Delicious Alaskan King Crab Legs Recipe | Easy and Quick
Are you looking for an indulgent seafood dish to impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs recipe! Named for its inclusion of beer in the cooking process, this recipe brings out the sweet and succulent flavor of Alaskan king crab legs like no other.
With just a few simple ingredients including garlic, lemons, and butter, this recipe stays true to the classic flavors of a traditional crab leg dish. However, the addition of beer adds a savory dimension and unique complexity to the dish, making it perfect for seafood lovers who crave something more adventurous.
If you’re feeling intimidated by cooking crab legs at home, fear not! This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and yields perfectly cooked crab legs every time. Not to mention, it’s a show stopper when presented at any dinner party.
So grab some friends, pop open a cold one, and get ready to try this indulgent recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you want to impress your dinner guests with an unforgettable culinary experience? Look no further than the Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs recipe. Trust me, this recipe will become a household favorite in no time.
Firstly, let’s talk about the ingredients. This recipe calls for succulent Alaskan King Crab legs that are steamed with lemons, garlic, and beer. Can you imagine a better combination of flavors? The crab meat is sweet and delicate, while the garlic and lemon bring a perfect balance of tanginess to your palate. The addition of beer infuses the crab meat with a unique flavor that sets it apart from other seafood dishes.
Moreover, the recipe requires only 5 minutes of active prep and 4-5 minutes of cooking time – yes, you read that right! All you need is a large stockpot and steamer insert to get started. It’s incredibly easy to make and ensures perfect results every time. You don’t have to be a master chef to cook up this masterpiece; anyone can do it!
Furthermore, if you’re worried about finding particular ingredients, there are plenty of substitutions and variations already built into the recipe. You can use snow crab claws instead of King Crab legs or even add grilled crab meat into the mix.
Lastly, the Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs recipe pairs well with various sides like roasted vegetables, corn on the cob or even bread rolls for dipping into the flavorful butter sauce! Delight your guests with this extraordinary dish for any occasion.
In sum, this recipe will change your perspective on seafood dishes – it’s quick to cook, tastes amazing, and is customizable to fit any palette. Your loved ones will keep asking you for this Drunken Alaskan King Crab Leg Recipe!
Ingredient List
Here are the Ingredients you will need to make this Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs Recipe. Make sure to have all of them on hand before starting.
- 3-12 ounce bottles of pale ale
- 3 lemons, cut in half
- 1 head garlic, split in half
- 2-3 lbs Alaskan king crab legs
- Old Bay seasoning
Don’t have Alaskan king crab? You can also use snow crab claws or even crab meat for this recipe. However, the Alaskan king crab legs provide a meatier and more succulent flavor experience that you don’t want to miss!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s go through the steps on how to make this Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs Recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 Alaskan King crab legs clusters
- 3 lemons, cut in half
- 1 head garlic, split in half
- 3-12 ounce bottles of pale ale
- Old Bay Seasoning
Preparation:
- Fill a large stockpot with water and insert the steamer basket.
- Add beer, lemons and garlic, then bring to a boil
- Add Crab Legs and cover pot for 5 minutes
- Drain & serve hot
First, take out your largest stockpot and insert a steam basket inside. Fill up the pot with water, enough that once the steam basket is in the water should only come up about an inch under it. Next, pour in the 12 ounce bottles of pale ale into the pot as well as cut 3 lemons in half and add to beer along with 1 head of garlic split into two.
Let this mixture come to a boil and then it’s time to add in those delicious Alaskan king crab legs! To start, place your crab clusters into the steamer basket (on top of the garlic and lemon slices) and then add a generous amount, about 2 tablespoons, of Old Bay Seasoning on top of them.
Once you see steam starting to come out from under the lid you can start timing the cook time for 5 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Once cooked, remove from heat immediately and use tongs to transfer crab legs onto a serving platter.
Get ready to dig into these scrumptious drunken crab legs!
Substitutions and Variations
For those who are looking to put their own twist on this Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs Recipe, there are several substitutions and variations that can be made. Here are a few:
– Snow Crab Claws: If Alaskan King Crab Legs are not available in your area, try using snow crab claws instead. They have a similar texture and taste great with the same seasonings.
– Grilled Crab: If you want to switch things up a bit, you can try grilling the crab legs instead of steaming them. Brush them with a butter sauce and throw them on the grill for a few minutes on each side until cooked through.
– Crab Meat: Another variation is to use crab meat instead of whole crab legs. Simply cook the crab meat in a butter sauce with garlic and Old Bay seasoning and serve it over pasta or rice.
– Butter Sauce: Experimenting with different flavors of butter sauces can also add variety to this dish. Consider adding some chili flakes or honey mustard to the butter sauce for an extra kick.
No matter which substitution or variation you choose, this recipe is highly customizable and will still be delicious. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve mastered the art of cooking these succulent Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs, it’s time to think about how to serve them. These crab legs are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, and they can be served as a main dish or as a part of your seafood feast.
To serve, place the cooked crab legs on a large platter or individual plates. You can sprinkle some Old Bay seasoning on top for added flavor and decoration. Drizzle some melted butter sauce over the legs and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Squeeze some lemon juice on top for an extra dash of freshness.
When it comes to pairing these drinks with your crab legs, you can never go wrong with a cold beer. The recipe calls for using pale ale, so it’s only fitting to pair it with a crisp Pale Ale beer. But if beer is not your thing, white wine will make a fine pairing as well.
For sides, try keeping it simple so that your crab legs remain the center of attention. Steamed corn on the cob or boiled potatoes make great sides to balance out the spices in the crab legs.
If you’re up for experimentation, you can try making different kinds of crabs such as grilled crab or snow crab claws and see what other beverages or sides go along with them. Either way, the decadence of these Outrageous Alaskan King Crab Legs will leave you wanting more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve had your fill of these delicious Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs, you may be left with some leftovers. Fear not, my friend – this recipe is great for making ahead and reheating for later.
To store them properly, make sure the crab legs have cooled down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They should keep for up to two days in the fridge.
When it’s time to reheat, there are a couple of methods you can choose from. One option is to steam them again for 4-5 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can wrap the crab legs in foil and place them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes.
No matter which method you use, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure they’re heated through but not overcooked – no one likes rubbery crab legs. Second, be careful when handling them as they will be hot to the touch.
So go ahead and enjoy those leftovers guilt-free, knowing that with a little bit of effort you can have delicious Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs any time you want.
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing the perfect Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs might require some skills and attention to details. Here are some useful tips which will guarantee that your crab legs recipe turns out fantastic.
Firstly, pick fresh crab legs for your recipe. If you can source freshly caught King crabs, then you are on the right path to creating a seafood dish that your guests won’t forget in a hurry. Frozen crab legs are also a great option if fresh ones aren’t available, as they retain their quality and flavor well in storage.
Secondly, use large stockpot steamer or steamer insert for cooking. It is important to have large enough equipment so that the crab can be steamed efficiently and evenly. This would save time and ensure the delicious flavor gets locked in.
Thirdly, when cooking the drunk mix, ensure you boil it vigorously for at least 5 minutes to get rid of any alcoholic content. This step also helps the crab legs absorb all the flavors entirely during the steaming process.
Fourthly, avoid overcooking your crab legs. Timing is critical in this recipe because overcooked crab results in rubbery, overly-chewy meat. Steam for 4 to 5 minutes depending on the size of crab legs you have picked.
Fifthly, cover steaming crab legs with melted butter sauce immediately once it’s done steaming. The heat from the cooked crab legs will gradually absorb butter sauce making it yummier.
Lastly, pairing your Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs with Snow Crab Claws or grilled crabs is a perfect combination that will make your guests yearn for more seafood delicacy.
In conclusion, perfecting this recipe requires paying close attention to these tips and tricks. Utilizing these suggestions will produce mouthwatering and tender Drunken Alaskan King Crab legs that your guests will find irresistible!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions or concerns that arise while preparing the dish. Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you and ensure the best results possible for your Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs Recipe.
What is the best method for cooking king crab legs?
To prepare the juicy crab legs, I suggest laying them out on a sizable sheet of foil. Then, bring up the edges of the foil and press them tightly to make an air-tight package. After sealing the package, carefully put it on a sheet tray and let it bake in the oven at 400˚F for about 15-18 minutes. Once that time is up, take out the package from the oven, and remove the foil covering by carefully opening the package to enjoy the delicious crab meat.
Is it better to boil or bake king crab legs?
If you’re looking to infuse the succulent flavor of herbs and lemon into your king crab legs, baking them is the way to go! To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F and position your crab legs in a shallow baking dish in a single layer for optimal cooking.
Should you thaw Alaskan king crab legs before cooking?
For the most amazing and delicious taste, it’s best to defrost your King Crab legs in the fridge. Simply put the legs on a rimmed tray and cover with plastic wrap before leaving to thaw for between 8 to 12 hours, or overnight. Once fully thawed and ready to use, give them a quick rinse under cold water to get rid of any excess ice glaze.
How long does it take to cook Alaskan king crab legs?
Before starting, make sure to preheat the grill to a temperature between 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure that the crab legs do not stick to the grill, brush them with some olive oil. Place the crab legs on the grill and let them cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, then flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, until the meat is heated all the way through. With these steps, your crab legs will be perfectly cooked on the grill!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs Recipe is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser that is easy to prepare, fun to make, and lip-smackingly delicious. With ingredients that are simple to find and easy to source, you can make this recipe any time you want – whether it’s for a special occasion or just a fun night at home with friends.
So why not add some excitement to your next dinner party with this recipe? Impress your guests with these juicy and flavorful crab legs, paired with the perfect beer and a squeeze of fresh lemons. And don’t forget to experiment with variations and substitutions to create your twist on this classic dish.
With these tips and tricks on hand, be sure to share your culinary masterpieces with your family and friends. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a fantastic dish – all thanks to this Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs Recipe!
Drunken Alaskan King Crab Legs Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 (12 ounce) bottles pale ale
- 3 lemons, cut in 1/2
- 1 head garlic, split in 1/2
- 3 lbs king crab legs, split
- drawn butter, for serving
Instructions
- To a large stockpot with a steamer insert, add beer, lemons and garlic and bring to a boil. Add crab legs and cover. Steam for 5 minutes or until crab is cooked through. Serve with drawn butter.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!