Do you want to know the difference between two sea treasures, the majestic King crab legs and the dainty snow crab legs?
These captivating food items have often left seafood enthusiasts pondering what sets them apart.
Join us on a mouthwatering journey where we’ll uncover the nuanced differences between king crab legs and snow crab legs, from their appearance to their size and flavor.
So, prepare your taste buds and embark on a flavorful adventure like no other!
Habitat
King crab legs are primarily obtained from king crabs, harvested from the cold waters of the Bering Sea in Alaska, making them a popular Alaskan delicacy. They thrive in deep oceanic habitats and are renowned for their colossal size and impressive meat yield.
Snow crab legs are sourced from crabs, also known as Opilio Crabs, commonly found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They inhabit shallower waters compared to king crabs and have a broader geographical range, including the coasts of Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern United States.
Identification
It’s fairly easy to differentiate between king crab legs and snow crabs’.
Size
King crab legs are larger and can vary in size depending on the species and the individual crab. On average, they’re about 6 to 9 inches long. However, some king crab legs can grow even larger, reaching lengths of up to 12 to 13 inches.
Snow crab legs are smaller than king crab legs. Their length ranges from 4 to 6 inches. But sometimes, they can grow slightly larger, reaching lengths of up to 7 or 8 inches.
Texture and shell appearance
King crab legs have a heavy and sturdy texture because of their robust exoskeleton. Therefore, they showcase a rugged surface texture.
Snow crab legs
Snow crab legs have more delicate and smoother shells compared to king crab legs. The legs may have a slightly spikier appearance owing to their elongated, tapering shape.
Color
The legs of king crabs have a distinctive reddish-brown color. This coloration can vary marginally depending on the species and cooking method used. When cooked, the shells often turn a vibrant red shade, enhancing their visual appeal.
Snow crab legs exhibit a lighter shade of red, often described as a delicate pinkish-red hue, when compared with king crab legs.
Yet, like king crab legs, snow crab legs also turn a vibrant red when cooked.
Raw meat texture
The meat texture of king crab legs and snow crab legs is one of the most noticeable differences between the two types of crab. This difference in texture is due to the different composition of the meat in the two types of crab.
King crab meat comprises long, thin fibers, while snow crab meat is made up of shorter, thicker fibers.
Another difference in texture is the ease with which the shells can be cracked. King crab legs have thick, hard shells that are difficult to open without a crab-cracking tool or scissors.
Contrarily, snow crab legs have thinner, softer shells that can be easily cracked open with your hands.
Cooked Meat Taste, Texture, and Color
King crab legs are renowned for their rich and succulent taste. They offer a sweet and slightly buttery flavor profile, often with a hint of lobster flavors. The meat has a robust and indulgent taste that seafood enthusiasts highly appreciate.
The meat of king crab legs is firm, dense, and has a satisfying chewiness. It keeps its shape well and offers a substantial mouthfeel. The texture is often described as meaty and satisfying.
After cooking, king crab meat typically has a white to off-white color with slight hints of pink or reddish tones.
On the other hand,
Snow crab legs provide a slightly milder flavor compared to king crab legs. The meat has a delicate and little sweet taste with a touch of saltiness. While not as intense as king crab, the flavor is still enjoyable and appeals to those who prefer a subtler seafood taste.
The meat of snow crab legs is tender, flaky, and has a more fibrous texture compared to king crab legs. It has a softer bite and breaks apart easily. The texture is often described as delicate and lighter.
After cooking, snow crab meat has a delicate, snowy-white color. The meat may have a slight translucency, giving it a pristine appearance.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for king crab and snow crab legs is slightly different.
King crab legs must be cooked for a few minutes longer than snow crab legs. This is because king crab legs are larger and have thicker shells.
Best for the Recipes
King crab legs are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. They are often served on their own as a delicacy, but they can also be used in dishes like:
- Baked king crab legs
- Grilled king crab legs
- King crab legs scampi
- King crab legs Caesar salad
- King crab legs bisque
Snow crab legs can be used in a variety of recipes besides being served on their own as a delicacy. Yet, you can also use them to make the recipes like:
- Snow crab legs cocktail
- Snow crab legs pasta
- Snow crab legs bisque
- Snow crab legs cakes
- Snow crab legs stir-fry
Availability and Price
You can easily get king crab legs from December to July, with the peak season being in January and February. The price of king crab legs varies depending on the size and quality, but they are more expensive than snow crab legs.
Snow crab legs, on the other hand, are available from November to June. The high season continues in March and April. The price of snow crab legs is also variable, but they are less expensive than king crab legs.
FAQs
Snow crab legs vs. king crab legs, which are better for making crab cakes?
Both king crab legs and snow crab can be used to make crab cakes, but they have different benefits and drawbacks. And for that reason, snow crab legs are better for crab cakes.
Snow crab has a more briny flavor than king crab, and its meat is also more fibrous. This makes it a good choice for crab cakes if you want to be hearty and chewy. Snow crab is also less expensive than king crab, so it’s a good option if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
King crab legs’ sweeter flavor and their meat’s flaky texture make them suitable for light and flavorful crab cakes. However, king crab legs are also more expensive than snow crab, so they may not be the best choice if you’re on a budget.
Ultimately, the best crab for crab cakes is a matter of personal preference.
King crab legs vs. snow crab, which are better for grilling?
King crabs are the best for grilling. It won’t be wrong to say that grilling is the best way to enjoy king crab legs.
King crab legs vs. snow crab, which taste better?
Though the decision between king crab legs and snow crab legs, for the taste is subjective to personal liking. Yet, the king crab legs are favored the most for their taste. And for this reason, they’re among the most sought-after seafood delights.
