One of the largest caught crabs in the world, the wild-caught Chilean King Crab (Centolla), is found on the cold waters of the Southernmost coast of Chile. The combination of the Chilean King Crab's brilliant red exterior, sweet, briny flavor, and tender texture create a memorable tasting experience.
What is Chilean King Crab?
Also known as the Southern King Crab, the Chilean King Crab is found on the southernmost coast of Chile between Argentina and Uruguay. The crab is located in the benthic zone at depths of 700 meters or more, where both rocky and sandy bottoms are standard. With each molt, this king crab grows slowly, adding about 1 cm to its body length. Adults can reach up to 19 cm in body width and a 5-foot leg span and live for 20-30 years, though they reach maturity between four and seven years.
Chilean King Crab versus Alaskan King Crab
Alaskan King Crab is the most sought-after and highly regarded king crab from Alaska and can be distinguished by its large size and burgundy red color. This crab is used more commonly throughout the United States for its accessibility and quality. Alaskan King Crab Legs can grow to a span of 5.9 feet, similar to Chilean King Crab legs, which land around the 5-foot mark. Due to the geographic locations of the two crabs in question, they have developed different flavors that separate the two crustaceans. While they are still relatively similar in taste, we believe the Chilean King Crab to be superior in flavor as it embodies a more sweet and delicate texture than its counterpart.
Fishing for Chilean King Crab
Chilean king crabs are a sustainable delicacy harvested from the icy waters of Chile. Local fishermen take to the seas each July and continue gathering until November. They are caught using only the most high-quality tools and technology to ensure the ecosystem habitat remains unharmed, guaranteeing a sustainable fishing experience for everyone involved.
Benefits of Chilean King Crab
King crab is appreciated around the world for many reasons. It's an excellent source of beneficial nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Additionally, the meat is low in fat and calories while also high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Taste of Chilean King Crab
The Chilean King Crab is a crab species with a brightly colored shell. The shell, which is bright red and decorated with spikes, is a distinguishing feature of the species. The meat of the king crab is white and has a red surface; it also has a sweet flavor that goes exceptionally well with fatty or acidic foods. This flavor complements those foods delicately and provides a refined eating experience. The meat is sweeter than your average crab and has an understated flavor that makes it suitable for almost any dish.
How to Prepare Chilean King Crab
Considered a delicacy, king crab is a versatile seafood that is easy to prepare and pairs well with other ingredients. It possesses a strikingly sweet flavor, making it an ideal ingredient as the leader of a dish or an elevated compliment to any dish. There are many ways to prepare king crab to your liking, including boiling, steaming, grilling, and even baking.
Boiling
Place crab legs in a large pot or Dutch oven with water and seasoning of choice. Heat until boiling. Cook the crab legs for 3 to 5 minutes or until they are heated through. Remove them with tongs to a platter and serve warm with melted butter.
Steaming
Fill a large pot with a few cups of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the bottom of your pot, add crab legs to the basket, and cover the pot with a lid for 4-5 minutes until crab legs are cooked through.
Grilling
Prepare the king crab legs by lightly brushing them with olive oil. Then heat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the crab legs on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove from the grill and enjoy!
Baking
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place crab legs on a sheet pan and season to your liking, then bake for 15 minutes. Turn over and bake another 15 minutes until opaque and flaky. Serve hot with lemon juice or the seasoning mixture of your choice!
King crab is prized for its delicate flavor and meaty texture; it's a luxury item in many parts of the world and can always make an excellent compliment to your meal. It's a delicacy that might become one of your favorites! Whether you've had King Crab before or not, we hope Chilean King Crab is something you will take a chance on.
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