Break or twist the crab legs at the joints and gently pull the shell apart. Use the small crab scissors or crackers provided if available.
GUIDE 11
How to Eat Steamed Red Snow Crab
Crack, pick, and finish with crab fried rice.
WHAT IS IT?
Steamed red snow crab is meant to be opened by hand, one leg at a time, before you enjoy the sweet meat, body, roe, and final fried rice.
HOW TO EAT IT
Use a crab pick, chopstick, or your fingers to gently pull the meat out of the shell. Try to keep the crab meat in one piece if possible.
After eating the legs, open the crab body and enjoy the meat inside. The body can contain some of the most flavorful parts of the crab.
If you enjoy seafood flavors, try the orange or yellow crab roe and innards inside the shell. They have a rich, savory flavor that many Koreans enjoy.
Don’t throw away the crab shell just yet. Many Korean seafood restaurants use the shell and crab roe to make fried rice.
Ask the staff if they can make crab fried rice using the crab shell and remaining roe. Scoop it directly from the shell and enjoy it as the final course.
Eating whole crab takes a little time. Don’t worry if it feels messy at first—using your hands is perfectly normal. A small bowl or container may be provided for discarded shells.
Take it one relaxed bite at a time.
LOCAL TIP
When in doubt, watch how the people at the next table eat it. Crab is a hands-on food, and using your hands is completely normal.
TABLE TIP
Refill Your Side DishesNeed more banchan? Just ask the staff. Most Korean restaurants are happy to refill common side dishes at no extra charge, and some have a self-service banchan bar. A few dishes made with more expensive ingredients may be limited or not refillable. Don’t be shy—asking for more banchan is completely normal in Korea.
Don’t worry if…
There is no rush. Start with one leg, take your time with the shell, and enjoy the last spoonful of fried rice.