Crab leg Advice Needed

BGEChicago · December 2018

Being a Chicagoan, I know a lot about midwestern corn feed beef, not so much about crusticians. So for New Year's eve we want individual beef wellingtons (have that covered) and crab legs. I went to Costco today and got overcharged for a tenderloin at $20 a lb, when I was there I noticed they have 10 lb packages of king crab legs for $200 or $20 a pound. I did a quick google search and found them here https://www.alaskankingcrab.com/collections/alaskan-king-crab-legs/products/super-colossal-king-crab-legs for $60 a pound. Now I've had good luck with Costco products, but how can they sell something for $20 a pound when I see the same product for $60 a pound online? Is it a case of "you get what you pay for" ? Am I missing something? Also- Can I use Ghee for the drawn butter?

SGH · December 2018

Just a couple of thoughts on the price. Without seeing them myself this is just a hunch, but Costco is probably not selling the super colossal legs. My hunch is they are selling ones much smaller. That would certainly explain the price difference.
As to the ghee, be warned that ghee has a much “nuttier” taste than straight clarified butter due to extra step in making it. The browning of the milk solids to make ghee gives it that trademark “nut” taste that I’m referring too.
But to answer your question directly, you certainly can use it. However most folks would probably prefer straight clarified butter instead of the ghee on crab legs.

Jstroke · December 2018

I would concur with SGH. I do not think Ghee will work well for butter with crab legs, but I have been wrong before. I think it would overpower the sweetness of the crab.

dmourati · December 2018

From one Chicagoan to another: https://www.fishex.com/

GrillSgt · December 2018

No to the ghee. Drawn = melted.

BGEChicago · December 2018

Men, Thanks for the feedback so far and to @SGH your right, I saw a picture of the $60 a pound a leg and physically saw the Costco ones... the picture ones could be the size of a tenderloin (exaration) and Costco be a hot dog, I guess I do get what I pay for. About the Ghee... ok not having it, again, many thanks to this great community!

SGH · December 2018

BGEChicago said:

@SGH your right

Glad to help my friend👍

Space_City_Egger · December 2018

Costco crab legs are fantastic. Have had them several times. Haven't been disappointed yet. I get mine in the individual packs of about 2/3 good size legs or the manned display case if it's open.

BGEChicago · December 2018

I think the manned cases in my area are on the weekends, I'l try that, thanks for the idea.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · December 2018

SGH May be right but I bought 8 SRF black briskets for $4.29lb from Costco in July. Try buying that from SRF direct (usually $11 or more per lb). Im very familiar with the entire club channel (they are all huge customers of mine). I would say that especially at Costco, you can rest assured you are buying the very best for the money. Yours may be the smaller but without seeing, I would assume they are the primo for that price. If they can’t get the best, they generally won’t buy it. They. Wear. Me. Out. And I love them for it

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BGEChicago · December 2018

Yeah, I feel the same way, I watched a documentary once where Costco spent $1 million researching toilet paper to develop the perfect product That;s a lot of money devoted to that area! Thanks again!

YukonRon · December 2018

We have been getting our crab legs from Costco for years, and have yet to be disappointed. I have yet to meet any human being that can eat more crab legs, than My Beautiful Wife. I do NOT know how she does it.

jad · December 2018

one other thought... the $60 a pound crab legs might be from Alaska, the $20 a pound legs from ? Russia maybe

The Cen-Tex Smoker · December 2018

jad said:

one other thought... the $60 a pound crab legs might be from Alaska, the $20 a pound legs from ? Russia maybe

Maybe but I doubt it. That would be counter to Costco's normal M.O. Costco is all about showing value to the very best (like selling the same exact SRF briskets you by online for $11-$12lb for $4.29lb last July)

Costco and Sam's make all their money on memberships. I don't think I'm sharing any industry secrets here but hey run on very slim margins just trying to break even to get more members. Max margin at Costco is 14%- that is unheard of with any other retailer. Most start at 40% and expect 50% or more to keep the lights on. All Costco wants to do is drive membership so they give everything away and get your $100 membership fee for the privilege.

nolaegghead · December 2018

I was at Costco the other day and they had Alaskan King crab legs going for $24 a pound that were the largest I've ever seen. And I worked in a restaurant and have served probably 10 tons of Alaskan King Crab.

Sadly, the territorial waters of Alaska in the Bering sea are overfished and hard to manage. It doesn't help Russians fish the same fishery and harvest immature crabs. These are what you'll find at $16/lb. Don't buy them.

BobDanger · December 2018

Seeing the price for those crabs is staggering...I’ve often bitched about living here on the eastern shore of VA but knowing I can get a bushel of jimmy blue crabs for $40 is making it easer.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · December 2018

The Cen-Tex Smoker said:

jad said:

one other thought... the $60 a pound crab legs might be from Alaska, the $20 a pound legs from ? Russia maybe

Maybe but I doubt it. That would be counter to Costco's normal M.O. Costco is all about showing value to the very best (like selling the same exact SRF briskets you by online for $11-$12lb for $4.29lb last July)

Costco and Sam's make all their money on memberships. I don't think I'm sharing any industry secrets here but hey run on very slim margins just trying to break even to get more members. Max margin at Costco is 14%- that is unheard of with any other retailer. Most start at 40% and expect 50% or more to keep the lights on. All Costco wants to do is drive membership so they give everything away and get your $100 membership fee for the privilege.

and they lose money on stuff like this to excite people to join (or stay members when it's time to renew) as a normal part of business. everyone waits all year for these Crab Legs, Their Rack of Pork is legendary, and I'm sure plenty of us will be sniffing around the meat counter next July looking for our ridiculously cheap SRF Briskets. This drives new membership and keeps people who think about quitting throughout the year on the hook for the next impossibly hot deal. It's all part of the plan...and it's working.

BGEChicago · December 2018

Thanks for all the advice. I forgot I had a local place https://www.supremelobster.com/retail-store/ , I drove over and they had jumbo crab legs, in fact it was a 6' by 6' area where you go and pick your own individually. I picked this 1 1/4 Lb one for a test drive tonight:

Crab leg Advice Needed

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