Crab Legs And Shrimp Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a delicious seafood feast. And when indulging in those ocean flavors, crab legs and shrimp are a match made in heaven. You may have had them before at a restaurant, but have you considered creating this culinary masterpiece at home? It’s easier than you think, and trust me, the satisfaction of cracking open those crab legs and peeling those perfectly cooked shrimp yourself is unbeatable.
What Are Crab Legs And Shrimp?
“Crab legs and shrimp” refers to a seafood dish that includes both crab legs and shrimp as the main ingredients. It’s a popular choice in seafood restaurants and is often served with various accompaniments such as butter, lemon wedges, and sometimes seasonings or sauces. This combination allows seafood enthusiasts to enjoy the flavors and textures of both crab and shrimp in one meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs crab legs (snow or king crab, your preference)
- 2 lbs shrimp (shell-on or peeled, depending on your preference)
- 2 sticks butter
- 2 cups water (for boiling)
- ½ cup Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood boil seasoning)
- Optional additions:
- 1 pound small red potatoes
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 1 pound spicy sausage links (cut into rounds)
- 4 ears of corn (husked)
- Lemons, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Boiling Method:
- Prep the seafood: Thaw frozen crab legs and shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes.
- To make the seasoned water, combine the water and Old Bay seasoning in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil.
- Cook the vegetables (optional): If using, add potatoes, carrots, celery, and sausage to the boiling water. Cook for 15 minutes or cook until almost tender.
- Add corn and seafood: Add corn and shrimp to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes. Then, add the crab legs and cook for 5-10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the crab legs are bright red.
- Drain and serve: Drain the pot and spread the seafood and vegetables on a large platter.
Baking Method:
- Preheat the oven: oven should be set to 350°F (175°C).
- Prep the seafood: Pat the thawed crab legs and shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Melt the butter: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped garlic, or other seasonings to the melted butter for extra flavor.
- Coat the seafood: Brush the melted butter mixture generously over the crab legs and shrimp.
- Bake: Place the seafood on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the crab legs are heated.
Tips:
- Make sure to cook the seafood: Crab legs and shrimp cook quickly. Overcooked seafood becomes tough and chewy.
- Use a steamer basket (boiling method): This keeps the seafood out of the boiling water directly, preventing it from getting mushy.
- Season to taste: Adjust the Old Bay seasoning to your preference. You can also add other seasonings, such as black pepper, cayenne pepper, or Cajun seasoning.
- Melted butter for dipping: Serve melted butter with lemon wedges for dipping the seafood.
- Get messy! Crab legs and shrimp are best enjoyed with your hands.
- Additional sides: Pair your seafood feast with cornbread, rice, or a simple salad.
What To Serve With
Side Dishes:
- Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob, boiled or grilled, brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt and herbs like parsley or chives.
- Garlic Butter Potatoes: Roasted or mashed potatoes with a garlic butter sauce. For extra flavor, add spices like rosemary or thyme
- Coleslaw: A crisp and creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing complements the seafood well. You can make it with cabbage, carrots, and a mayo-based dressing.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like as asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms grilled with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with broth, onions, garlic, and herbs like thyme or bay leaves.
- Bread or Dinner Rolls: Warm, crusty bread or rolls with butter are great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Sauces And Dips:
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Melted butter infused with garlic and herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill.
- Cocktail Sauce: A tangy mix of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
- Remoulade Sauce: A creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, capers, and herbs.
- Lemon Garlic Aioli: A garlic mayonnaise with lemon juice and zest for a zesty kick.
Beverages:
- White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine for example Sauvignon Blanc complements seafood dishes.
- Beer: A light, citrusy beer like a wheat beer or a lager can be refreshing.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade and iced tea are great for a refreshing drink.
Desserts (Optional):
- Key Lime Pie: A tangy and creamy dessert that refreshes the palate after a seafood meal.
- Fruit Sorbet: Light and fruity sorbets like lemon, raspberry, or mango are refreshing choices.
Health Benefits
. Low In Calories And Fat:
- Both crab legs and shrimp contain relatively low calories and fat when compared to other protein sources. This makes them suitable options for those watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a healthy weight.
2. High In Protein:
- Crab legs and shrimp are excellent sources of high-quality protein. Protein is needed for tissue repair and growth and overall body function. A 3-ounce serving of crab legs provides about 16 grams of protein, while the same serving size of shrimp offers approximately 18 grams.
3. Rich In Vitamins And Minerals:
- They are rich in important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus.
- Vitamin B12 is vital for good nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
- Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis.
- Selenium is an antioxidant that protects human body cells from damaging and supports thyroid function.
- Phosphorus is essential for bone health and metabolism of energy.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
- Crab legs and shrimp provide a moderate amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential for good heart health and good brain function and reduce inflammation in the human body.
5. Low In Mercury:
- Crab legs and shrimp are lower in mercury than other types of seafood, making them safer choices, especially for pregnant women and young children.
6. Versatile And Nutrient-Dense:
- They can be prepared in various ways, such as steaming, boiling, grilling, or baking, allowing for flexibility in cooking methods while retaining their nutritional benefits.
Final Thoughts
crab legs and shrimp present a feast that goes beyond mere sustenance—it embodies a culinary experience that indulges the senses and brings people together. Whether enjoyed as a luxurious dinner centerpiece or a casual gathering with loved ones, these seafood delights offer a symphony of flavors and textures.
More Seafood Recipes:
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