving size in mind when budgeting.
Why Do Clusters and Size Matter?
Snow crab and king crab legs are sold in cluster form or as individual legs. What exactly is a cluster?
A cluster means the legs are still attached at the main body section. This adds weight over just having loose individual legs. Smaller snow crab clusters are about 1 pound. King crab clusters can weigh up to 5 pounds!
When separated into individual legs, you’ll get between 4-8 snow crab legs per pound on average, depending on thickness. For king crab, expect only 1-2 huge legs per pound.
Keep this context in mind when deciding how many clusters or legs to buy. And remember, larger legs mean lower counts per pound. The size charts at your grocery store can help visualize potential serving sizes.
Handling and Serving Crab Legs
Now that you know how many legs come in various pound increments, let’s look at some serving recommendations:
- For a side dish, allow 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound of crab per person
- For a main course, allow 1⁄2 to 1 pound of crab per person
- Plan for some extra if serving hearty eaters!
Here are some more tips for handling and serving crab legs:
- Store raw crab legs in the coldest part of refrigerator, wrapped in damp paper towels. Use within 2 days of purchase.
- Cook frozen crab legs without thawing first. Add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
- Warm pre-cooked crab legs by steaming, grilling, or microwaving to heat through. Avoid overcooking.
- Provide sturdy mallets, crackers, and picks for breaking into cooked legs and clusters.
- Offer melted butter, lemon wedges, and seafood sauce for dipping cracked crab meat.
Now that you’re a crab leg pro, get ready to impress your family or guests! Just follow serving size guidelines based on the type of crab legs you buy. Happy feasting on these succulent seafood treats.
Sourced Straight from Sea to Table
Sourced through trusted experts and chosen for taste, texture and quality.
Flash frozen to lock in the fresh-off-the-dock taste.
Packaged with dry ice and shipped overnight directly to your door.
Simply thaw, prep, heat, and eat.
How To Get Meat Out of Snow Crab Legs – Easy and Fast
How many crab legs per person?
Finding a balance is crucial. How many pounds of crab legs per person? You will need to think about the other food that you’re serving to your guests, such as sides, but you will probably want 1 to 2 pounds per person in most cases. If crab legs are only a small element of the meal, half a pound per person should be sufficient.
How many crab legs should a party eat?
This means you’ll have to estimate how many pounds of crab legs your guests will eat the next time you throw a backyard crab boil. The typical serving portion of crab legs per person is half a pound or 8 ounces. Of course, this is only a suggestion, and you should feel more than free to increase how many crab legs you want to feed your guests.
How many king crab legs per pound?
You would typically get two regular-sized king crab legs per pound or one if we’re dealing with jumbo sizes. A general rule is that you can expect four to eight legs per pound for crabs; however, this varies depending on their size. Clusters of snow crab can weigh anywhere from 1-2 pounds, with smaller ones tipping the scales around one pound.
How much do crab legs cost?
If you buy crab legs online, you will usually pay more than if you purchase them in a store, because the company will also be covering their delivery costs. As a rough rule of thumb, expect to spend anywhere between $10-$40 for a pound of crab meat. This can add up fast, especially if you have a lot of diners.