When fishers catch king crab, they sort their catch into various size categories. There are legal restrictions on the minimum size a crab must be, but there is no maximum. This means that large crabs often emerge from the icy Alaskan waters. King crab with hefty legs are sorted into the “colossal” category.
The name is no exaggeration. Colossal king crab legs can be around 1 pound each. Depending on the person, one colossal leg can be one serving. We’ll explain the other size categories and help you figure out how much to buy.
King Crab Leg Sizes
King crab leg size is measured by how many there are in 10 pounds. A helpful conversion chart breaks down the sizes. There are three main king crab leg sizes. Believe it or not, there is a size larger than colossal available to buy. The super colossal king crab legs range from 1 ¼ to 2 ¼ pounds per leg. That is a massive leg.
“Giant” is the size category below colossal. Giant king crab legs are anywhere from ½ to ¾ of a pound per leg. When selecting what size leg is best, you should consider how you plan to use them.
How to Buy Crab Legs
| Company | Price/lb | Minimum Order | Shipping | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Seafoods | $35.00 | 5 lbs | $16.20 | |
| Crab Place | $42.29 | 1 lb | $29.95 | |
| Fulton Fish Market | $51.00 | 2 lbs | Free | |
| Seabear Smokehouse | $63.60 | 2.5 lb | $19.99 | |
| Cameron’s Seafood | $65.99 | 3 lbs | $39.99 |
Most new to buying crab may not know how much to purchase. Let’s start by clarifying what an average serving size is for adults. The general rule of thumb is 1 to 2 pounds per person, but you will likely want to have a little more. Since king crab is a special treat for most, count on your guests indulging. Plan for 2 to 3 pounds per person, or 2 to 3 legs.
Given serving sizes, most colossal king crab for sale comes in multi-pound packages. Though you may have to buy more than you need, colossal king crab freezes well. You may get a better deal buying in bulk, so keep the freezing option in mind. Most crab legs come pre-cooked, making it easy to thaw what you need when you need it. The shipping also tends to be very quick. Be sure to either refrigerate to defrost or freeze when the crab arrives to prevent it from going bad before you need it. Once you know how much you need and when you need it, finding whole colossal king crab for sale direct from Alaska is very easy. We have a great crab provider guide to get you started.
The right tools are essential for a successful king crab meal. To break the gnarly shell off the legs without damaging the meat inside, invest in a pair of crab cutters. Kitchen scissors work well too. If prepared correctly, the luscious crab meat will separate cleanly. For stickier pieces, chopsticks work well for getting out the meat.
You are now well-equipped to purchase king crab legs of whatever size for your next special meal. Colossal legs are a great option for entertaining, considering their presentation value. Whatever your choice, you are sure to have a delicious meal when you choose king crab.
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