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Our 35 years of experience have taught us a lot about how to throw a great crab feast, and we’ve made a list of serving ideas for groups of all sizes. We’ve given you our serving size suggestions for everything from whole blue crabs to crab legs to help you plan a party or just make it easier to plan your meals for the week.
Our most-asked question is about blue crabs and their serving sizes. How many blue crabs should I order? When shopping for these delicious crustaceans, the first thing you should do is choose the size of crab you want to have at your party. Here at Cameron’s, we offer 3 crab sizes; colossal, large, and standard.
If you look at their name, you can tell that these are some big crabs! Our colossals are the biggest blue crabs we sell; they’re about 6 1/4 inches long from tip to tip on the top shell. These are the blue crabs we suggest if you’re having a small party or a very special event with less than 12 people. If you want to serve extra food or heavy appetizers, we recommend 3–4 colossal blue crabs per person. Or, 5-6 colossals per person if crabs are the only main item on the menu.
Premium Large Crabs: These tasty blue crabs are about 5 1/2 inches to 6 1/4 inches (from tip to tip) shorter than the colossals. These are our go-to party crabs. Impressive in size and an excellent option for a group of about 12-24 people. Average about 4-6 large premium crabs per person. If there are other snacks on the menu, shoot for the “4 crabs” serving size per person. If crabs are the main dish, up that to “5–6 crabs” per person.
Standard Crabs – These small to medium crabs are our favorites when hosting a big bash (24+ people). These blue crabs are small (ranging from 5 inches to 5 1/2 inches), but they are still very meaty. We suggest that each person eats about 6 crabs on average when other items are ordered, and about 8 crabs on average when other items are not ordered.
A word about kids and blue crabs: we’ve found that kids who have never picked blue crabs before are still eager to join in. If you have a few party guests, under the age of 10, average about 1-2 crabs per kiddo. Novice preteens or teenagers, average about 2-4. If there are experienced crab pickers among your younger guests, serve them the same amount as an adult, but err on the side of less (i.e. e. we recommend 4-6 crabs per adult, average 4 crabs for the experienced young person).
Soft shell crabs are a delightful treat for any party. If you plan on serving softies as the main dish, average 2 soft shell crabs per person. If soft shell crabs are being served as an appetizer, each person should get one. Plus, Cameron’s soft shell crabs are delivered raw, cleaned, and not breaded, so they are ready to cook (they even come with some cooking ideas).
Unlike our whole blue crabs, crab legs present a different configuration for party planning. Snow crab legs come in clusters and are sold by the pound/lb, this weight also includes the shell. Individual snow crab clusters range in weight from 3/4lb. (12oz) -1lb. We like to average 1 1/2lbs of snow crabs per person. With this in mind, we package our crab legs in 3lb portions, perfect for 2 people. Planning a dinner party for 4? Order 6lbs. Planning a party for 6-8 people? Order 9lbs-12lbs, etc….
King crab legs are a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any special occasion meal. Their sweet, succulent meat is rich and flavorful, making king crab a special treat. When planning a meal featuring Alaskan king crab, one of the most important details is figuring out how much crab to buy per person. You want to make sure everyone gets their fill of this delicious crustacean without overspending or having lots of leftovers. Here’s a helpful guide on how much king crab per person you should plan for.
Key Factors That Determine Portion Size
Several factors come into play when determining the right portion size of king crab legs per guest:
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Appetite – Are your guests big eaters who love seafood? Plan for larger portions, around 2 pounds per person For those with more modest appetites, 1 to 15 pounds is sufficient.
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Menu – If king crab is the star of the show, serve more per person If you’re also serving a main course, appetizers and sides, you can get away with smaller crab portions
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Budget – King crab legs are a pricey delicacy. To save money, supplement with cheaper seafood or sides. Portion sizes around 1 pound per person help your budget.
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Occasion – Special occasions like holidays or birthdays call for a generous spread. Serve heaping portions of 1.5 pounds or more per guest.
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Cooking method – Preparing whole crab takes more work and yields less meat. Plan for 2 pounds per person if serving whole crab.
Recommended Portion Sizes
Here are some general recommendations for how much king crab to serve per person:
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For king crab lovers having it as their main course, plan 1.5 to 2 pounds per person. They’ll devour legs, claws, and dig out all the sweet meat.
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For more modest eaters focused on crab, allow 1 to 1.5 pounds per person. They’ll enjoy crab as their centerpiece while taking some side dishes too.
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When incorporating king crab as part of a larger multi-course meal, 1/2 to 1 pound per person is usually sufficient.
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For appetizer-sized portions, allow 1/4 to 1/2 pound per person, depending on the number of additional apps and entrees being served.
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If your budget is tight or you’re cooking whole crabs, reduce portions to 3/4 to 1 pound per person. This allows people to taste the crab without overindulging.
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For kids and seniors, gauge interest but plan for smaller portions around 1/4 to 1/2 pound each to start. They may go for second helpings!
The overall recommendation is 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of king crab legs per adult as a main course. Adjust up or down based on your specific guests, menu and occasion. When in doubt, get a variety of cluster sizes so people can take as much or as little as they want.
Buying King Crab Legs for a Party
When buying king crab for a group, get a mix of leg and claw sizes. Legs are sold by grade based on their size:
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Colossal legs are 1.5 pounds or more and have the most impressive presentation. Get a few for a “wow factor.”
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Extra large and large legs weigh 1 to 1.5 pounds. These are good for crab lovers.
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Medium legs are 0.5 to 1 pound. Perfect for lighter eaters or as part of a multi-course meal.
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Claws and knuckles provide an extra level of fun. They’re small, contain sweet meat, and are great for kids.
Cluster sizes can range quite a bit so having an assortment ensures everyone gets an appropriate portion. Buy 10-20% more than your total target as some parts won’t have edible meat. And you never know if unexpected guests might show up hungry for crab! Better to have leftovers than run out.
Cooking and Serving Tips
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Thaw frozen crab legs overnight in the fridge. This prevents overcooking from starting with fully frozen crab.
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Preheat your oven or grill to at least 375°F. High heat is key for warming the legs quickly without drying them out.
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Arrange crab clusters meat-side up on a baking sheet or grill top. Cook for 12-15 minutes until hot throughout.
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Serve legs and claws on large platters for sharing family-style. Provide crab crackers, picks and knives.
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Offer melted butter, lemon wedges and seafood sauce for dipping.
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Have a bowl nearby for empty shells. Provide wet wipes for messy fingers and hands.
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Refrigerate any uneaten crab for up to 3 days. The meat makes great crab cakes, salad topping or sandwich filler.
With this guide, you can confidently plan a spectacular king crab feast. Just adjust the portions based on your crowd’s tastes and the menu you’re serving it with. Aim for 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person and provide an array of leg and claw sizes for a memorable crab-tastic meal!
Answering Common Questions on Serving King Crab
Planning your first king crab dinner party and not sure how much to buy or serve? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you feel prepared:
How many people will one king crab leg feed?
- An average sized leg (about 1 pound) provides a fulfilling individual portion. For hearty crab lovers, plan 1.5 legs per person.
Should I buy king crab legs in-season or out of season?
- In-season legs will be less expensive and at peak quality. But legs are available year-round at varying prices so purchase whenever craving crab!
Is there a difference between male and female king crab legs?
- No significant difference in taste, texture or size. The male crabs are slightly larger but meat yield is similar between sexes. Buy either with confidence.
Can I serve king crab legs warm instead of chilled?
- Absolutely! Warming brings out the sweetness. Grill or bake at 375°F for 10-15 min until heated through. Take care not to overcook.
How do I crack king crab legs and get the meat out?
- Use a mallet or small hammer to crack the shell. Cut the underside with kitchen shears to expose chunks of meat. Use picks, forks or fingers to pull meat out. Provide crab crackers for stubborn areas. Enjoy!
What are the best side dishes to serve with king crab legs?
- Butter, lemon, roasted veggies, rice pilaf, potatoes, slaw, bread and salad are all great complements. Keep it simple to let the crab shine.
Can I reheat leftover king crab meat?
- Yes, gently reheat leftover crab meat in a pan with butter or sauce. Take care not to overcook and dry it out. Use in crab cakes, stir fries or salad.
How long will cooked king crab legs last in the fridge?
- Store cooked crab meat tightly wrapped for 2-3 days. Freeze for longer storage. Use refrigerated meat within a few days for the best texture and flavor.
Hopefully these king crab FAQs take the guesswork out of planning your menu! Focus on buying an abundance of legs and claws in various sizes. Cook and serve them simply with melted butter to let the sweet crab flavor dazzle your guests.
The Delicious Tradition of the Alaskan King Crab Feast
For many Alaska locals, an annual king crab feast is a highly anticipated tradition. What better way to celebrate the bounty of the Bering Sea than gathering with friends and family to crack open piles of succulent crab legs?
Here in Alaska, we’re lucky to have access to fresh king crab right off the boat. As soon as king crab season opens in mid-October, you’ll find locals busy placing orders for these tender treasures of the sea. Many families host feasts on New Year’s Eve or Christmas Eve. Friends organize potlucks to enjoy this rare delicacy together.
Prepping for an Alaskan crab feast takes some coordination. The special occasion calls for heaping platters, so plan on 1-2 pounds of crab per person. Supply mallets, crackers, and picks for maneuvering the craggy exoskeletons to expose the sweet meat within. Don’t forget drawn butter, lemon wedges, and a sleeve of napkins. Take time before eating to toast the crab fleet that ventured out into icy Bering Sea waters to trap these tasty crustaceans.
The meal itself is joyfully straightforward. Pile your plate high with crab legs and claws. Get your tools ready to crack and dismantle the legs and set the lovely meat free. Fingers start poking and prodding the flesh from every crevice. Don’t forget to savor a few pieces dipped in melted butter or lemon juice. The shared struggle to unlock the precious crab makes each morsel taste even swe
Colossal King Crab Legs
These humungous Alaskan king crab legs are a stunning option for your party. King crab legs, like snow crab legs are served by the pound/lb. Unlike snow crabs, king crab legs are portioned by ‘the leg’ (yes, they are that big!). We average about 2 legs per person, which come out to about 1 1/2lbs per serving. We package our king crab legs in 3lb increments, ideal for 2 people, and increasing from there. 6 pounds of king crab legs for $4, 9 pounds for $6, 12 pounds for $8, etc. We know that 1 1/2 pounds per person may sound like a lot of food, but keep in mind that the shell adds to the weight.
Dungeness crabs are another delicious option for a crab-themed event. Dungeness crab legs taste a little sweeter than snow or king crab legs. They are also smaller (or, as we like to say, “easier to handle”) than the other crabs we sell, which come in bigger clusters and legs. Dungeness crab leg clusters weigh between 1/2lb (8oz) and 3/4lb (12oz), and we recommend eating about 2-3 clusters per person, which is about 1 1/2lbs (like our other crab legs). These clusters are packaged in increments of 3lbs. 3lbs of Dungeness crab legs are perfect for 2 people, and increasing from there. 6lbs of crab legs for 4, 9lbs for 6, 12lbs for 8, etc….
Have Crabby Leftovers? Here are some of our favorite recipes…
If you have blue crabs, soft shell crabs, or crab legs left over, don’t worry! Our blog is full of recipes that will make good use of those last few crabs. Here are a few of our favorite recipes for when we have too much food.