Recipes - Steamed Blue Crabs

Recipes

Steamed Blue Crabs

The Tawes Crab & Clambake
Photo Credit: Charlotte Scott

      1/2 cup seafood seasoning
      1/2 cup salt
      3 cups white vinegar
      3 cups beer (or water)
      3 dozen live Maryland Blue hard crabs

Instructions

Mix seasonings, vinegar and beer (or water) well.
Put one-half crabs in a very large pot with rack and TIGHT fitting lid.
Pour one-half of seasoning mixture over top.
Add rest of crabs and remaining liquid.
Steam covered, until crabs turn bright red color, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Serve hot or cold. Serves 9-12, depending on the size of the crabs.

Note:
Be sure to clean your pot as soon as possible after you eat. Some folks like to take it out and hose it off outside before finishing the job with soap and water.

This recipe is from: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Seafood Marketing Program

How To Pick Steamed Crabs

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Cooking & Picking Utensils
Steamer - A large double boiler with lid
Tongs - to handle crabs
Mallets & Pairing Knives

Locals will tell you the very best accompaniments for a successful crab feast are hot corn on the cob, fresh ripe tomatoes, and a pitcher of ice cold beer, lemonade or soda. Dessert usually includes watermelon or cantaloupe.

What better way to spend a warm summer evening with friends?

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