Where to Buy Delicious King Crab Legs

King crab legs are a delicious and impressive seafood choice. Their sweet rich flavor and tender meat make them a premium dining experience. However, high-quality king crab can be difficult to find at your average grocery store. So where can you buy fresh king crab legs to enjoy at home? Here are the best places to purchase authentic, wild-caught Alaskan king crab.

Online Direct from Alaska

One of the best ways to buy premium king crab is to order it online directly from Alaska. Going straight to the source ensures you are getting authentic, fresh-caught crab. When crab is shipped overnight on ice from the cold Alaskan waters, it arrives at your doorstep practically still swimming!

There are a few reputable websites that ship genuine Alaskan king crab overnight nationwide. Two of the most popular are AlaskanKingCrab.com and GreatAlaskaSeafoodcom These companies are based right in Alaska and have longstanding relationships with local fishermen. They get crab freshly caught daily and immediately freeze it to lock in that just-caught quality.

The crab available from these online sources is far superior to anything you will find at a regular supermarket. The legs are monstrously huge, averaging 1-2 pounds each And the sweetness is incredible thanks to the quick freezing The meat texture is also firmer and more supple since the crab never sits around melting on ice.

Ordering king crab online directly from Alaska is definitely the way to go for unmatched freshness and quality. The seafood ships fed-ex overnight on dry ice and arrives frozen at your doorstep.

High-End Specialty Markets

After online sources based in Alaska, your next best option for buying king crab is from a high-end specialty market. Some upscale grocery stores like Whole Foods Market or Metropolitan Market may have a seafood section with a selection of fresh-caught Alaskan king crab.

The crab will likely be pre-cooked since these stores do not typically have freezing capabilities. So the flavor and texture may not be quite as pristine as ordering online. But these sources do often get shipments flown in direct from Alaska fishermen. So the quality is still far better than typical supermarkets.

Keep in mind that king crab legs from specialty retailers will come with a hefty price tag. You can expect to pay $25 per pound or even more. Make it a special occasion splurge or combine it with other high-end ingredients for a gourmet surf and turf meal. Just don’t plan on these merchants for regular affordable king crab buys.

Local Independent Fish Markets

Another good option for finding king crab, if you are lucky enough to have one in your area, is a local independent fish market. These small specialty seafood shops are a dying breed, but some still exist, especially in coastal cities.

The advantage of fish markets is that they form direct relationships with fishermen. So they may be able to get shipments of fresh-caught king crab from Alaska. Since they are small businesses, they take pride in providing quality.

That said, fresh king crab stock can be hit or miss depending on what they have in inventory when you visit. And prices are likely to be on the high side, though perhaps a touch cheaper than big name specialty grocers. Check listings for local fish markets in your city if you want to try this route.

Large Chain Grocery Stores

As a last resort, it is possible to buy king crab legs from large supermarket chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, etc. However, the quality will not be nearly as high as other sources.

The king crab at big chain grocers is typically imported from places like Russia. It is thawed and previously frozen. That means the texture is often soggy and less fresh tasting. Plus the legs tend to be on the small side, averaging 1/3 pound or less.

The one advantage of the grocery store route is price – you can usually find crab there for $15 per pound or less. For a special occasion, it may be worth splurging on better quality options. But for everyday seafood lovers, the grocery store fits the budget. Just don’t expect premium flavor and texture.

Things to Look for When Buying King Crab

To get the best king crab for your dollar, wherever you purchase, here are signs of high quality to look for:

• Wild-caught from Alaska – This ensures the highest standards. King crab labeled product of Alaska is the way to go.

• Good Size – Average weight per leg should be at least 1⁄2 pound, ideally 1 pound or more for the best meaty options.

• Fresh – Meat should be firm and translucent, not yellowing or smelly. Legs should feel ultra-cold.

• Reputable Seller – Buy from sources known for quality like fish markets or online companies shipping direct from Alaska.

• Minimal Handling – The fewer stops on the supply chain, the fresher the crab. Direct from fishermen is ideal.

Follow these guidelines and you will be rewarded with the most delectable king crab for your table! Enjoy this regal seafood at its best.