snow crab clusters recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best snow crab clusters recipe

I’m so excited to share this snow crab clusters recipe with you all! I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish originated from the coastal regions of the United States, where snow crab is abundant and a staple in many seafood restaurants.

The key to making this recipe is to use fresh, succulent snow crab legs and to cook them just right – not too hard, not too soft. When you take a bite, the sweetness of the crab pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of garlic and lemon. My kids love helping me prepare the clusters by snapping off the shells and removing the meat from the legs.

It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and learning about different cuisines. We often serve this as a main course for special occasions or holidays, but it’s also perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just steam the crab legs until they’re tender, then serve with melted butter and a squeeze of lemon juice.

I also love that this recipe is relatively healthy, as long as you don’t overload on the butter! My family loves it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. I’ve even started making it for potlucks and gatherings because everyone always raves about it.

Snow crab clusters are truly a treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy! The flavor combination is spot on – sweet, savory, and tangy all at once. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for something new to try, this recipe is sure to impress.

So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Steamed Snow Crab Clusters with Garlic Butter

4.5 from 546 votes

Snow crab clusters are steamed to tender perfection and served with a warm garlic butter dipping sauce. This simple preparation highlights the sweet, delicate flavor of the crab meat.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crab

4 snow crab clusters (about 2 lbs total)
1 lemon, halved
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning

For the Garlic Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and add the lemon halves, bay leaves, and Old Bay seasoning.
2Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-high to maintain a steady simmer.
3Place the snow crab clusters in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the crab is heated through and the shells turn bright red.
5The crab meat should be opaque and flake easily when tested.
6While the crab steams, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
8Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley.
9Keep the garlic butter warm until serving.
10Using tongs, carefully transfer the steamed crab clusters to a serving platter.
11Serve immediately with the warm garlic butter for dipping.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with steamer basket and lid
Small saucepan
Tongs
Serving platter
Small bowls for dipping

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the steaming water. Leftover crab meat can be used in salads or crab cakes.

Watch Video Of How Steamed Snow Crab Clusters with Garlic Butter Works

This snow crab clusters recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need something easy for weeknight dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Steamed Snow Crab Clusters with Garlic Butter

Q: What type of snow crab should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use Alaskan king crab or Dungeness crab legs. Both types have a rich flavor and tender texture that pairs perfectly with the garlic and lemon.

Q: How do I store leftover snow crab clusters?

Store leftover snow crab clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them chilled until you’re ready to reheat.

Q: Can I reheat snow crab clusters in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat snow crab clusters in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel to prevent drying out.

Q: How do I make snow crab clusters ahead of time?

You can make snow crab clusters ahead of time by steaming them until they’re tender, then refrigerating them until you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use imitation snow crab instead of real snow crab?

No, imitation snow crab is not an acceptable substitute for real snow crab in this recipe.

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