While the age-old proverb, “there are many fish in the sea,” may be true, the expression is literally true when applied to crustaceans.
King crabs, which are primarily found in cold seas, have about 40 known species. Among these species, there are only three that are commercially harvested in Alaska. These species are the red king crab, the blue king crab and the golden king crab.
Known by its scientific name as Lithodes aequispinus, the third species of king crabs, goldens, are found from British Columbia to the Aleutian Islands and Japan. The golden king crab averages in size from 5 to 8 pounds, making it the smallest of the three Alaskan species. The shell of the crab is golden, and it has five pairs of legs, with its claws on the front pair. The best options we’ve seen comes from Seabear Smokehouse at $44.99/lb for legs and claws and $64.99/lb for meru sections.
Overall, the crab tastes similar to red and blue king crab. However, it is considered sweeter than its counterparts and more desirable. It also has less meat inside of the shell. Still, if you are looking to bring your Alaskan vacation home with you, there are online vendors where you can purchase the crab.
Where to Buy Golden King Crab Online
King crab is sold as sections. The sections are claws, legs, and split legs. When it comes time to harvest king crabs, the crustacean is caught wild by primarily using pot and trap gear, which when implemented properly causes less damage. King crabs are fresh in August and prices of king crabs have fluctuated over the last decade. However, prices are on the rise in recent years.
The average price per pound in 2019 for the golden species was $6.35. The average price per pound increased $0.36 from the previous year. The fishing quota for the crab in the Aleutian Islands in recent years has also risen. Although there were previously stricter quotas for sustainability requirements, the 2019 fishing season experienced steady stocks.
Another vendor to consider purchasing king crabs from is Alaskan King Crab Co. The online store ships from Alaska and offers free overnight shipping on orders that exceed 4 pounds. Giant golden king crab legs cost $53 per pound and are delivered pre-cooked. The store recommends that customers steam, sauté, broil, grill or roast the crab legs for four minutes when warming them.
You might also check into Captain Jack’s Seafood Locker and see if you have any luck.
The company also provides online dipping sauce recipes for the experimental chef or the eager party host. Among their recommended sauces are Ancient Miso Dipping Sauce, Butter Sauce, Rouille Sauce, Basil-Mint Pesto Sauce, and Mediterranean Dip.
Remember that Quality Seafood Delivery also has a resource for buying crabs online. We supply cost-comparison grids to help you find a crab that works with your budget – whether you’re in the mood for Dungeness, blue, or golden king.
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