Is 1 lb of king crab legs enough?

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Whether 1 pound of king crab legs is enough depends on how many people you are serving and what else is being served. For 2 people sharing crab legs as an appetizer, 1 pound is likely enough. For a main course for 2-4 people, 2-3 pounds may be needed. Consider ordering extra, as leftovers can be used in other recipes. Ultimately the amount needed depends on individual appetites.

How Much King Crab Legs Per Person?

The amount of king crab legs needed per person varies based on several factors:

Appetizer vs. main course – More is needed if crab legs are the main protein for a meal rather than just an appetizer.

Other items being served – If crab legs are served alongside other appetizers or main dishes, less may be needed per person.
Individual appetites – Those who love crab legs may consumer more than those who just want a taste.
Leftovers – Some people may want leftovers to use in other recipes, requiring more per person.

As a general guideline, here’s how much king crab legs to serve per person:

Appetizer – 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound per person
Main course – 1⁄2 to 1 pound per person

So for 2 people having crab legs as an appetizer, around 1 pound total should be enough. For a main course for 2-4 people, order 2-3 pounds total. Add a bit extra if you want leftovers.

How Many Legs in a Pound of King Crab?

The number of king crab legs in a pound depends on the size of the legs:

Colossal legs: 3-5 legs per pound

Super colossal legs: 2-3 legs per pound
Large legs: 5-8 legs per pound
Medium legs: 8-12 legs per pound

So in a 1 pound bag of king crab legs, expect approximately:

3-5 colossal legs
2-3 super colossal legs

5-8 large legs
8-12 medium legs

The best way to estimate is to look at the size of each leg. Larger, thicker legs will mean fewer per pound. Smaller, thinner legs will have more in each pound.

How Much Meat is in a Pound of King Crab Legs?

In a pound of king crab legs, expect to yield approximately:

Colossal legs: 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 pound meat
Super colossal legs: 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound meat

Large legs: 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound meat
Medium legs: 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound meat

The meat yield depends on the size of the legs, how well they are cleaned, and how meticulous you are at extracting all the meat. Expect more meat from larger legs and less from smaller legs. Pick carefully to get all the tasty morsels out.

Here is a quick table summarizing amount of meat per pound of legs:

Leg Size	Legs per Pound	Meat Yield per Pound
Colossal	3-5 legs	1⁄2 – 3⁄4 pound
Super Colossal	2-3 legs	1⁄3 – 1⁄2 pound
Large	5-8 legs	1⁄4 – 1⁄2 pound
Medium	8-12 legs	1⁄4 – 1⁄3 pound

So out of 1 pound of king crab legs, expect to yield around 1⁄3 to 3⁄4 pound of edible crab meat depending on leg size.

Nutrition Info for King Crab Legs

King crab legs are low in fat and calories while providing protein, vitamins, and minerals:

Calories: 100 grams of king crab contains 84 calories
Protein: 16-18g per 3 oz serving
Fat: 1-1.5g per serving

Vitamin B12: Over 100% RDI in a 3 oz serving
Selenium: Over 50% RDI per serving
Sodium: Around 25% RDI per serving, so watch intake if limiting salt

Omega-3s: Decent amount providing anti-inflammatory benefits

King crab legs are high in cholesterol, with over 100mg per 3 oz serving. But they provide high quality protein and nutrition.

Benefits of King Crab Legs

Some health benefits of eating king crab legs in moderation:

High protein supports muscle growth and maintenance
Vitamin B12 aids red blood cell formation
Selenium acts as an antioxidant

Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
Low calorie and fat, can be part of healthy diet

How to Cook King Crab Legs

Some popular cooking methods for king crab legs:

Steaming

Steaming is a quick and healthy way to prepare crab legs:

Bring 1-2 inches of water to a boil in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket
Season legs with Old Bay, lemon, garlic, butter or other seasoning

Place crab legs in basket, cover, and steam for 4-8 minutes until opaque
Check frequently to avoid overcooking

Steaming retains moisture and brings out the sweet, delicate flavor of the crab.

Boiling

For a classic crab boil:

Fill large pot with water, and add crab boil seasoning
Bring to a rolling boil and add legs

Boil 4-8 minutes until bright red
Soak in ice bath briefly to stop cooking

Boiling infuses the crab with seasoning for a flavorful result. Watch pot to avoid boil overs.

Grilling

You can also grill crab legs for a charred, smoky flavor:

Cut legs in half lengthwise before grilling
Brush with oil or butter and season as desired

Grill legs 4-6 minutes per side
Take care not to overcook and dry out meat

Grilled crab pairs well with fresh lemon and garlic butter.

Baking

For oven baked crab legs:

Preheat oven to 375°F
Place legs on baking sheet and brush with melted butter

Season with paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, etc.
Bake 15-20 minutes until opaque and warmed through

Baking brings out the natural sweetness of king crab.

How to Eat King Crab Legs

Here are some tips for eating king crab legs:

Use crab crackers or small hammer to break open the hard shell
Break shells apart at joints to access meat

Pull out long sections of meat gently with your fingers
Use a seafood fork to pull out smaller pieces of meat
Watch for sharp points and shells as you enjoy the tender meat

Provide small bowls for emptied shells and have moist towelettes on hand to clean up. Offer lemon wedges, butter, and cocktail sauce for dipping.

What to Serve with King Crab Legs

Some tasty pairings with king crab legs:

Lemon – A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavor

Clarified butter – For dipping the meat
Cocktail sauce – Tart and tangy dipping sauce
Garlic aioli – Creamy emulsion with garlic flavor

Drawn butter – Melted butter with fresh herbs
Baked potato – Starchy side soaks up butter
Corn on the cob – Sweet, summery pairing

Coleslaw – Crunchy, vinegar-based slaw
Bread rolls – For making crab sandwiches

Choose cool, creamy sides that balance the sweet, briny taste of the crab. Rice, pasta, and roasted vegetables also make good accompaniments.

Leftover King Crab Legs

Here are tips for using up leftover king crab legs:

Refrigeration

Properly stored, king crab legs last 3-4 days refrigerated. Place uneaten crab legs in an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 3-4 days for best quality. The rich flavor fades over time.

Reheating

To reheat crab legs, place in a steamer basket over boiling water for 2-3 minutes just until heated through. Or reheat briefly in the microwave. Avoid overcooking or meat will be tough.

Recipes

Use leftover crab in:

Omelets, frittatas or scrambled eggs
Salads with mayo-based dressing

LETTUCE wraps
Sliders or sandwiches with mayo or remoulade
Crab cakes or creamy dips

Seafood pasta like linguine with white clam sauce
Risotto or paella rice dishes
Crab stuffed baked potatoes

Pick the meat from shells and add to recipes for a quick protein boost. The sweet crab pairs well with creamy, starchy ingredients.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze king crab legs up to 2-3 months:

Wrap legs tightly in plastic wrap, then foil or freezer bags

Exclude as much air as possible
Label with date and contents
Freeze immediately after purchasing

Freeze legs whole rather than picking meat for best texture. Thaw in fridge before reheating gently.

Where to Buy King Crab Legs

Places to buy fresh king crab legs:

Local fish markets and seafood shops

Specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods
Large supermarkets like Costco and Sam’s Club
Online seafood retailers offering overnight shipping

Fisherman’s wharves if located near harbors

Purchase legs from a reputable seller with high turnover to ensure freshness. Look for legs packed on ice that smell fresh, not fishy.

When in season from winter to early spring, look for sales on king crab legs like “$10 off per pound” or reduced pricing for bulk buys. Stock up and freeze extras.

King Crab Legs vs. Snow Crab Legs

How do king crab and snow crab legs compare?

	King Crab Legs	Snow Crab Legs
Size	Larger legs	Smaller, thinner legs
Shell	Hard red shell	Dark brown shell
Meat color	White meat	Flaky white meat
Flavor	Sweet, rich, delicate	Mild, briny
Texture	Firm, moist meat	Delicate, flaky
Price	More expensive	Less expensive

Overall, king crab legs are larger, sweeter, and more expensive. Snow crab has a milder flavor and tender texture. Try them both to decide your preference.

Conclusion

So in summary, here are some key points on serving king crab legs:

For 2 people as an appetizer, 1 pound is usually enough
For 2-4 people as a main course, order 2-3 pounds
Each pound contains 3-12 legs depending on size

Yields around 1/3 to 3/4 pound meat per pound of legs
Choose larger legs for more meat, smaller for more affordable cost
Steam, boil, grill or bake for best results

Serve with melted butter, lemon, and dipping sauces
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 2-3 months

One pound of legs can work for 2 people for a starter, but go bigger if serving as the main dish. Choose the amount based on your menu, budget, and appetites. With proper preparation and accompaniments, king crab legs make for a delicious meal.