There’s nothing better than a delicious crab leg feast, but you need to know a few things about crabs to choose the right one. Crab comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures, and flavors. The snow crab and the king crab are the two most common types, but they are very different from one another in many important ways. What makes snow crab legs different from king crab legs? Which crab legs taste better? Since both snow crab and king crab legs are so popular, which one should you order at a restaurant or have delivered to your home? king crab questions, from selecting your crab legs to cooking and cracking. Lets start with a few quick facts before taking a more in-depth look at the two crabs.
Seafood lovers can endlessly debate the merits of various crab species. Two of the most popular are snow crab and king crab. Their legs grace many a buffet and pasta dish. But when it comes down to taste is king crab definitively better than snow crab?
In this comprehensive comparison we’ll examine the key differences between snow crab and king crab. Taste texture, availability, nutrition and more will be covered. By the end, you’ll have the facts to determine which type of crab truly reigns supreme.
Flavor and Texture
One of the biggest determining factors is simply how the crab tastes. King crab has an undeniable reputation for its rich, sweet flavor. One bite will usually turn anyone’s tastebuds into an undying fan. It has a mild sweetness reminiscent of lobster or shrimp. The texture is delicately tender, especially for such a large crab.
Snow crab meat is also sweet, but bears a subtle briny flavor not found in king crab. The texture can be slightly fibrous and doesn’t achieve quite the same tenderness as king crab. Overall, king crab wins when it comes to taste and texture. But some do prefer the ocean-like brininess of snow crab.
Availability and Cost
Due to limited habitats and short harvesting seasons, king crab is significantly less available than snow crab. Almost all king crab is fished from Alaska between October and January. Meanwhile, snow crab inhabits a wider swath of northern oceans and gets fished nearly year-round.
With availability comes cost – king crab’s seasonal nature and rich flavor make it considerably pricier than snow crab. Pounds of snow crab legs can often be purchased for $10-15, while king crab legs start around $25 per pound. If cost isn’t a concern, king crab may be worth the splurge. But snow crab offers plenty of tasty meat at a more accessible price point for many.
Nutrition
Both crabs provide lean protein with little fat or carbs. They’re rich in B12, selenium, zinc and antioxidant astaxanthin. However, calorie and sodium content differ quite a bit:
- King crab – 146 calories, 639mg sodium per 3oz
- Snow crab – 83 calories, 267mg sodium per 3oz
So while still relatively low in calories, king crab contains nearly 2.5 times the sodium as snow crab. For those monitoring salt intake, snow crab fits better into a low sodium diet.
Versatility
When it comes to usage in recipes, king crab and snow crab can be used interchangeably in most dishes. A few examples include:
- Pastas – use lump crab meat in creamy pasta or toss shells into marinara
- Salads – crab pairs perfectly with delicate greens and tangy dressings
- Soups – simmer shells or add crab meat to chowders and bisques
- Appetizers – stuff crab shells or use in savory dip recipes
Both meats work well in seafood boils, sushi, sandwiches, and more. Since the flavors are relatively mild, they absorb surrounding ingredients nicely.
Snow crab may give a subtle briny undertone, while king crab lends signature sweetness, but they can be substituted for each other freely.
Ease of Eating
When it comes down to cracking and picking, snow crab has the advantage. King crab shells are extremely thick and tough, requiring heavy-duty crackers and picks. Snow crab legs snap open much more easily, often by hand.
Inside, snow crab shows off its namesake – beautiful white meat tinged reddish-orange. King crab meat appears darker, more beige. For less work and visually stunning meat, snow crab pulls ahead here.
Sustainability
Both snow crab and king crab fisheries are well-managed with responsible harvesting techniques. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s respected Seafood Watch program gives Alaska snow crab and Alaska king crab the “Best Choice” rating for sustainability. This means overfishing isn’t currently a concern and bycatch is minimized in these fisheries. Choosing either crab type aligns with ethical seafood values.
The Verdict
In the end, is king crab definitively better than snow crab? The answer comes down to preference and priorities. For melt-in-your-mouth texture and unparalleled flavor, king crab takes the crown. But snow crab shines in price, accessibility, nutrition, and ease of eating.
When possible, taste-testing side by side can help determine which profile suits your cravings. Though picked from cold northern waters, these crabs offer plenty of warmth and joy to seafood meals. With responsible fishing practices, we can continue enjoying both for years to come. Now pass the butter and crackers – it’s time for a crab feast!
Oven Crab Leg Options
Crab legs in the oven are divine and straightforward. Whether you choose to bake or broil, they won’t disappoint. Both methods offer a near foolproof heating option and enhance their already incredible flavor.
Oven baking your crab legs locks in juices and provides a method of little cleanup. If you’re planning to make a big meal, this option gives you plenty of time to work on your side dishes while the main dish bakes. Baking your snow crab or king crab legs in foil packs per cluster will yield the best results. Choose a heavy-duty aluminum foil for four clusters. In just twenty-five minutes for frozen crab legs or fifteen minutes for thawed legs, you’ll have perfection.
If you choose to broil your crab legs in the oven, you can really get the butter flavor into the crab meat while they’re heating up. The broiler temperature will add a slight caramelization to your crab legs, enriching their flavor. There may not be enough space on your sheet pan if you want to cook for a lot of people, so make sure you plan your broiling ahead of time.
King crab and snow crab legs are delicious hot off the grill. For additional flavor, use a charcoal grill and prepare to amaze your dinner guests. To make your snow crab or king crab legs taste even better, grill them. If you grill them in foil packets, they’ll be easy to clean up afterward. If you choose to grill your crab legs without the foil, brush them with olive oil or butter to keep them from sticking to the grill.
Safe Cooking Temperature for Crab Legs
The USDA recommendation chart provides all the information you need to prepare a safe and delicious seafood meal. The ideal cooking temperature for your king crab or snow crab legs should reach approximately 145 degrees. Keep a close eye as you “cook” your crab legs; remember, you are essentially reheating pre-cooked meat. Youll notice a pearly, opaque white color that lets you know your crab legs are cooked thoroughly.
All you need to know about Dungeness Crab, Snow Crab, and King Crab.
FAQ
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