I love seafood, and it’s a regular part of my diet. When I see two popular king crab species in the United States—red king crab and golden king crab—I have to compare them before buying, as both are premium king crab species found in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean. However, many people search for Red King Crab vs Golden King Crab, usually wanting to know which tastes better, which is larger, and which is worth buying.
During my research for FishioHub, I noticed that many seafood shoppers and crab lovers ask questions like the taste of golden vs red king crab, the price of golden king crab vs red king crab, and the size of Alaskan red king crab vs golden king crab. These two crabs are very similar, yet there are clear differences.
In this FishioHub guide, I’ll explain the key differences between red king crab and golden king crab, including their appearance, size, taste, nutrition, and price comparison.
But before we delve deeper, let’s start with a small decision.
Quick Verdict🦀
- Comparing red king crab to golden king crab, red king crab is typically larger and offers more meat than golden king crab. It’s also the most popular king crab served in restaurants.
- On the other hand, golden king crab is slightly smaller but still offers delicious meat and is sometimes more affordable than red king crab.
So the best option often depends on whether you prefer larger crab legs or a more affordable option.
What You Will Get in This Post 🦀
In this comparison of Golden King Crab vs Red King Crab, you will learn:
- 🔍 The key differences between these two king crab species
- 📏 Red King Crab vs Golden King Crab size comparison
- 🍽️ The difference in Golden King Crab vs Red King Crab taste
- 💰 Golden King Crab vs Red King Crab price comparison
- 🥗 Nutrition facts of both king crabs
- ⭐ Which crab might be better?
Key Differences Between Red King Crab vs Golden King Crab
If you look closely at these two species, both crabs are much larger than the others. Furthermore, there are differences in their size and taste. Let’s understand these differences in a simpler way.
- Red king crabs are generally larger and have thicker legs. Even they can span upto 5 feet. They are more expensive in the seafood market.
- Golden king crabs are smaller than red king crabs; they can span upto 4 feet, but their meat is still delicious. Despite being slightly thinner, they are a popular crab.
Because of these differences, many people compare golden and red king crabs before purchasing seafood.
Physical Appearance of Red King Crab vs Golden
Through my experience and research, I’ve found that distinguishing these two species of king crabs is actually quite easy. In fact, you only need to look at two key differences in their physical appearance to tell them apart.
Once you understand these two differences between the Red King Crab and the Golden King Crab, identifying them becomes much simpler. Let’s take a closer look.
Red King Crab: This Alaskan king crab is also known as the red king crab because of its dark red or brown shell. Its pear is thick and spiny, making it a popular choice at seafood restaurants.
Golden King Crab: This crab’s shell is a light golden brown, resembling gold. This species of king crab is known as the golden king crab. It is slightly smaller than the red king crab, and despite its thinner pear, it has ample meat.
At first glance, you may get confused between these two crabs, but the color and body shape help you identify them.
Red King Crab vs Golden King Crab Size
The biggest difference between these two crabs is size. So, let’s understand red king and golden king crabs based on their size:
Red King Crab vs Golden King Crab. In terms of size:
- Red king crabs are generally larger. They are considered the largest edible crabs. Some red king crabs can grow up to 5 feet long, weighing 6–10 lbs (up to 28 lbs max).
- Golden king crabs are smaller on average. Their bodies and legs are thinner, and they typically produce slightly less meat than red king crabs. However, their body span is approximately 5 feet, similar to that of red king crabs. In terms of weight, they weigh between 4 and 8 lbs.
Because of this difference, seafood markets often advertise larger red king crabs as a premium seafood option.
Golden King Crab vs Red King Crab Taste
For many seafood lovers like you and me, taste is one of the most important things. And there’s a stark difference between these two crabs.
When discussing golden king crab vs red king crab taste, many people describe red king crab meat as sweet, tender, and slightly rich. The thick legs contain large chunks of meat, which makes them popular in restaurants.
Golden king crab meat is also delicious but slightly milder in flavor. Some seafood enthusiasts say golden king crab meat has a more delicate taste.
Finally, I would say that I prefer red king crabs in terms of flavor. Although they are more expensive, their pear meat is very flavorful. Personal preference usually determines which one people like best.
Habitat and Distribution
- Both golden king crabs and red crabs live in the northern cold waters of the ocean. Red king crabs are often found in the Bering Sea and the surrounding areas of Alaska. Therefore, they are also known as Alaskan red king crabs.
- Golden king crabs live in the deep waters of the North Pacific Ocean and are often caught in parts of Alaska.
Price is another major difference between these species.
Golden King Crab vs Red King Crab Price
Red King Crab Price: Red king crabs generally cost more because they are larger and have larger legs. In seafood markets, red king crabs are often the most expensive crabs, with legs and claws costing $70 to $150+ per pound.
Golden King Crab Price: Golden king crabs sometimes cost slightly less. Because golden king crabs are smaller and less popular than red king crabs, they can be sold at a more affordable price in some seafood markets. Their legs and claws cost between $70 and $90 per pound.
However, the price of these crabs varies depending on location, season, and demand.
Nutrition Comparison
Both golden and red king crabs are nutritious seafood options.
| Feature | Red King Crab | Golden King Crab |
| Protein | High | High |
| Fat | Low | Low |
| Calories | Moderate | Moderate |
| Minerals | Rich in zinc and selenium | Rich in minerals |
Both species provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients, making them a healthy seafood choice.
Which Crab Is Better?
In my opinion, when comparing golden vs. red king crab, there is no single “best” option.
Choose red king crab if you like:
If you prefer larger crab legs, sweeter meat, and a premium seafood flavor, this crab is usually the better choice, although it is more expensive.
Choose golden king crab if you like:
If you want a slightly milder flavor, thinner legs with good meat, and a more affordable option, golden king crab can be a great choice.
In my opinion, both are excellent seafood options — after all, they are both king crabs.
FAQs
What is the difference between golden vs red king crab?
The main difference between Golden King Crab and Red King Crab is size. Red king crabs are larger, while golden king crabs are slightly smaller.
Which tastes better: golden king crab vs red king crab?
Many seafood lovers prefer red king crab for its sweet and rich flavor, but golden king crab also has tender and delicious meat.
What is the red king crab price compared to the golden king crab price?
Red king crab is usually more expensive. Golden king crab price can sometimes be slightly lower, depending on season and availability.
Are golden king crab legs smaller than red king crab legs?
Yes. Golden king crab legs are usually thinner, while red king crab legs are larger and meatier.
You may also love to read:
🦀 Stone Crab vs Snow Crab: Discover how these two popular crabs differ in taste, size, and harvesting methods.
🦀Ultimate Red Claw Crabs Guide: Explore the food, habitat, and lifespan of crab.
Conclusion
Comparing red king crab vs. golden king crab, both crabs are undoubtedly of excellent quality. Red king crabs are larger, with bigger legs and sweeter meat, while golden king crabs are slightly smaller but still delicious.
Understanding the differences in size, flavor, and price can help seafood lovers choose the best crab for their taste and budget.
Whether you prefer red king crab or golden king crab, both are truly the kings of the crab world.
