Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of Alaskan king crab!

This delectable seafood delicacy is a favorite among seafood lovers around the world.

From its succulent, sweet meat to its unique flavor, Alaskan king crab is a treat for the senses.

In this blog post, we‘ll explore the history of Alaskan king crab, its nutritional benefits, and how to prepare it for a delicious meal.

So grab your bibs and get ready to dive into the deliciousness of Alaskan king crab!

Alaskan king crab is not only offer one of the tenderest meat but it also comes with many health benefits.

What is the Alaskan king crab?

When you think of crabs, most people assume they live in or around hot beaches right?

That is almost the case for around 120 species of king crabs, except for one in particular.

Unlike its relatives that live in warmer waters, the Alaskan king crab for example is one of the few king crab species that inhabit cold waters near Alaska. (1)

They are such amazing creatures really, and how amazing that we have the opportunity to eat them!

Crabs are one of the most popular marine organisms, this may actually be because of Disney and cartoons in general!

However, there are many different types of crabs some of which live in the land while most types live in the ocean.

The Alaskan king crab live mostly along the coast of the Gulf of Alaska, and south to British Columbia, Canada.

These giant invertebrates (meaning they have no backbone) belong to the group of decapod crustaceans. (2)

It’s no shock that these massive creatures can’t swim, averaging in a weight of 6 to 10 pounds with some even being recorded at a whopping 20 pounds!

Their legs averaging at 4ft-9ft, help make their journey on the ocean floors. (3)

Red and Blue king crabs have been found to walk depths of around 600ft(180m) while the Golden King Crab has been found to live between 600-2400ft (180-720m)!

In order to consume crab meat, you’ll first need to break its shell to get access to the inside flesh.

The meat of the Alaskan king crab is not just yummy but it provides numerous health benefits due to its high nutritive content.

Alaskan king crab nutritional values and health benefits:

On a spring roll with or without mayonnaise, no matter what crab dish you make, it will be full of nutrients.

The Alaskan king crab is a delicate seafood with a unique fragrance and considered a nutritional treasure under its shell.

Since the dawn of time, humans have consumed crab throughout the world.

Generally, seafood usually offers a good source of protein with low-fat content. (4)

Calories:

In fact, due to its big size, it weighs 20 pounds and that is equal to over 60 hard blue crabs!

So that means you can get as many nutrients as you would get in dozens of classic crabs in one giant crab.

Among those nutrients, it offers a good quality protein with many vitamins and minerals to maintain good health.

These nutritional data count for 1 Alaskan king crab leg (134g or 4.7oz): (5)

• Calories: 128
• Fat: 2.2g
• Protein: 26g
• Sodium: 1.4g (60%)
• Cholesterol: 71mg
• C vitamin : 18%
• B6 vitamin: 20%
• B12 vitamin: 520%
• Calcium : 5%
• Iron : 4%
• Magnesium : 16%
• Phosphorus : 43%
• Potassium : 7%
• Zinc : 71%
• Selenium : 75%
• Copper : 80%

Nutrients:

Protein:

Despite its huge size that gained it the word “king” on its name, the king crab is low in calories and mostly comes from protein.

Just one leg of this giant crab can weigh about 134g and that is enough for one serving that offers around 26g of protein. (6)

Protein is an essential contributor to many body functions including muscle building, growth, regeneration of the skin and bones.  (7)

Vitamins:

In addition to the protein content, the Alaskan king crab is full of vitamins that are beneficial and essential for our bodies.

Vitamin B12:

Generally, all types of shellfish (including crabs) are full of vitamin B12.

Whether you are going to eat the claws or legs of this giant crab, you will be supplying your body with the daily need in vitamin B12. (8)

This vitamin is beneficial for our nerve system, DNA formation, anemia prevention, and its efficiency in fighting free radicals.

Vitamin C:

Now we all believe in a general conception that vitamin C mostly comes from vegetables or fruits, but there are exceptions!

Even though most types of meat do not offer any vitamin C, the Alaskan king crab provides 18% of vitamin C per serving (1 leg or 4.7ounces). (9)

Vitamin C is widely known for its effect on the immunity system, maintenance of bones and teeth alongside many other benefits.

Minerals:

This is probably the main field for most seafood, they are loaded in minerals!

Among the minerals that exist abundantly in the Alaskan king crab there is:

Copper:

With over 50% of copper per 3ounces (85g), eating this type of crab enhances immunity, helps produce hemoglobin, and helps infants’ growth. (10)

Selenium:

Just like copper, this giant crab is loaded in Selenium with over 70% per serving and that helps prevent cell damage and enhance the antioxidant defense. (11)

Zinc:

This mineral is essential for the body as it helps it make the best out of protein, carbs, and fats.

The Alaskan king crab leg offers around 70% of zinc and that can offer a natural aphrodisiac as we’re going to explain in detail later in this article. (12)

Magnesium:

This one is less abundant in the Alaskan king crab than the previous minerals, with 16% of the daily need per 4.7ounces.

However, magnesium contributes to the conversion of food into energy and also helps the glands synthesize hormones. (13)

Health benefits:

Just to sum the many health benefits that come from consuming the king crab, here’s a list of the top 13 health benefits:  (14)

1. Reduce inflammation in the nerve system
2. May prevents Alzheimer and Parkinson
3. Reduces risks of brain strokes
4. Regulates cholesterol
5. Relieves infections
6. Promotes heart health
7. Strengthens the bones
8. Boosts the immunity
9. Speeds up wound healing
10. Improves kidneys health
11. Enhances iron absorption in the body
12. Stimulates the nervous system
13. Improves the quality of sleep

Nevertheless, the king crab may be very beneficial for our sex lives which is why explain this separately in detail in the next part.

Sexual health benefits:

A natural aphrodisiac for both sexes:

King crab is full of valuable nutrients including copper, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, consuming crabs will boost your sexual life because: (15)

• The king crab specifically is full of proteins, minerals, and vitamins essential for the production of the hormones.
• Crabs are a valuable source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Crabs are low in calories
• Consuming crabs doesn’t increase the levels of cholesterol.

The king crab is loaded with sex benefits and will increase your sexual experience.

However, if you are suffering from a medical condition you should consult a doctor.

Treats erectile dysfunction:

Nowadays, many men suffer from many erectile dysfunction issues such as premature ejaculation.

However, there are no specific reasons that cause this issue as it could be related to the air we breathe, medical conditions, and lack of nutrients.

This is where the king crab nutrition thrives as it offers a good amount of zinc and other nutrients necessary for a healthy erectile.

In fact, 3 urology institutions conducted a study  on 91 patients with erectile dysfunction to investigate the effectiveness of zinc in this case.

Daily for 90 days, the patients took a treatment tablet that contains extract of Rhodiola Rosea (herbal plant), vitamins, folic acid, and zinc. (16)

The clinical analyses were to assist prostate symptoms, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.

Among the 91 participants, aged averagely of 32 years, 55 patients showed a very noticeable improvement in erections and ejaculation control.

In a conclusion, the study proved that zinc intake improves the control over the ejaculation process and the overall quality of sex life for men.

Improves sperm production:

Sperm is actually a combination of fructose, amino acids, enzymes, potassium, zinc, and many other components.

Any lack of one or more of those natural components could result in poor semen quality or more like a deficiency.

Just like mentioned above, one of those nutrients abundantly present in the king crab is zinc.

This mineral can’t be stored in the body and therefore we need to consume it on a daily basis.

Consuming crab could provide the body with its need for zinc and improve the quality of the sperm for men.

In fact, the faculty of Basic Sciences in Iran conducted a research to prove that the amount of zinc that men consume affects their sperm. (17)

The research ended with a few interesting interpretations:

• A better sexual health
• More immunity in the urea system
• Stimulate hormone production such as testosterone.

Also for those with zinc deficiency suffered from a non-proper sperm formation.

The research concluded that zinc is essential for male fertility and can even treat some cases of infertility.

Just 3.5ounces (100g) of the Alaskan king crab (legs or claws) provide our body with more than 50% of its daily need for zinc.

Alaskan king crab recipes:

Probably the easiest way to cook a crab is by boiling it.

You can do that by filling a large pot with water, salt and half a cup of vinegar let it boil then plunge the crab in it.

Let the crab cook for 20 minutes then use a spoon to scrape out the internal organs.

After taking out the gills and viscera, rinse the crabs well in water. (18)

It can then be served with crushed garlic or you can use the cooked crab flesh in various dishes same as canned tuna.

However, many more delicious recipes use Alaskan king crab and its delicacy.

These are .. recipes we chose for you:

Gazpacho:

• Start by dicing your veggies; eggplant, zucchini, cucumbers, onions, red, yellow, and green peppers into a bowl.
• Make sure to have water already boiling, then cook all the veggies for only 30 seconds.
• After that, drain them in the sink and put them into the refrigerator to cool down.
• Then in a bowl, mix tomato juice with a little olive oil and wine vinegar (or whatever vinegar you have on hand).
• To make the consistency thicker, gradually add bread crumbs.
• Lastly, for some flavor, add some coriander leaves.
• Once you’re done with that, add it to your boiled vegetables and chill it in the fridge for another 3 hours.
• Finally, your gazpacho is ready to be served as a side dip for your boiled crab meat.

Gratin:

• Begin by placing pieces of your prepped crab in an oven-safe dish.
• You can either create your own bechamel sauce or get it at your nearest grocery store (as well as online).
• Once your sauce is ready, add grated cheese, thinly sliced onions, and hot pepper (if you can handle the heat!)
• Cook this at a low temperature just enough to melt the cheese.
• Once the cheese is nice and melty, pour it over the pieces of crab.
• Then place the dish in the oven, set at a temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 c).
• Once the cheese turns a golden color, it should be ready to serve.

Crab Omelette:

• Go ahead and melt shallots (smaller onions) in a mixture of butter and oil.
• Then add your prepped crab meat for about 2-3 minutes.
• Next, whisk eggs together with your choice of spices (tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, lemon balm).
• After mixing is done, pour this over the crab and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
• Flip/turn the omelet over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Make sure to keep an eye on it so it does not burn.
• Once this quick dish is cooked, it can finally be served.

For more freshness, maybe serve with a salad as the side.

Crab Croquettes:

• First, slice up some eggplant and cook it into a pan or in the oven, just enough for it to be very tender.
• Gather some brown onions, celery, and garlic and add to the eggplant, begin mixing these together in a food processor.
• Then, chop up some crab meat and add salt, pepper, thyme, and marjoram (or your preferred herbs), and put into a bowl.
• Let this cool for a few minutes and then add some parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
• Form the ingredients with your hands and shape them into patties.
• All that’s left is to fry them up in some olive oil, then when ready to serve, decorate the dish with some fresh parsley.

Stuffed Crab:

Various recipes exist for this dish, but I will provide the instructions of the Dominican Republic recipe:

• Prepare crabs by cooking them and then breaking apart the claws and legs to uncover the tasty meat inside.
• Then rinse the shells out thoroughly and set them to the side.
• Make sure to crumble the crab meat before mixing it in the next ingredient.
• Then add the crumbled crab meat with breadcrumbs after soaking them in milk (about one-third of bread crumbs to two-thirds crab meat).
• Cut up green onions and hot peppers, sautee them with thyme and chives while gradually adding the crab meat.
• Cook this for a few minutes and then proceed to fill the empty shells with the mixture.
• Add more bread crumbs, sprinkling all over the crab mixture, and then set inside the oven.
• Bake for around 10 minutes on medium heat.

This recipe is popularly served with plantains, which are cooked inside boiling water for ten minutes, peel the skin and slice it into bite-size pieces, serving it with seasoned tomatoes.

Crabmeat is served in both sandwich style or by itself.

You can even add crab meat to your salad for some extra flavors and it goes great with most vegetables especially, arugula, grated white radish, mushrooms, etc…

You can also enjoy crab meat with fruits and nuts, the possibilities are endless!

If you’re in an adventurous mood, you should try this exotic salad which is made up of pineapple, cucumber, sliced avocado, coconut pulp, lettuce, and of course crab meat.

Just sprinkle on a vinaigrette or your favorite dressing and your taste buds are surely in for a ride!

Nicoise:

You’ll usually find tuna in this classic salad, but this time we replace it with Crab meat.

You will also find a lot of alternative foods surrounding this dish which include, baked potatoes, blanched fine beans, endives or radicchio leaves, capers black olives fine herbs, and mustard vinaigrette.

Crab Bean Stew:

• In preparation, soak cannellini beans (or regular white beans) the day before cooking.
• Then sautee chilies, onions, and garlic in a saucepan.
• Next, add cumin, coriander leaves, oregano, and one or 2 cloves of garlic depending on your preference.
• Add in some beans, vegetable broth (or chicken broth/ fish stock) and cook until the beans become nice and tender.
• Then add some grated cheese, sour cream (or yogurt), and crab meat. Reheat for a few more minutes and it should be ready to serve!

Precautions before you consume Alaskan king crabs:

Despite the many health benefits that come with the Alaskan crabs, they may trigger allergies for some people.

This is due to the existence of purines in almost all types of crabs, which may cause complications for people who suffer from gout. (19)

However, crabs in general are one of the most allergenic seafood.

Loaded in purines:

The Alaskan king crab is full of purines which raises the level of uric acids in the body.

As a consequence, the high level of uric acids may inflame the joints and cause pain for those suffering from gout.

This is why people who have gout must stay away from crabs and purine sources such as sardines, scallops, bacon, turkey, liver meat…

Contains Methylmercury:

Although this may seem scary, many famous types of fish and seafood contain methylmercury.

As a form of organic mercury, it is highly toxic at high levels of exposure.

Once consuming seafood, the methylmercury is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches parts of the brain or the fetus (in case of pregnancy).

However, there are no recommendations on the maximum consumption quantity of Alaskan king crab.

Risks of allergy:

One of the most common food allergies comes from crustaceans, and yes crabs are among those. (20)

One of the compounds found in the Alaskan king crab is tropomyosin, a type of protein also found in shrimps and lobsters. (21)

It is because of that, people who are usually allergic to shrimps or lobsters must limit their consumption of crabs.

 

 

 

References here:

(1): King Crab Quick Facts | Alaskan King Crab
(2): Red King Crab Species Profile, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
(3): Guide For Selecting King Crab Legs | Seattle Fish Guys
(4): The Best High-Protein Meat, Seafood, & Eggs for Weight Loss – Diet Doctor
(5): Crustaceans, raw, alaska king, crab nutrition facts and analysis. (nutritionvalue.org)
(6): Which Crab Has The Most Meat? A Quick Comparison – Crabbing Hub
(7): Why Is Protein Important In Your Diet? | Piedmont Healthcare
(8): Keyport LLC – Is Eating King Crab Healthy for You?
(9): 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Alaskan King Crab
(10): Copper | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
(11): How Eating More Seafood Will Boost Your Immune System – King Crab Legs Company
(12): Love, Food and Healthy Aphrodisiacs – Aine McAteer’s Blog (oprah.com)
(13): Magnesium: Health benefits, deficiency, sources, and risks (medicalnewstoday.com)
(14): Why eating Crab is so good for you – Salcombe Finest
(15): Sexual Healing: A Craving for Crab — PA Eats
(16): Rhodiola rosea, folic acid, zinc and biotin (EndEP®) is able to improve ejaculatory control in patients affected by lifelong premature ejaculation: Results from a phase I‑II study (spandidos-publications.com)
(17): Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men’s Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization – PMC (nih.gov)
(18): How to Clean Crab: 10 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow
(19): Foods to Avoid with Gout (healthline.com)
(20): https://www.britannica.com/animal/crustacean
(21): Allergens and molecular diagnostics of shellfish allergy – PMC (nih.gov)