If you're a seafood lover, there's no denying the allure of king crab. With its tender, flavorful meat and impressive size, king crab is a luxury that can elevate any meal. However, finding the best place to buy king crab online can be tricky, especially if you're searching for top-tier quality, sustainable sourcing, and fast delivery. In this comprehensive king crab buying guide, we’ll help you navigate the process of buying king crab online, so you can enjoy this delicious seafood from the comfort of your home.
Why Buy King Crab Online?
Buying king crab online offers convenience and access to premium seafood that might not be available at your local market. Online seafood retailers often offer a wider selection, better quality, and the ability to have king crab delivered directly to your door. Here’s why purchasing king crab online is the best way to get your seafood fix:
- Freshness: Many online seafood retailers flash-freeze their king crab right after it’s caught, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.
- Convenience: No need to travel to specialty seafood markets or grocery stores. With just a few clicks, you can have your order delivered to your doorstep.
- Variety: Online retailers offer a range of king crab sizes and types, allowing you to choose the exact product that fits your needs and budget.
- Sustainability: Reputable online seafood companies source their king crab sustainably, meaning you can enjoy this seafood delicacy while supporting responsible fishing practices.
What to Look for When Buying King Crab Online
Not all king crab is created equal, and knowing how to spot quality is crucial when buying online. Here are the key factors to consider when purchasing king crab from an online retailer:
1. Sourcing and Sustainability
When buying king crab online, it’s important to choose a retailer that prioritizes sustainability. King crab, especially from Alaska, is a regulated and sustainable seafood product, but only if harvested responsibly. Look for retailers that emphasize sustainable fishing practices and work with fisheries that adhere to these regulations.
2. Size and Type
King crab comes in different sizes, and what you choose will depend on your preferences and the number of servings you need. Here are the most common types:
- Jumbo King Crab Legs: These are larger, meatier legs that are perfect for special occasions or indulgent meals.
- Colossal King Crab Legs: The biggest and most impressive crab legs, ideal for those who want the best of the best.
- Frozen King Crab Legs: Flash-frozen right after harvest to preserve freshness, making them a great option for those who want to store king crab and enjoy it at their convenience.
3. Price and Value
King crab is a luxury item, but that doesn’t mean you should overpay. The price of king crab online can vary based on size, type, and market demand. It’s important to compare prices and check if the retailer offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Look for discounts or bundle deals that can help you get more value out of your purchase.
4. Shipping and Packaging
When ordering seafood, you want to ensure it arrives fresh. The best online seafood retailers offer fast, reliable shipping, often with same-day or next-day delivery. The packaging should include insulated boxes with dry ice or gel packs to maintain the right temperature during transit, keeping the crab fresh and ready to cook upon arrival.
Best Places to Buy King Crab Online
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best places to buy king crab online:
1. Maine Lobster Now
Maine Lobster Now is one of the top choices for purchasing king crab online. They offer sustainably sourced king crab legs from the icy waters of Alaska, ensuring premium quality. Maine Lobster Now provides a variety of options, including jumbo and colossal king crab legs, all flash-frozen to preserve freshness. Their competitive pricing and fast, reliable shipping make them a go-to for seafood lovers across the country.
- Pros: High-quality king crab, fast shipping, sustainable sourcing, and frequent discounts.
- Cons: Limited to flash-frozen options (though these are as fresh as it gets).
2. Alaskan King Crab Co.
This company specializes in Alaskan king crab, offering a range of sizes and types, including red king crab. They emphasize sustainability and quality, shipping their products directly from Alaska. While they have a strong reputation for quality, their pricing can be higher than other retailers, but the premium quality justifies the cost.
- Pros: Specializes in king crab, direct sourcing from Alaska, high customer satisfaction.
- Cons: Higher price point than some competitors.
3. Fulton Fish Market
Fulton Fish Market offers a wide range of seafood, including top-quality king crab legs. They are known for their vast selection and fast shipping, though their prices can vary depending on market demand. If you want variety and the ability to add other seafood items to your order, Fulton Fish Market is a great option.
- Pros: Large variety of seafood, fast shipping.
- Cons: Prices fluctuate based on market demand.
How to Cook King Crab Legs
Once your king crab arrives, preparing it is easy, and it doesn’t require complicated techniques to bring out its natural flavors. Here’s a simple guide to cooking king crab legs:
1. Steaming
Steaming is one of the best ways to cook king crab legs as it preserves their sweet, delicate flavor.
- Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and place a steamer basket inside.
- Bring the water to a boil and add the crab legs to the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until the crab legs are heated through.
2. Grilling
Grilling king crab legs adds a smoky flavor to the sweet meat.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the crab legs with olive oil and grill for about 5 minutes on each side, turning once.
3. Boiling
If you prefer a faster method, boiling works great for crab legs.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the crab legs.
- Boil for about 5 minutes, then remove and serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.
Final Thoughts on Buying King Crab Online
Buying king crab online is the best way to enjoy fresh, high-quality seafood from the comfort of your home. By choosing a reputable online retailer like Maine Lobster Now, you can be confident that you're getting the finest king crab, sustainably sourced, and delivered with care. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just want to indulge in a seafood feast, following this guide will ensure you get the best king crab online.
