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.
With its hulking claws and vibrant red shell king crab captures the imagination. But the real treasure lies in its spectacularly sweet meat. King crab has built a reputation as one of the most decadent and desirable seafood delicacies. But what exactly does this regal crustacean taste like?
Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to the unique flavor, texture, and culinary qualities of king crab meat. After this, you’ll be a connoisseur of all things king crab.
An Initial Taste Exploration
At first bite, king crab meat imparts a mildly briny flavor. But what really stands out is the sweetness. The meat possesses a naturally luscious, candy-like flavor reminiscent of lobster or shrimp.
The texture contrasts beautifully with the taste- it’s supremely tender with a silky smoothness. Yet there’s an ever-so-slight chew similar to a perfectly cooked scallop.
Overall, king crab is wonderfully juicy creamy and melts in your mouth like softened butter. It manages to be richly indulgent yet still mellow, refined, and well-balanced.
Sweetness Scale
King crab is sweeter than most shellfish, but it’s a subtle, delicate sweetness rather than overpowering. On a scale from 1 to 10:
- Snow crab: 4
- King crab: 7
- Lobster: 8
The sweetness is similar to lobster, but king crab allows the natural flavor of the seafood to shine through rather than being masked by an overt crustacean sweetness.
Meat Quality Differences
Not all king crab meat tastes exactly the same. Flavor and texture can vary based on:
- Part of the crab: Legs most tender, claws most flavorful
- Age: Younger meat is more tender
- Gender: Females sweeter than males
- Harvest location: Affects diet, coldness of water
In general, leg meat is considered superior for its exceptional tenderness, while claw meat is prized for its robust taste.
Preparation Matters
Simple preparations like steaming, boiling, or sautéing allow king crab’s inherent flavors to speak for themselves. The meat is so naturally luscious that it requires little enhancement.
That said, certain seasonings and cooking methods can further elevate king crab:
- Lemon, garlic, butter, parsley, paprika
- Smoked, grilled, or roasted
- In pastas, risottos, soups
Match the boldness of the preparation to the sweet delicacy of the crab.
Texture Talk
Perfectly cooked king crab has a smooth, velvety consistency with a subtle bite. When overcooked, it becomes rubbery and loses its signature tenderness. Key indicators of perfectly prepared crab:
- Gently yields to pressure
- Moist, never dried out
- Opalescent, translucent appearance
Prepare king crab just until opaque throughout for ideal texture.
Versatility
Beyond indulging in simple boiled crab legs, the sweet flavor and tender meat lends itself to all kinds of cuisines and cooking methods:
- Sushi
- Seafood boils or bakes
- Risottos, pastas, stir fries
- Dips and salads
- Grilled, broiled, roasted
- Soups, bisques, chowders
Both the leg and claw meat work beautifully in any dish calling for delicate crab flavor.
Pairings
King crab’s versatility also translates to diverse food and drink pairings:
- Wines: Light, crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
- Beers: Wheat beers, pilsners, lagers, IPAs
- Sauces: Butter, mayo, citrus aioli, mustard, seafood sauce
- Sides: Rice, roasted potatoes, asparagus
Availability & Sustainability
- Peak season: Winter through early spring when harvested in Alaska
- Sold fresh or frozen year-round
- Stock may vary due to sustainability regulations
- Opt for Marine Stewardship Council certified
Is It Worth the Splurge?
Yes! King crab offers a uniquely sweet, succulent meat that really lives up to its royal reputation. While pricy, a special occasion king crab feast is worth every penny.
Crab Meat Taste Frequently Asked Questions
What does imitation crab meat taste like?
Imitation crab has a milder, fishier flavor than real crab. It lacks the sweetness and texture of king crab.
How does king crab taste compared to snow crab?
Snow crab has a delicate, subtly sweet flavor. King crab offers a far richer, sweeter taste and luscious texture.
Is king crab or lobster meat sweeter?
Lobster is slightly sweeter than king crab. But king crab provides better value with a similar tender texture.
What is the best way to enhance the flavor of king crab?
Simple preparations allow king crab’s naturally sweet flavor to shine. Lemon, garlic, parsley, butter nicely complement without overpowering.
Which parts of king crab taste the best?
The long legs offer the most tender meat. The claws and body have a more robust, flavorful taste.
Can you cook and eat a whole king crab?
Yes, you can boil or steam whole crab then crack the shell to access all the delicious meat inside the body and legs.
Should you eat king crab hot or cold?
King crab is best served hot immediately after cooking. Cold dulls the sweet flavor and makes the texture rubbery.
How does grilled king crab taste?
Grilling adds a wonderful smoky nuance while keeping the interior meat tender. Grilled crab pairs great with bold seasonings.
What foods does king crab pair well with?
Butter, lemon, garlic, parsley, potatoes, pastas, rice. A crisp white wine or wheat beer. Avoid strong flavors that will overpower.
King crab is treasured for good reason- one taste of the velvety sweet meat explains why the royal crustacean commands such prestige. Savor king crab at its best by cooking and seasoning thoughtfully to highlight its naturally lush flavor. Just don’t forget the bib- king crab is messy, but oh so worth it.
Five Major Differences Between Snow Crab and King Crab
Five different factors separate snow crabs from king crabs:
- Size
- Texture
- Taste
- Price
- Their habitat and fishing season
Let’s examine each of these areas to help you determine which crab fits your needs.
Texture Differences Between Snow Crab and King Crab
The texture of a snow crab is firm and more fibrous than a king crab. Its meat breaks apart effortlessly in long pieces, making it easier to shred into pieces. The shells of snow crab leg shells break apart and crack open with your hands when not overcooked.
King crab legs require a bit more work. The king crab legs have a much thicker shell with sharp points that make it hard to crack. But the taste is worth the trouble when you bite into one. A cracking tool is usually in order when attempting to reach its delicious meat. The meat is delicate in texture, and its snowy white and red-streaked meat breaks off into larger chunks.