Snow crabs are a delicacy in the culinary world, revered for their sweet and tender meat. Found in deep, cold oceans, these crustaceans are a treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways and in a multitude of dishes.
Where do Snow Crabs Live?
Snow crabs, also known as queen crabs or spider crabs, live in the far northern reaches of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Found in the Arctic Ocean above Greenland, Norway, and the Bering Sea, snow crabs were given their name due to the cold icy waters that they like to live in. On average, most snow crabs live about three-hundred and sixty feet below the surface of the ocean.
What do Snow Crabs Look Like?
These bottom dwelling creatures can grow up to six and half inches across the length of their shells. They have long legs that allow them to move easily along sandy and muddy ocean bottoms. Snow crabs come in a variety of colors that range from red to brown on top with yellow or white undersides.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Snow Crab?
Snow crabs are known for their meaty, tender legs. Snow crab legs can be boiled or steamed and enjoyed plain with butter and lemon, or the cooked crab meat can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. We prefer steaming snow crab legs so that they don’t get inundated with excess water that can dilute the flavor of the crab.
Snow Crab Recipes
The easiest way to cook snow crab legs is to fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Add the snow crab legs and steam for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the crab legs are bright red and the meat is flaky. Unlike soft shell crabs, snow crabs cannot be eaten whole, and must be cracked open to reveal the delicious meat inside. While we like eating snow crab plainly with a little melted butter, there are a few delicious recipes you can try making such as Crab Cakes or Asparagus and Crab Frittata. Look for snow crab legs at the grocery store, at your local seafood market, or online.
Feature Image: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
