Have you ever wondered why many old-fashioned recipes tend to be tagged as ‘Southern-style’? Well, it’s because these dishes are that old and were initially enjoyed by those of said regions. Today, we resurrect those classic recipes for family gatherings, occasions, and formal events. And one of them is the southern-style crab leg boil.
Initially, this recipe was made with whole crabs, but clusters can also produce the same effects. Southern-style crab legs are delicious and filling, and they add an exotic feel to any table. Plus, the speed and quantity make it an excellent menu option for a large table.
Why Make Southern-Style Crab Legs?
If you wonder why this recipe should be given a second thought, then check out these pros below;
Its Economical-One beauty about this recipe is how the ingredients are super cheap. And why shouldn’t they be? They’re the same items popularly depended on by the people who enjoyed them in older times. Plus, you get more for less when you cook it; this recipe is enough to feed up to eight people!
It’s Rich-Even when the ingredients are incredibly affordable, they comprise healthy and nutritious items, including vegetables and aromatics. Southern-style crab legs are rich in minerals, proteins, vitamins, and oxidants, making the dish a perfectly healthy option.
It’s Fast-You need not dilly-dally with this recipe, as it’s a quick one. You toss all the ingredients in a saucepan and watch it cook to a tasty sensation.
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Cooking Southern-Style Crab Legs
By now, you must be salivating for the southern-style crab legs. So how about we move on to the quick steps needed to make the recipe?
Select the Crab Legs
Make sure the crab legs are in a cluster, so you get more meat from the dish. Also, you can consider fresh crab legs, but chances are you’ll be left with frozen, pre-cooked ones. But if you found the former, note that it’ll cook faster than the latter. Also, remember that fresh uncooked crab legs must be free of any sulfuric, briny odor.
Gather the Ingredients
Once you have the crab clusters, the following steps are the vegetables and spices. Southern-style crab legs work with an extensive list of fresh ingredients. You’ll find garlic, onions, cilantro, okra, corn on the cob, and sometimes potatoes in one recipe. You’ll also need liquid ingredients like white wine, lime juice, and sometimes even light beer. Powdered seasonings and dry rubs aren’t left out, of course. And for the proteins and fat, you also have jalapeno smoked or Andouille sausages, with some additional unsalted butter.
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Combine the Ingredients
Start by combining the liquid ingredients with the seasoning powder, aromatics, and herbs in a stockpot. Then, let it boil and reduce the heat to medium. Next, add the corn and vegetables, along with the sausages.
Add the Crab Legs
Once the mixture is cooked for 15 to 20 minutes, put the clusters and butter. Leave the pot to cook for another 10 minutes, so the arrays of flavors infuse.
Strain and Serve
Once fully cooked, set the pot down and strain the stock. Then, pour the residue on a platter and serve as desired, with any garnish you prefer.
PrintSouthern-Style Crab Legs (8 servings)
Ingredients
- Two pounds crab clusters
- Four corn on the cob halved
- Four ounces butter, unsalted
- Four limes, juiced and added to the pot
- Two cups water
- Two cups white wine
- Two tablespoons seasoning rub or powder
- One bulb garlic, cut in horizontal halves
- One onion, large, quartered
- One pound fresh okra halved
- One pound jalapeno smoke sausages, chopped in chunks
- One bunch of cilantro (stems for stock, leaves for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour the wine, water, seasoning, onions, garlic, cilantro stems, and limes into a pot. Allow the mixture to boil, and reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the sausages, corn, and okra, and let the mixture cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, toss in the butter and crab legs, and cook for another eight to 10 minutes.
- Set the pot from heat and strain the stock, then pour the residue onto a serving plate. Adjust the seasoning according to taste, then serve the dish garnished with cilantro leaves.
Also, take a look at this video for another recipe idea.