King crab meat

What is king crab meat?

King crab is a large crustacean belonging to the Gecarcinidae family. It is known for its large pincers and strong shell, which protect the meat inside.

In culinary terms, we refer to "king crab meat" when talking about the edible meat extracted from the body and pincers of this animal.

King crab is a true culinary treasure in countries with coastlines on the Atlantic and North Sea, where it is responsibly harvested. Additionally, it has meat that is highly appreciated for its firm texture and mild, sweet flavor (making it a great ingredient) for all kinds of dishes, from a fresh salad to more sophisticated recipes like stuffed king crab or seafood pasta).

Check out these quality king crab meat options.

Nutritional information of king crab meat

King crab meat is highly nutritious and low in calories. Here are the main benefits:

• Calories. Approximately 80-100 kcal per 100 grams.
• Proteins. Between 18 and 20 grams of protein per 100 grams. Proteins are necessary for tissue repair and energy production.
• Fats. Very low in fat, with only 1-2 grams per 100 grams. Additionally, it contains healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart.
• Carbohydrates. It has no carbohydrates, making it perfect for low-carb diets.
• Minerals:
  - Iodine. Great for thyroid function.
  - Magnesium. Important for bones, muscles, and the nervous system.
  - Zinc. Aids the immune system and wound healing.
  - Iron. Necessary to prevent anemia and maintain healthy blood oxygen levels.
• Vitamins:
  - Vitamin B12. Helps with nervous system health and red blood cell formation.
  - Folic acid. Essential for new cell formation.
  - Vitamin B3 (Niacin). Helps convert food into energy.
• Sodium. Contains some sodium (600-800 mg per 100 grams), so consumption should be considered if following a low-salt diet.

How to prepare king crab meat?

One of the greatest characteristics of king crab meat is its versatility in the kitchen. It can be prepared in various ways: boiled, grilled, in soups, salads, or as a filling for more elaborate dishes.

Here are some tips for preparing it at home:

Basic cooking of king crab:

1. Boil the king crab. To boil the king crab, place the crustaceans in a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the king crab. Then, remove it and let it cool to easily extract the meat.
2. Extract the meat: Once cooked and cooled, open the shell and remove the meat from the pincers and body. You can use a fork or your hands to separate the meat. This meat can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recommended recipe: Stuffed king crab

Ingredients:

• Meat extracted from king crab (from 2 king crabs)
• 1 onion
• 1 green pepper
• 2 eggs