Snow Crab - 3 Cluster Recipe

Thaw and rinse (if frozen)

If your snow crab clusters are frozen, place them in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, run cold water over the sealed package or place clusters in a large bowl of cold water for 30–60 minutes. Rinse the clusters briefly under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.

Make poaching broth

In a large stockpot, add 2 liters (about 8 cups) cold water. Add 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns. Slice the lemon in half and add both halves to the pot. Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat.

Poach the clusters

Once the poaching liquid reaches a rolling boil, reduce heat to a gentle boil/medium-high and carefully add the 3 snow crab clusters. Return the liquid to a gentle boil, then set a timer: cook for 4 minutes for pre-cooked (most supermarket snow crab is pre-cooked and frozen) or 8–10 minutes for fully raw fresh crab clusters. The shells should turn bright orange and meat will be opaque and hot.

Rest and dry

Using tongs, remove the clusters and place them on a platter or baking sheet. Let them rest for 2–3 minutes to drain and cool slightly so they are easy to handle.

Melt butter and infuse garlic

While the crab rests, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Mince 3 garlic cloves and add to the butter. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Finish sauce

Remove the butter from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Transfer the sauce to small warmed dipping bowls.

Arrange the 3 crab clusters on a large platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with the warm garlic butter dipping sauce and additional lemon wedges for squeezing over the crab.

To eat: crack legs and joints with seafood crackers or the back of a heavy knife, or split clusters with kitchen shears. Dip warm pieces of crab meat into the garlic butter and enjoy.