How to Cook Snow Crab Claws

Snow crab claws are a popular appetizer or snack food. Often served in a manner similar to shrimp cocktail, snow crab claws are easy to prepare in a variety of ways, including boiled, steamed and grilled. Steaming is the simplest preparation method. Snow crab claws can be purchased in 1- to 3-lb. bags in many markets or can be bought online from various retailers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 lb. snow crab claws
• Seafood shell cracker
• Large stockpot
• Steamer basket
• One stick butter
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• One jar seafood sauce

1. Thaw the snow crab claws overnight in the refrigerator if they are frozen. Alternatively, you can thaw the claws by placing the entire bag in a sink full of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the claws are thawed.

2. Crack and remove the shell from the claw, leaving the shell only on one pincher. This pincher will serve as a handle for the crab claw while eating.

3. Bring a stockpot filled with water to a boil. If desired, you can add seasonings such as a prepackaged shrimp boil to the water.

4. Place the crab claws into the steaming basket, and place over the hot boiling water. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.

5. Steam the claws for four to six minutes, depending on the size, or until cooked through. The exposed flesh of the crab claw should be white and moist, whereas the pincher shell should turn a bright red.

6. Serve with garlic butter and cocktail sauce for dipping. A simple garlic butter can be made by melting one stick of butter combined with 1 tbsp. of minced garlic.

Tips & Warnings

• When boiling snow crab claws, crack the shells but leave them on the meat until cooked. This will help keep the meat intact and attractive to serve.
• Shrimp and seafood boil seasonings are available at most supermarkets. They can be found in the spice aisle and are marketed under a variety of name brands.
• Most snow crab claws on the market are fully cooked and need only re-heating to serve. Be sure to read the label on the package to determine proper cooking time if frozen fresh.
• Snow crab claws can also be sautéed in wine, butter or juices for unique flavors.
• Leftover crab claws can be cleaned and used in salads, omelets or crab cakes.
• A 3-oz. serving of crab meat is low in fat and calories.

References

• Spectacular Seafood, University of Georgia Marine Extension (PDF)

Resources

• Online Source of Crab Claws

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