Cooking crab at home can seem daunting but it’s actually quite simple once you know the basics. As seafood lovers here at The Cooking Facts we want to demystify crab cooking so anyone can make this delicious dish. In this article, we’ll walk through step-by-step how to cook basic crab, from selecting the best crab to serving it with delicious sauces.
Selecting and Preparing Fresh Crab
The first step is picking out high-quality, fresh crab. You’ll want to look for crabs that are alive and active in their tank at the seafood market. Their shells should be intact, with no cracks or damage. The heaviest crabs for their size tend to have the most meat.
Blue crabs and Dungeness crabs are common varieties used for cooking Opt for larger crabs if you want hearty pieces of meat for dishes like crab cakes Smaller crabs work well for crab salad or dip.
Once home, give live crabs a cold shower or place them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This makes them less active and easier to handle safely. Use kitchen shears to remove the apron on the underside as well as the gills on either side. Give them one final rinse before cooking.
Boiling Crab
Boiling is the traditional method for cooking crab. Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and add 2-3 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Use tongs to carefully add live crabs to the pot. Cook 12-15 minutes for 1-2 pound crabs. Add 3-5 more minutes for larger crabs.
You’ll know they are done when the shells turn bright orange-red. Use tongs to transfer the cooked crabs to a baking sheet to cool slightly. This stops the cooking process so they don’t get overdone.
Steaming Crab
Steaming is a healthy, flavorful way to cook crab. Place 1-2 inches of water in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer. Add crab to the basket, cover, and steam 12-15 minutes until the shells redden. Transfer to a pan to cool before handling.
Seasoning and Serving Crab
Crab tastes delicious on its own, but you can enhance the flavor with seasoning blends and sauces. Old Bay, lemon-pepper, and Cajun seasonings all complement crab nicely. Simple sauces like clarified butter, aioli, or cocktail sauce are easy dipping options.
Once cool enough to handle, use a mallet to crack the shell. Carefully remove pieces of meat, taking care not to shatter them. Serve the sweet crab meat with your favorite seasoning or sauce. Enjoy it chilled in crab salad or hot in entrees like crab cakes or soup.
Handy Tips for Perfect Crab Every Time
Follow these simple tips for tender, juicy crab success:
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Cook crab right away or keep live crabs damp in the fridge until ready to cook. Dead crabs spoil quickly.
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Resist overcooking. Crab meat gets tough and rubbery if boiled or steamed too long.
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Let crab cool slightly before cracking the shell so it stops cooking. This prevents it from drying out.
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When reheating leftover crab, use gentle heat like steaming to prevent it from getting chewy.
Cooking basic crab is an approachable process once you know a few key techniques. With fresh crab and the proper prep and cooking, you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality crab feasts at home. Let us know if you have any other crab cooking questions!
How to cook a crab
Bring a large pan of well-salted water to the boil. Lower in the crab, simmer for 12 mins per kg, then leave to cool a little in the liquid. Transfer to a tray, place in the fridge and leave to cool completely.
How to Cook Crab Legs
FAQ
How to cook a crab for beginners?
- 1. Fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and add seasoning (like Old Bay).
- 2. Place a steaming rack in the pot and bring the water to a boil.
- 3. Add the crab legs or crabs, cover, and steam for about 5-7 minutes for pre-cooked crab legs or 15-20 minutes for live crabs.
- 4. Serve with melted butter and lemon.
How to cook crabs on the stove?
Cover the pot, and let the stock come back to a boil. Once it does, cook the crabs until they are bright red-orange in color, about 15 minutes, depending on the size of the crab. Turn off the heat and add the butter and salt to the pot, stirring to melt the butter and dissolve the salt.
Is it better to bake or boil crab?
If you prioritize flavor and texture, steaming is often the better choice. If you’re looking for a quicker method or want to infuse additional flavors, boiling might be more suitable. Ultimately, it can come down to personal preference.