Limited Edition Collector Blades
How to Crack Crab Legs (King, Snow & Dungeness)
How do you crack crab legs? Snap the legs apart at the joints, then cut lengthwise along each shell with sturdy kitchen scissors and peel it open to lift out the meat in one piece. Scissors are faster and less messy than a cracker for king and snow crab. The Professional Kitchen Scissors, 420J2 Stainless Steel ($79) are forged from 420J2 stainless steel for corrosion resistance and strength, with an ambidextrous grip.
By crab type
| Crab | Shell | Best method |
|---|---|---|
| King crab | Thick, spiky | Scissors along the smoother side |
| Snow crab | Thin | Snap at the joints, or scissors |
| Dungeness | Hard body and claws | Crack claws with a cracker or the back of a heavy knife, then pick |
Step by step: king or snow crab
- Snap each leg at the joints.
- Cut along the length of each section with scissors, on the smoother side.
- Open the shell and lift out the meat whole.
- Claws: crack gently with a cracker, then wiggle the pincer to pull out the meat with the cartilage.
Tips
- Most crab legs are sold precooked and frozen; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently by steaming.
- Wear an apron; crab juice sprays.
- Save the shells for seafood stock.
- Wash and dry scissors right after; salty crab juice is hard on any steel.
For a crowd
Pre-cut the shells in the kitchen before serving. Guests just open them and pull out the meat.
Our picks
Professional Kitchen Scissors, 420J2 Stainless Steel ($79). Forged 420J2 stainless steel, ambidextrous design.
Chef's Knife 8", Gladiator Series, ELITE, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified. For cutting meat into pieces for salads and crab cakes.
Chef's Knife 8", Shogun Series, Elite ($129). Spec sheet: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish.
Related: how to clean squid and how to make ceviche.
Hone before you start with a ceramic honing rod ($79). More: knife safety tips.
FAQ
How do you crack crab legs?
Snap them at the joints, cut along the shell with kitchen scissors, then peel it open and lift out the meat. The Professional Kitchen Scissors, 420J2 Stainless Steel ($79) are forged 420J2 stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance.
Is it better to use scissors or a crab cracker?
Scissors for king and snow crab legs; a cracker for hard claws.
Are crab legs already cooked?
Most sold frozen are precooked. Reheat gently.
How do you get crab meat out in one piece?
Cut along the whole shell section and peel it open.
