Alaskan Snow Crab (Opilio)
Opilio crab is snow crab. The two names are the same animal: Chionoecetes opilio, a cold-water crab caught in the Northern Bering Sea, prized for sweet, delicate meat and a shell soft enough to open without tools. If you have seen it written as "opie crab" or "opelio", that is the same crab again.
A cluster is a whole section of the crab, legs and shoulder still joined, rather than legs sold loose. You get more meat per shell, including the shoulder meat that most people rate as the best part. Each order is approximately two clusters, weighing 12 oz to over 16 oz each, for a total of 1.5 to 2.5 lb.
Caught and processed at sea
This crab is caught and processed at sea aboard the F/V Baranof in the Northern Bering Sea. Cooking and freezing happen on the boat, within hours of the haul, which is why the meat holds its texture in a way that counter-thawed crab does not. You can read more about the Baranof on her vessel page.
Opilio, bairdi and king: which is which
- Opilio (snow crab) is the slimmest and sweetest, and the easiest to open. Best value per pound.
- Bairdi is the larger cousin of opilio, sometimes sold as snow crab too. Thicker legs, a little more meat per cluster, a firmer bite.
- Red king crab is a different animal altogether: much bigger, hard spiny shell, rich and meaty, and priced accordingly.
If you are choosing between them for a group, opilio clusters feed the most people for the money.
How to cook opilio crab clusters
They arrive cooked, so this is reheating rather than cooking. Do not thaw first.
- Steam: 6 to 8 minutes from frozen.
- Boil: 5 to 6 minutes in salted water.
Serve with melted butter and lemon.
Questions people ask
What is opilio crab?
Opilio crab is snow crab. It is a cold-water crab from the Bering Sea with long slim legs, sweet mild meat and a soft shell. Opilio, opie crab and snow crab all refer to the same species.
What is the difference between opilio and bairdi crab?
They are close relatives. Bairdi is the larger of the two, with thicker legs and slightly firmer meat. Opilio is slimmer, sweeter and better value per pound. Both are sold as snow crab.
What is a crab cluster?
A cluster is a whole section of crab with the legs and shoulder still attached, rather than legs separated and sold loose. Clusters include the shoulder meat, so you get more meat per order.
- Serving Size: 5oz
- Total Calories - 85cal
- Total Carb. - 0g
- Protein. - 16g
To ensure the highest quality and safety, follow these recommended methods for thawing seafood:
Refrigerator Thawing: Place the seafood on a plate and thaw in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours or overnight. This method maintains a safe, constant temperature and preserves the best quality.
Cold Water Thawing: For faster thawing, place your vacuum-sealed seafood in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Once thawed, remove the seafood from the packaging, rinse gently with cool water, and pat dry.
Whidbey Island Seafood Company offers to ship to all orders outside of Whidbey Island, Washington. For more information please refer to our Shipping Policy Page.
