Steamed Maryland-Style Snow Crab Legs with Old Bay and Corn
Dive into a truly authentic coastal experience with our Steamed Maryland-Style Snow Crab Legs! This recipe pays homage to the beloved seafood traditions of the Northeastern United States while utilizing the simple elegance of Southern cooking. The combination of sweet, succulent snow crab legs steamed to perfection with the robust bitterness of cheap beer and the iconic zing of Old Bay seasoning will transport you straight to the bustling crab shacks of Baltimore, Richmond, and even the seaside stalls of New York and Boston. Served alongside sweet, juicy corn, each bite bursts with flavor, making this ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Enjoy the simplicity of this one-dish meal, and relish the memories it brings to life!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
snow crab legs
4 lbs (rinsed under cold water)
Old Bay Seasoning
4 cups (for seasoning)
cheap beer
32 ounces (approx. 4 cans for steaming)
corn on the cob
4 ears (cleansed and trimmed)
Instructions
1
Begin by prepping your ingredients: rinse the snow crab legs under cold water and scrub the corn to remove any dirt.
2
In a large 20-quart stock pot, place a steamer grate or strainer at the bottom to elevate the crab legs above the liquid.
3
Pour enough cheap beer into the pot to cover the bottom of the steamer (about 4 cans or 32 ounces).
4
Bring the beer to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
5
Once boiling, carefully arrange the snow crab legs upright around the pot, ensuring the tips face upwards for optimal steaming.
6
Generously sprinkle the Old Bay Seasoning over the crab legs, allowing the flavors to infuse during steaming.
7
Position the corn cobs in the center of the crab legs, creating a vibrant display.
8
Cover the pot with a lid and steam the crab legs for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a bright red color. Note that the corn might require an additional 10 minutes of steaming.
9
Once done, remove from heat and let cool for a minute. Serve the crab legs and corn hot, with melted butter on the side if desired, for dunking!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steamed Maryland-Style Snow Crab?
It is a coastal dish that combines succulent snow crab legs with the iconic zing of Old Bay seasoning and the robust bitterness of beer, common in Northeastern United States seafood traditions.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 4 lbs of snow crab legs, 4 cups of Old Bay Seasoning, 32 ounces of cheap beer, and 4 ears of corn on the cob.
How much snow crab is needed?
This recipe requires 4 lbs of snow crab legs that have been rinsed under cold water.
What kind of beer is recommended for steaming?
The recipe suggests using approximately 4 cans (32 ounces) of cheap beer to create the steaming liquid.
How much Old Bay Seasoning should I use?
The ingredient list specifies 4 cups of Old Bay Seasoning for generous seasoning during the steaming process.
What size stock pot is required?
A large 20-quart stock pot is recommended to fit the crab legs and corn comfortably.
How do I prepare the crab legs before cooking?
Rinse the snow crab legs under cold water and scrub them to ensure they are clean.
How do I prepare the corn?
The corn on the cob should be cleansed and trimmed before being added to the pot.
Do I need a steamer basket?
Yes, place a steamer grate or strainer at the bottom of the pot to elevate the crab legs above the liquid.
How much liquid should be in the pot?
Pour enough beer into the pot to cover the bottom of the steamer, which is roughly 32 ounces.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Bring the beer to a rolling boil over medium-high heat before adding the seafood.
How should the crab legs be arranged in the pot?
Carefully arrange the snow crab legs upright around the pot with the tips facing upwards for optimal steaming.
Where do I place the corn during cooking?
Position the four corn cobs in the center of the upright crab legs.
When do I add the Old Bay Seasoning?
Generously sprinkle the seasoning over the crab legs once they are arranged in the pot so the flavors infuse during steaming.
How long do the crab legs need to steam?
Cover the pot with a lid and steam the crab legs for 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the crab legs are finished cooking?
The crab legs are done when they turn a bright red color.
Does the corn take longer to cook than the crab?
Yes, the corn might require an additional 10 minutes of steaming compared to the crab legs.
What should I do once the steaming is complete?
Remove the pot from the heat and let the contents cool for one minute before serving.
How should this dish be served?
Serve the crab legs and corn hot, ideally with a side of melted butter for dunking.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a simple and flavorful one-dish meal ideal for gatherings.
What regions inspired this style of cooking?
The recipe pays homage to traditions in Baltimore, Richmond, New York, and Boston.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features sweet, succulent crab and juicy corn balanced by the robust bitterness of beer and the spicy zing of Old Bay.
Can I use water instead of beer?
While the recipe specifies cheap beer for its unique flavor contribution, water can be used as a substitute for steaming if necessary.
Is a lid required for the pot?
Yes, you must cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam and cook the crab and corn effectively.
How many ears of corn are used?
The recipe calls for 4 ears of corn on the cob.
Is this a Southern or Northern dish?
It is a hybrid style that uses Southern cooking elegance to prepare Northeastern-style seafood.
What heat level should I use to boil the beer?
Use a medium-high heat setting to bring the beer to a rolling boil.
How should the crab tips be oriented?
The tips of the crab legs should face upwards toward the top of the pot.
Can this recipe be used for hosting?
Yes, it is described as ideal for gatherings due to its simplicity and vibrant presentation.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 4 main ingredients: snow crab legs, Old Bay Seasoning, beer, and corn.