There’s nothing quite like the excitement of receiving a package of premium Snow or King Crab Legs from The Crab Place. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or treating yourself to a seafood feast, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do when your order arrives to ensure you have the best possible experience—from unboxing to savoring every bite.
Step 1: Unpack Your Package
When your Crab Place package arrives, your first step is to carefully unpack it. The crab legs are shipped in an insulated container with ice packs to ensure they stay fresh. Follow these steps:
Open the box carefully to remove any insulation material.
Check the temperature of the crab legs. They should be cold, not frozen, to the touch.
Transfer to the refrigerator if you're planning to cook them later in the day or within the next few days.
Step 2: Store Properly if Not Using Immediately
If you’re not planning to enjoy your crab legs right away, make sure to store them properly:
Short-term storage: Store the crab legs in the refrigerator, making sure they are kept at 32°F to 38°F.
Long-term storage: For later use, you can freeze the crab legs. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Step 3: Prepare Your Crab Legs for Cooking
When you’re ready to cook the crab legs, here’s what to do:
Thaw the crab legs (if frozen) by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight, or if you’re in a rush, run cold water over them for a quicker thaw.
Rinse the crab legs under cool water to wash off the salty brine that is used during the freezing process when the crabs were caught. The brine will affect the flavor of the crabs making them taste extra salty.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
There are several great ways to cook crab legs, and it largely depends on your personal preference. Here are some popular methods:
Boiling: Fill a large pot with water, add a little salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the crab legs and cook for 4-6 minutes, until they’re heated through.
Steaming: Use a large steamer basket over boiling water and steam the crab legs for 5-7 minutes.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the crab legs on a baking sheet, brush with butter or oil, and bake for about 10 minutes.
Check out the videos below for additional ways to heat your crab legs!
Step 5: Enhance with Seasonings and Dips
While crab legs are delicious on their own, a little extra flavor can take them to the next level. Here’s how to prepare some simple accompaniments:
Melted butter: A classic dip. Melt some butter and add a pinch of garlic, lemon juice, or your favorite seasoning.
Old Bay seasoning: Sprinkle some Old Bay on the crab legs before cooking or mix it into your melted butter for a Maryland-style twist.
Lemon wedges: Serve with fresh lemon wedges to brighten up the flavor.
Step 6: Crack and Enjoy
Once your crab legs are cooked, it's time to dig in! Use these tips to easily crack open and savor every bite:
Use a crab cracker or kitchen shears to gently crack open the shell. Start by breaking the joints and then cutting along the length of the leg.
Remove the meat carefully: Use a small fork to pull out the tender meat. Dip it into your butter or sauce, and enjoy!
Step 7: Serve Your Crab Legs
Crab legs pair well with a variety of side dishes, so here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
Garlic butter pasta: Toss some pasta with garlic butter for a delicious, rich side.
Corn on the cob: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of crab.
Fresh salad: Keep things light with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Step 8: Clean Up and Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover crab meat, don’t let it go to waste! Here’s how to store it:
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freeze any extra crab meat if you don’t plan on eating it right away. Be sure to store it properly to avoid freezer burn.
Now that you know exactly how to handle your crab legs from start to finish, you can indulge in World-Class seafood with confidence! Bon appétit!
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