The Best Snow Crab Recipes to Try at Home
Snow crabs are a delicious seafood option with a sweet, delicate flavor and tender meat. They’re versatile and work well in many different dishes. Even if trying snow crab for the first time, these recipes will inspire you to get cooking!
Table of Contents
Below, you’ll find the best snow crab recipes to make at home, from simple garlic butter snow crab to rich snow crab pasta. Each recipe has easy instructions and uses ingredients you can find at most grocery stores or even your favorite spot for seafood near me.
Garlic Butter Snow Crab
When it comes to snow crab recipes, you can’t go wrong with garlic butter! This recipe brings out the natural flavor of snow crab with minimal ingredients, making it a favorite for crab lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. snow crab legs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Take a skillet and melt butter over moderate heat.
- Next, cook minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the snow crab legs to the skillet and drizzle lemon juice over them.
- Toss the crab legs in the garlic butter sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy this dish with a side of bread or a light salad. The garlic butter snow crab recipe is one of the best snow crab recipes to try if you’re looking for simple, comforting flavors.
Snow Crab Pasta
For a more filling option, this snow crab pasta is a perfect choice. This pasta dish is rich and creamy, making it perfect for a special dinner yet simple enough to prepare any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 lb. snow crab meat
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Start by preparing the pasta as directed on the package and set aside.
- Take a large pan to melt butter over moderate heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about a minute, until it’s fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Gently fold in the snow crab meat.
- Add salt and pepper, pasta, and Parmesan cheese.
- Make sure to fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm. This snow crab pasta is sure to be a hit on any seafood menu you create at home!
Snow Crab Fried Rice
This twist on fried rice is packed with the flavor of snow crab, making it a unique and delicious way to enjoy snow crab meat. It’s quick to make and a great choice if you have leftover rice on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. snow crab meat
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Take a large pan or wok and heat the vegetable oil over moderate to high heat.
- Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Push the onion to one side of the pan and add the eggs, scrambling them until cooked.
- Add the rice, peas, and carrots, stirring well to combine.
- Add the snow crab meat and soy sauce, mixing until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt and pepper to season, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
This snow crab fried rice recipe brings a fresh, flavorful spin to traditional fried rice, making it one of the best snow crab recipes for a quick and tasty meal.
Snow Crab Salad
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing way to enjoy snow crab, try this snow crab salad. It’s simple, healthy, and makes a great lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. snow crab meat
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh dill
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the snow crab meat, cucumber, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
- Also, take a small bowl to whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mix in the small bowl over the salad and toss.
- Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately.
This snow crab salad is easy to make and perfect if you want a lighter option among snow crab recipes. The fresh ingredients in this salad highlight the natural flavors of the crab.
Snow Crab Cakes
Snow crab cakes are a delightful treat because of their crispy exterior and tender interior. Serve them as an appetizer or a main course with a side of greens.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. snow crab meat
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the snow crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into small patties.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the crab cakes and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Remove from heat and serve warm.
These crab cakes are one of the best snow crab recipes to try if you want something crispy and full of flavor. Serve with a dipping sauce like tartar or aioli for extra taste.
frequently asked questions
How do I cook snow crab legs?
The easiest way to cook snow crab legs is by steaming or boiling them. For steaming, place the crab legs in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. For boiling, place them directly into boiling water for 5-7 minutes. You can also grill or bake them for a different flavor.
Can I use frozen snow crab for these recipes?
Yes, frozen snow crab can be used for all the snow crab recipes listed here. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking by placing them in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
What should I serve with snow crab dishes?
Snow crab dishes pair well with side dishes like garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Rice or pasta are also great options if you want something more filling.
Are snow crabs healthy to eat?
Yes, snow crabs are a healthy option. They’re low in fat and high in protein and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin B12, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
How do I know if snow crab meat is cooked properly?
Cooked snow crab meat should be white with a hint of pink or red. It should be tender and easy to remove from the shell.
Conclusion
With these best snow crab recipes, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of snow crab right at home. Whether you’re craving a simple garlic butter snow crab or a rich pasta dish, these recipes make it easy to enjoy snow crab in a variety of ways. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them with your favorite herbs and spices!
