Steaming Crabs: Can You Use A Clam Steamer?

Crabs are a popular food worldwide, and there are many ways to prepare and eat them, from crab bisque to crab cakes. Two of the most popular ways to cook crab are boiling and steaming. When steaming crabs, it's important to use a two-part steamer pot or a high pot with a circular rack to prevent the crabs from touching the hot liquid. While water is typically used for steaming, some people prefer to use beer and vinegar for added flavour. A crab steamer is specifically designed for this purpose, with a bottom pot for the steaming liquid and a perforated inner pot for the crabs.

What is a crab steamer?

A crab steamer is a two-part pot used for steaming crabs. The bottom pot contains the steaming liquid, while the inner pot is perforated with holes and holds the crabs. If you don't have a crab steamer, you can use a large pot with a circular rack placed over the water. The crabs are placed on the rack to ensure they don't touch the hot liquid.

A crab steamer can be used with water, beer, or vinegar, and various herbs and spices can be added for extra flavour. The liquid is brought to a boil, and the crabs are then steamed for around 18-20 minutes, depending on their size. They are cooked when they turn orange and the meat flakes with a fork.

How to steam crabs

Yes, you can use a clam steamer to cook crabs! Here is a detailed guide on how to steam crabs:

Preparing the crabs:

Before steaming, you will need to clean the crabs. Start by removing the abdominal shells and backs with your hands. Then, take out the spongy gills on the underside of the crab and rinse the crabs in cold water. You can also break off the mouth parts on either side and throw them away.

Preparing the steamer:

Use a tall, high-walled pot for steaming. A sturdy pot or steamer with a steaming rack or separator will work well. The rack should be placed on top of the pot so that the crabs don't touch the hot liquid. If you don't have a rack, you can make one out of tin foil. Alternatively, you can use a circular rack and place it at the bottom of the pot.

Steaming the crabs:

Add liquid to the pot. You can use water, beer, vinegar, or a combination of these. For instance, you can try the Maryland approach and use a mixture of beer and vinegar. If using water, add about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 cups of water. Place about 2 inches of liquid in the bottom of the pot, making sure it doesn't rise above the steam rack. Bring the liquid to a boil.

Cooking the crabs:

Using tongs, place 3-4 crabs belly-down on the rack. Cover them with a spice blend of your choice, such as celery seed, cayenne pepper, and other spices. Then, add another layer of crabs and repeat the seasoning process. Cover the pot with a lid.

Steam the crabs for about 18-20 minutes, depending on their size. They are done when they turn orange and the meat flakes when tested with a fork. Carefully remove the crabs from the pot using clean tongs and serve them on a platter with a sprinkling of seafood seasoning and some lemon wedges.

How to prepare crabs for steaming

To prepare crabs for steaming, you'll first want to keep them chilled. Crabs can be steamed alive or frozen, but live crabs tend to taste better. If you're not cooking them immediately, you can use a cooler full of ice or cold packs to keep them cold.

Next, you'll want to clean the crabs. Remove the apron (abdomen) by pulling off the shell flaps on the crab's belly. This is the triangular shell piece at the crab's tail, which you can remove with your hands or a knife. Then, stick your thumb into the hole left by removing the abdomen and lift to detach the back (carapace) from the crab's body, along with the guts. After that, take off the spongy gills from both sides of the crab and throw them away. Finally, rinse the crabs with water to wash out the green-brown guts.

If you're using frozen crab legs, you'll need to defrost them first. Place them in the refrigerator for about eight hours, and make sure they're in a watertight container to avoid mess.

How long to steam crabs

Yes, you can use a clam steamer to cook crabs. Here is how long you should steam crabs for:

The length of time you should steam crabs depends on the type and size of crab, as well as the number of crabs you are cooking. For example, crab legs will cook in about 4-8 minutes, whereas blue crabs can take up to 20-30 minutes. Whole Dungeness crabs can take 10-20 minutes to steam, and Dungeness crabs should be boiled for about 18-20 minutes.

Crabs are done when the shell turns a reddish-orange colour, and the meat flakes when tested with a fork. You will also be able to smell their aroma when they are done, and they will be warm. Make sure not to overcook crabs, as this will affect their taste.

What to serve with steamed crabs

There are many options for what to serve alongside steamed crabs. Here are some ideas for side dishes and sauces to create a delicious crab feast:

Sauces

• Clarified butter is the most iconic and widely used sauce to serve with crab. It enhances the flavour of the crab meat and is best served with warm crab legs.
• Lemon juice and garlic can be added to the clarified butter to make an incredible dipping sauce.
• Other additions to the butter sauce could include rosemary, parsley, or Worcestershire sauce.
• Cocktail sauce is another popular option, which can be made by mixing together horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon, and ketchup.
• Mustard and dill, mayonnaise, or hollandaise are other sauce options to serve with crab.

Side Dishes

• Salad is a great option to serve with crab, especially if it is a light, steamed crab dish. A mandarin orange salad is a nice combination of crunchy, refreshing, and sweet.
• Vegetables are a nice complement to the sweet meat of crab. Try asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, or steamed artichokes.
• Potatoes go well with crab, whether they are baked, mashed, or fried.
• French fries are a convenient and delicious option, especially when served with garlic to complement garlic roasted crab.
• Corn on the cob is a refreshing, hands-on side dish that fits well with the theme of eating crab with your hands.
• Lemon rice pilaf is a nice, comforting dish that complements the crab flavours in a delicate way.

Frequently asked questions