Steamed Blue Crabs 101

by Jon Henry

Cracking the Code: A Guide to Devouring Steamed Blue Crabs

Ah, steamed blue crabs. A summertime seafood staple, especially along the Eastern Seaboard. But for the uninitiated, the process of devouring these delicious crustaceans can seem intimidating. Fear not, fellow food adventurer! This guide will equip you with the knowledge (and tools) to crack into a crab feast like a pro.

Gearing Up for Glory:

Your crab feast arsenal might look a little different from your usual silverware drawer. Here's what you'll need:

  • Mallet: A wooden mallet is ideal for cracking shells without crushing the delicate meat inside.
  • Crab cracker or sturdy nutcracker: For those stubborn claws, a dedicated cracker provides extra leverage.
  • Crab pick: This long, thin utensil lets you easily scoop out crabmeat from nooks and crannies.
  • Butter knife: A regular butter knife can come in handy for prying open stubborn shell sections.
  • Bib: Embrace the mess! A bib is essential to protect your clothes from splatters and inevitable drips.
  • Wet wipes or a basin of water: Keep your hands clean in between crab conquests.

The Cracking Chronicles:

  1. Twist and Pull: Start by detaching the legs with a simple twist. You can sometimes pop the claw open with your fingers and extract the meat directly.

  2. Claw Conquering: For those tougher claws, use your crab cracker or mallet. Gently crack the top of the claw, then use the pick to remove the sweet, succulent meat.

  3. Body Breakdown: Flip the crab over and remove the “apron” (the flap underneath). Now you can access the main body cavity.

  4. The Grand Clean-Up: Discard the feathery gills and other inedible organs.

  5. Cracking the Code: Use the mallet to crack the body in half. Now comes the fun part – picking out the delicious lump crabmeat! Use your pick and fingers to navigate the nooks and crannies, depositing your treasures in a bowl of melted butter for dipping (of course!).

Pro-Tips for Peak Pleasure:

  • Don't be shy! These are messy creatures, so embrace the experience and have fun!
  • Spice it Up: Offer a variety of dipping options like melted butter with Old Bay seasoning, cocktail sauce, or a simple lemon wedge.
  • The Spoils of War: Save the leftover shells for making a flavorful seafood stock later.

With this guide and a little practice, you'll be a crab-cracking champion in no time. So grab your mallet, gather your friends and family, and dive into a delicious blue crab feast!

Back to Recipes