Where to Find Delicious King Crab Legs Near You

King crab legs are a delicious and indulgent seafood treat. Their sweet briny flavor and tender texture make them a favorite for special occasions and seafood lovers alike. But where can you find high-quality king crab legs to enjoy at home? I did some research to find the best places to buy king crab legs, whether you prefer picking them up in person or having them delivered right to your door.

Checking Local Fish Markets and Grocery Stores

One of the best places to find fresh king crab is your local fish market or high-end grocery store. Make sure to call ahead to see if they have king crab legs in stock, as availability can vary.

The seafood counter at your grocery store is a good place to start. Chains like Kroger, Publix, H-E-B, and Safeway often carry king crab when it’s in season. Check the labels to find Alaskan king crab, which is considered the best and most sustainable. The crab legs should be bright red with a shiny shell and still partially frozen.

You can also check independent fish markets in your area. These specialty stores are dedicated to fresh, high-quality seafood Tell them when you’re planning to eat the crab legs and ask them to recommend the freshest catch Keep in mind that supplies at smaller fish markets can be more limited.

The benefit of buying king crab legs at a local store is you can inspect them for freshness. And you can enjoy them right away instead of waiting for shipping. Just make sure to call ahead to confirm availability before making a trip.

Ordering King Crab Legs Online

Online seafood retailers let you order king crab legs and have them shipped overnight to your door. This is a convenient option if you don’t live near a fish market or want to buy in bulk.

Here are some of the most reputable places to buy king crab legs online:

• Alaska King Crab Direct – This company catches wild king crab in Alaska and ships it frozen overnight. They have options like red king crab legs, golden king crab legs, and combo packs.

• Seafood Box – Get king crab legs and other seafood like lobster and shrimp delivered to your door. You can choose different box sizes to suit any occasion.

• Sitka Salmon Shares – This community-supported fishery lets you get a monthly seafood subscription. King crab legs are sometimes included depending on the season.

• Pure Fish – Order a variety of premium frozen seafood, including wild-caught king crab legs from Alaska. Shipping is free for orders over $199.

The benefit of ordering online is convenience, plus you can buy large quantities of crab legs at once. Just make sure to order from retailers that use overnight shipping to ensure freshness.

Purchasing King Crab Legs at Warehouse Stores

Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s sometimes carry king crab legs when they’re in peak season. They buy directly from fishermen, so you can get king crab at a great price per pound.

The king crab is usually pre-split into legs and claws for easy cooking and serving. Pick a package with legs that are heavy for their size and that still have a bit of frost on them. This indicates they weren’t thawed and refrozen.

Check the end caps and frozen seafood section at warehouse stores. Snagging their seasonal king crab deal lets you buy a lot of crab at once to enjoy or serve at a special dinner party. Just make sure to grab it when you see it, as the inventory sells out quick!

Things to Look for When Buying King Crab Legs

To choose the best quality king crab legs, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Source – Wild-caught Alaskan king crab is considered the highest quality. Make sure the label specifies Alaska as the source.

• Color – Bright red legs with a natural shine indicate freshness. Avoid any yellowing.

• Size – Bigger legs mean more meat. Go for at least 1⁄2 pound per leg. Measure length and thickness.

• Weight – Heavier legs for a given size tend to have more filling. Pick them up to judge.

• Texture – Frozen king crab should still feel very firm and solid when raw. Pass on any squishy spots.

• Pack Date – Look for packing dates less than a year old, ideally within a few months.

Following these tips will help you select plump, delicious king crab worth the splurge. Keep the legs chilled until ready to cook and eat.

Tips for Cooking King Crab Legs at Home

Preparing perfectly cooked king crab legs may seem intimidating. But follow these simple tips for success:

• Thaw legs overnight in the fridge or in cold water for faster defrosting. Never thaw at room temp.

• Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut through tough shell and cartilage. Cut in segments.

• For boiling, add seasoning like Old Bay. Cook for 5-8 minutes until bright red. Don’t overcook.

• For steaming, use a folding metal steamer basket. Steam for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

• For grilling legs, split shells open and brush with butter or oil. Grill 4 minutes per side.

• Check for doneness by looking for opaque, pearly white meat. It should be moist and flake off in chunks.

• Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, and dipping sauces like aioli. Enjoy immediately for the best texture.