How to Cook and Pick Blue Crabs: A Simple Guide
We are Midwesterners and were clueless about crabbing but wanted to take advantage of the bounty right outside our door at Easthaven. If you are anything like us, here’s a straightforward guide to help you through each step:
Cooking Blue Crabs
1. Prepare Your Pot
- Use a crab pot (we provide one) with a lid. Fill it with enough water to cover the crabs and bring it to a boil.
- Season the water with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adding a splash of vinegar or beer can enhance the flavor.
2. Add the Crabs
- Carefully place the crabs into the boiling water. Be cautious of splashing.
- Cook the crabs in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. Boil the Crabs
- Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-high. Boil the crabs for about 15-20 minutes until they turn a bright orange color and the meat becomes opaque.
4. Cool the Crabs
- Remove the crabs from the pot and transfer them to a bowl or tray to cool. An ice bath can help cool them down quickly if needed.
Picking Blue Crabs
1. Remove the Top Shell
- Place the cooked crab on its back. Gently pry off the top shell (carapace) and discard it.
- Remove the gills and any inedible parts from the body.
2. Clean the Crab
- Rinse the crab under cold water to remove any remaining shell fragments and debris.
3. Extract the Meat
- Use a crab pick or a small fork to pull out the meat from the crab’s body. Start with the claws and legs, then move to the body.
- Be careful to check for and remove any small bits of shell.
4. Crack the Claws and Legs
- Use a crab cracker or mallet to crack the claws and legs to access the meat. For the legs, a small fork can help extract the meat.
5. Serve the Crab Meat
- Place the picked crab meat in a bowl or on a plate, ready to be enjoyed or used in recipes.
Tips
- Use the Right Tools: Proper tools like crab crackers, picks, and seafood scissors can make the picking process easier.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Customize the seasoning in the cooking water to match your taste preferences.
Following these steps will help you cook and pick blue crabs effectively, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal hassle.
Come BOOK at Easthaven and try it all yourself!