How to Make Perfectly Steamed Snow Crab Legs in Just 10 Minutes

Seafood lovers know that there’s something particularly magical about crab legs. Crab legs make for an indulgent yet surprisingly simple dish with their tender, sweet meat and delicate flavor. If you’re looking for an easy, restaurant-quality seafood meal that’s both delicious and quick, this recipe for perfectly steamed snow crab legs will be your new go-to. In just 10 minutes, you can serve up a plate of perfectly tender crab legs, paired with a rich garlic butter sauce, that will impress family and guests alike.

Why Snow Crab Legs?

Steamed Snow crab legs are a popular choice for seafood enthusiasts due to their sweet, delicate meat and mild, buttery flavor. They come from the Chionoecetes genus of crabs, which includes a variety of species such as the Alaskan snow crab. Unlike other crabs, snow crabs have relatively thinner, more brittle shells, which makes the meat inside easier to access. This characteristic makes them a convenient option for seafood lovers who want the flavor and texture of crab without the difficulty of cracking and picking through tough shells.

Snow crab legs are also known for their affordability compared to other crab varieties, like king crab, which makes them accessible for home cooks wanting to create a luxurious meal on a budget. The meat of snow crab legs is tender, juicy, and perfectly suited for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re preparing a classic boil, steaming them, or simply serving them with butter, steamed snow crab legs are always a winner.

Health Benefits of Snow Crab Legs

Snow crab legs not only offer exceptional flavor, but they also come with numerous health benefits that make them an excellent addition to your diet.

• High in Protein: Snow crab legs are an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle building, repair, and overall body function. A 3-ounce serving of snow crab meat typically contains around 20 grams of protein, making it a great choice for those looking to increase their protein intake without excess calories or fat.
• Low in Calories: Despite being a satisfying, meaty dish, snow crab legs are surprisingly low in calories. With only about 90-100 calories per 3-ounce serving, they are an ideal option for those seeking a light yet filling meal.
• Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function. Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, making snow crab legs an excellent source of these essential nutrients.
• Rich in Selenium: This powerful antioxidant is important for maintaining immune function, reducing inflammation, and protecting the body from oxidative stress. Steamed Snow crab legs are an excellent source of selenium, providing approximately 40-50% of your daily recommended intake in just one serving.
• Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: steamed Snow crab legs are also a good source of vitamin B12, which supports red blood cell production, and iron, which is vital for the formation of hemoglobin and preventing anemia. These nutrients make steamed snow crab legs not only delicious but also nourishing.

Key Ingredients for the Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need are a few basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

• Snow Crab Legs: You’ll need about 1-2 pounds of snow crab legs. These can be purchased fresh or frozen, and they’re available at most seafood markets and large grocery stores. If snow crab isn’t available, king crab legs are a perfect substitute, though they tend to have a firmer texture and a more intense flavor.
• Butter: The key to making a flavorful garlic butter sauce is using high-quality unsalted butter. It serves as the base for the sauce and allows the other ingredients, like garlic and lemon, to shine. You can also opt for plant-based butter if you prefer a dairy-free version.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for a flavorful sauce. Its aromatic profile enhances the taste of the crab legs and creates a beautifully fragrant sauce. Garlic powder is an alternative, but fresh garlic offers the best results.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balance to the rich, buttery sauce. Lemon’s acidity cuts through the richness of the crab and brings out the sweetness of the meat.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish. Salt and pepper season the garlic butter sauce, and for those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Cook Perfectly Steamed Snow Crab Legs

Steaming snow crab legs is the best way to preserve their natural flavor and tenderness. It’s an easy procedure that takes no time at all. Follow those steps for a faultless result:

Step 1: Prepare the Steaming Pot

Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Place a steamer basket or a rack into the pot, ensuring that the crab legs do not touch the water. You want to steam, not boil, the crab legs, as direct contact with water can result in the meat becoming too soft and losing its flavor.

Step 2: Steam the Crab Legs

Once the water is boiling, carefully arrange the crab legs in the steamer basket, cover the pot, and let the legs steam for 4-5 minutes. The legs will turn a bright red when they’re done, and the meat will be warm and perfectly tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as the meat can become rubbery if steamed for too long.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the crab legs are steaming, it’s time to make the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, soften four tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, till fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. If you like, add a bit of chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal note.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the crab legs are done, switch them to a serving dish. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the legs, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. For an extra touch, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of the crab legs before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Snow Crab Legs

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure your steamed snow crab legs turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook: The most common mistake when cooking crab legs is overcooking them. Stick to 4-5 minutes of steaming to achieve the best texture. Overcooking will make the beef difficult and much less enjoyable.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh garlic and high-quality butter. Fresh herbs like parsley add color and a delightful herbal note to the dish.
• Serve Immediately: Crab legs are best served right after they’ve been steamed, while they’re still hot and juicy. If you have leftovers, gently reheat them by steaming for 2-3 minutes to maintain their tenderness.
• Use Proper Tools: To make eating crab legs easier, invest in a good crab cracker and seafood forks. These tools will help you extract the meat without making a mess.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe is simple and delicious, it’s also highly customizable. Here are some versions you could try:

• Garlic Lemon Butter: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a deeper flavor with a little heat.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love spicy food, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the garlic butter.
• Herbed Butter: Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil can be added to the butter sauce for a unique, fragrant twist on the classic.
• Grilled Snow Crab Legs: If you prefer a smoky flavor, grill your snow crab legs instead of steaming them. Brush the legs with olive oil and grill for a few minutes on each side for a charred, delicious result.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover crab legs, don’t worry. You can store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigeration: Place any leftover crab legs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: To store them longer, wrap the crab legs tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, steam the crab legs for 2-3 minutes to prevent them from drying out. Avoid the usage of the microwave as it is able to make the beef tough.

Serving Suggestions

To create a well-rounded meal, pair your steamed snow crab legs with some of these delicious sides:

• Steamed Vegetables: A side of fresh steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, complements the sweetness of the crab legs perfectly.
• Rice Pilaf: A light rice pilaf with herbs is a great accompaniment to soak up any leftover garlic butter.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is ideal for dipping in the leftover garlic butter sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch to balance out the richness of the crab legs.

Perfectly Steamed Snow Crab Legs with Garlic Butter

Sophie Harper

Perfectly Steamed Snow Crab Legs with Garlic Butter is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a special meal. Simply steam snow crab legs for 4-5 minutes, then drizzle with a rich garlic butter sauce made with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Snow Crab Legs:

• 1-2 pounds snow crab legs fresh or frozen
• 2 inches of water for steaming

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Steaming Pot: Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket or rack over the pot, ensuring the crab legs are above the water level.
• Steam the Crab Legs: Add the snow crab legs to the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam for 4-5 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through and the shells are bright red. Avoid overcooking to keep the crab meat tender.
• Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the crab legs are steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Optionally, add fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the steamed crab legs on a serving tray and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Freshness Matters: Always use fresh ingredients like garlic and lemon for the best flavor.
• Make-Ahead Sauce: Garlic butter sauce can be made ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.

More Recipes To Try

Delicious Salmon Belly Recipe: A Culinary Delight

The Ultimate Guide to Beefaroni: A Comfort Food Classic

Conclusion

With this simple yet indulgent recipe for steamed snow crab legs, you can enjoy a gourmet seafood meal right at home. The tender, sweet meat paired with a flavorful garlic butter sauce is the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving a delicious seafood feast, steamed snow crab legs are sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, steam your crab legs, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’s both quick and exquisite!