King Crab Legs.

[Vinca]

I've never had them and thought I might give it a try for New Years. They come frozen, of course. How do you cook them, how do you serve them and what dishes might you serve with them? Ideas anybody?

[flamin lib]

1. They are already cooked so all you need do is warm them. A really big steamer works well.

Just steam them long enough to warm through.

Corn on the cob is good and so are steamed/boiled small red potatoes. All eaten with your hands 'cause crab is a messy meal any way you look at it. Crusty bread is also a must.

I love me some crab!

[Vinca]

2. Thanks - I didn't realize they were already cooked.

That could have been an expansive disaster. LOL.

[dem in texas]

3. Wish I had some King Crab Legs

Years ago, when we lived in Alaska, we'd buy them in a 30 pound box, already cooked and frozen. I pull some out of the freezer, put some water on to boil, throw in some Old Bay seasoning and drop the crab legs in. In the meantime, I'd melt some butter, pour it into small bowls along with a squeeze of lemon juice and a shake of paprika, so each person would have a small bowl of the melted butter.

Covered the table in butcher wrap. Put out the plates, plenty of napkins and a couple bottle of white wine. Took the crab legs out of the boiling water, drained in colander. Plated crab legs on platter and placed in center of the table. Put a nutcracker or a pair of pliers (washed) on the table for cracking the claws open. Let everyone go to town, put the shells on the table, could roll up in the paper when cleaning up. Big hunks of crab meat dipped in melted butter, washed down with a sip of wine. Doesn't get any better.

Well it does according to my husband. It was while we lived in Alaska, he went bear hunting on Afognak Island which is down near Kodiak Island. A big snow storm came in and he and his friends could not leave the camp for higher elevations. So they went out on the pier and caught King Crab right out the water. They built a big fire and filled large cans with water and dropped the crab in to cook and ate it right out on the beach. Wish I'd been there, my husband says that is a day he will never forget.

[Kali]

4. you serve them with melted butter

and champagne

yum.

(ok, maybe a green salad and some crusty rolls, but really...butter is all you need)

[hobbit709]

11. with lots of garlic in the butter.

[Major Nikon]

5. Here's the best way I've found to warm them up

Dampen some paper towels. Wrap each piece in the wet paper towels and then wrap in cling wrap. Microwave each piece individually on high for 2 minutes.

Serve them with melted butter. I like to make risotto and grilled asparagus to go with them.

[Vinca]

6. That's amazingly easy and I like the sides you suggest.

I think it's a done deal unless all the other shoppers beat me to them.

[FarPoint]

12. I like your style....

I'm going to try this ASAP.

[PennyK]

7. King crab

I think it's the best food in the world!
I have had one or two unfortunate incidents, so I always steam them thoroughly. Then I either heat with butter or make them into salad, with mayo, celery, and chopped red pepper (brings out the sweetness), I'm actually planning to have some for dinner tomorrow!

[Vinca]

8. How long do you steam them for?

[Tab]

9. I would first put them in the fridge

and after they come up to temp (just how I prefer to do things), steam them enough to heat them, 5 to 10 mins max, depending on your equipment.

After that, serve them with clarified butter. You can use regular melted butter, but I've always had lobster and crab with clarified butter.

And you might want a pair or two of pinking shears. Crackers don't work well, particularly if the shell is soft. Save yourself some headaches and have some scissors so you can just cut the food out.

Enjoy!

[Vinca]

10. Thanks for the info. I would have never guess pinking shears in a million years.

[Tab]

13. So how'd they come out? Did you do it? I forgot to mention the two most important ingredients.

[Vinca]

14. I haven't done it yet. What are the 2 ingredients?

And how many legs do you buy per person (good appetites)? I think I've located a place to buy them so they'll be on the menu soon.

[Tab]

15. The leg's are more filling than you'd think

especially given the work you have to put into it (or maybe that's a part of it). I'd think I'd be hard-pressed to do more than 3 or 4. Of course, if you have the means, get some extra and keep that in the fridge. Maybe if I was younger I could polish off 7. You could, in theory, freeze the uneaten, but you can only pull that trick so many times.

Well, ingredient #3, aside from the clarified butter already mentioned, is to steam them preferably on top of seawater, but salted water if that's the best you can do (but plain water works as they're already salty).

The most important ingredient is the beer you pick to go with it. I personally would go for a Hefeweizen with a lemon, but that's up to you.

[Vinca]

16. Thanks. Sadly, I avoid beer now.

I enjoy both beer and wine way too much and I easily slip into a habit of drinking too much too often, so best to just stay away. I'm sure they'll be great without it.

[Tab]

17. I do too, I can't drink that stuff any more either

but it goes damned good with king crab legs

Absent a beer, maybe some fresh juice with lemon or coconut.

On edit: Those legs are hot when you haul them out. You might want some tongs or gloves. Not so much the inside, but the shell really retains heat.