Snow Crab Easy Recipes: Delicious and Simple Ways to Cook Snow Crab

Snow crabs are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are a favorite among seafood lovers. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner or a casual meal, snow crab can be the star of your table. The best part? You don’t need to be a culinary expert to prepare snow crab dishes. With its naturally rich flavor, snow crab is versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, from boiling to grilling, and steaming to baking. In this article, we’ll share some snow crab easy recipes that are quick, delicious, and sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.

How to Prepare Snow Crab Legs

Before diving into recipes, let’s cover the basics. Preparing snow crab legs is incredibly simple, and they are typically pre-cooked when sold. Whether frozen or fresh, you’re mainly focusing on reheating them in a way that preserves their succulent texture and taste. Here are a few quick methods to prepare snow crab legs:

Boiling Snow Crab Legs:

• Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.
• Bring the water to a boil, then add the snow crab legs.
• Boil for 4-5 minutes if thawed, or 7-8 minutes if frozen.
• Remove from water, and they’re ready to serve!

Steaming Snow Crab Legs:

• Add 1-2 inches of water to a large pot with a steamer basket.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Place the crab legs in the steamer and cover.
• Steam for 5-7 minutes.
• Remove and serve with melted butter.

Now that you know how to prepare snow crab legs, let’s dive into some easy recipes that showcase the natural flavor of snow crab.

1. Classic Snow Crab with Garlic Butter

Nothing beats the simplicity of snow crab paired with rich, garlicky butter. This classic recipe highlights the crab’s delicate flavor with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs snow crab legs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the snow crab legs using either the boiling or steaming method.
2. While the crab legs are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove the crab legs from the pot, plate them, and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

2. Snow Crab Linguine Pasta

Elevate your weeknight pasta dish with sweet snow crab. This easy snow crab linguine is luxurious yet simple, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb linguine pasta
• 1 lb snow crab meat (removed from legs)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the snow crab meat and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
6. Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet and combine with the sauce.
7. Serve topped with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.

Pro Tip: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

3. Grilled Snow Crab with Herb Butter

Grilling snow crab adds a slight smokiness that complements its natural sweetness. This easy recipe with herb butter is perfect for outdoor barbecues or casual gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs snow crab legs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Lightly brush the snow crab legs with the herb butter mixture.
4. Place the crab legs on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until heated through.
5. Remove from the grill and brush with more herb butter before serving.

Pro Tip: Serve with extra lemon wedges and a simple green salad to round out the meal.

4. Baked Snow Crab in Foil Packs

This no-fuss recipe locks in the flavors of snow crab by baking them in foil packs. It’s perfect for a quick, mess-free meal that still feels gourmet.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs snow crab legs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Tear off large squares of aluminum foil (enough to wrap the crab legs).
3. Place the snow crab legs in the center of each foil square.
4. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the butter mixture over the crab legs.
5. Top with lemon slices and parsley, then tightly wrap the foil around the crab legs.
6. Place the foil packs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes.
7. Carefully open the packs, and serve the crab legs with extra melted butter and lemon wedges.

Pro Tip: Add a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

5. Snow Crab Salad with Avocado

Looking for a light, refreshing way to enjoy snow crab? This simple snow crab salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a quick appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb snow crab meat (removed from legs)
• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the snow crab meat, diced avocado, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the crab mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens or enjoy it as a light snack with crackers.

Conclusion

Snow crab is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or an impressive dish for a special occasion, these snow crab recipes will make any meal feel like a gourmet experience. From classic garlic butter to refreshing salads, there’s a snow crab dish for every taste and skill level. So grab some snow crab legs and get cooking—you won’t be disappointed!