Summer’s Sweetest Catch: A Guide to Steaming Blue Crabs
As I sat on the porch with my husband, surrounded by the warm Maryland summer air, I finally understood the allure of blue crabs. The afternoon was filled with laughter, cold beer, and the satisfying crack of shells as we devoured the succulent crustaceans. Recreating this experience at home is easier than you think.
The Essential Ingredients
For a truly authentic experience, you’ll need:
- 5 whole live jumbo male blue crabs
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups white wine vinegar, light beer, or a mixture of both
- 4 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- Warm melted butter for serving
Steaming to Perfection
Fill a large pot with the water and vinegar or beer mixture, leaving about an inch at the top. Add a steamer rack or create a makeshift one using foil. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Carefully place 3 crabs on the rack, belly-side down, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Old Bay. Repeat with the remaining 2 crabs. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 10 minutes, or until the crabs are cooked through.
Cracking Open the Fun
Once the crabs have cooled, it’s time to get cracking! Remove the large front claws and set them aside. Then, follow these steps:
- Remove the apron and discard it
- Pull off the top shell and discard it
- Remove the soft, pointy gills and scrape away any remaining bits of gill and viscera
- Flip the crab over and snap it in half
- Pull out the meat from the body and legs
- Break each claw in half and extract the meat using a seafood mallet or butter knife
Savoring the Flavor
Serve the crabmeat with melted butter for dipping, and don’t forget to enjoy the experience with friends and family. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating unforgettable summer memories.
Leave a Reply