Steaming Cooked Crabs: How Long Is Too Long?

Steaming is a great way to cook crabs, and it doesn't take long to do. The amount of time it takes to steam crabs depends on the type and size of crab, but generally, crab legs will cook in about 4-8 minutes, while whole crabs can take up to 20-30 minutes. Crabs are done when they turn a reddish-orange colour and give off a distinct aroma. It's important not to overcook crabs, as this can affect their taste and texture.

How to steam live crabs

Steaming crabs is not difficult, and they are healthier to eat this way. Crabs can be steamed alive or frozen, but live crabs taste better. If you're not cooking the crabs immediately, keep them chilled. You can use a cooler full of ice, cold packs, or a salt-water-soaked towel with ice on top.

Preparing the Crabs

You can clean the crabs before or after steaming them. First, remove the apron (the triangular shell piece on the crab's belly) by hand or with a knife. Next, remove the backs of the crabs by sticking your thumb into the hole left by removing the apron and lifting up. Then, take off the spongy gills and rinse the crabs in cold water.

Preparing the Pot

Use a tall, high-walled pot with a steaming rack or separator so the crabs don't touch the hot liquid. Add two cups of water and one tablespoon of salt, or two cans of beer and an equal amount of apple cider or distilled white vinegar. You can also add spices like salt, garlic, chiles, limes, and cilantro. Place about two inches of liquid in the bottom of the pot.

Steaming the Crabs

Use tongs to place three to four crabs belly down on the steam rack. Cover them with a spice blend, then add another layer of crabs and repeat. Put the lid on the pot. Steam the crabs for 4-8 minutes, or until they give off a distinct aroma. Check the crabs frequently and do not overcook them.

Serving the Crabs

Remove the crabs from the pot using a clean pair of tongs to avoid bacterial contamination. Place the crabs on a platter or newspaper-covered table. Sprinkle with a light layer of seafood seasoning and serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.

How to steam frozen crab legs

Steaming is the best way to cook crab legs as it helps preserve the pure, sweet taste and tender texture of the meat. It also prevents overcooking and stops the legs from becoming rubbery or losing their juices, which can happen when they are boiled.

First, you'll need to defrost the crab legs. Place them in the refrigerator for about eight hours, but no longer than two days. Put the crab legs in a watertight container to prevent any mess in your refrigerator.

Next, gather your equipment: a steamer basket that fits in a lidded pot, or a wide lidded pot or pan; and some lemon slices.

If using a steamer basket, fill a pot with an inch of water, then add a few lemon slices. Cover with the lid, then bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Once the water is steaming, add the crab and cover with the lid. Continue to steam over medium heat for five minutes if the crab legs are defrosted, or 10 minutes if they are still frozen.

If not using a steamer basket, simply cover the bottom of a wide pot or pan with about 1/4 inch of water and add a few lemon slices. Cover with the lid and bring to a simmer over medium heat until steaming. Then, add the crab and cover with the lid. Continue to steam over medium heat for five minutes if using defrosted crab, or 10 minutes for frozen crab.

You can also steam crab legs by placing two cups of water and a tablespoon of salt in a pot and bringing it to a boil. Place the crab legs in the pot on a rack over the boiling water. When the water starts to boil again, cover with a lid and cook for about six minutes or until the crab begins to omit a "cooked odor".

Serving Suggestions:

Crab legs are best served hot, with your favourite dipping sauces. You could also serve them with lemon wedges and melted butter.

What to serve with steamed crab

When it comes to serving steamed crab, there are a variety of side dishes and condiments that can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas to make your crab feast memorable:

Condiments and Sauces:

• Clarified butter: This is the most iconic and widely used condiment for crab. Melt regular butter and allow it to cool, separating the milk solids. Enhance the clarified butter with fresh lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, parsley, or Worcestershire sauce.
• Cocktail sauce: Mix horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon, and ketchup for a classic dipping sauce.
• Mustard and dill, mayonnaise, lemon, and salt and pepper also make great accompaniments to steamed crab.

Side Dishes:

• Salad: A light and refreshing salad can complement steamed crab. Try a mandarin orange salad for a combination of crunchy, sweet, and refreshing flavors.
• Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, and onions are great roasted or grilled to bring out their natural sweetness, pairing well with the crab.
• Steamed artichokes: These are a fun pairing, as they involve a similar hands-on eating experience as crab.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser and pair well with crab. For a cheesy option, try Gruyère scalloped potatoes or twice-baked potatoes.
• Corn: Corn on the cob is a classic side for crab, offering a refreshing and hands-on eating experience. Grilled corn with a variety of seasonings, from simple butter and salt to chili lime or Parmesan, can be a delightful complement.
• Fries: Whether it's classic French fries or okra fries, they add a crunchy and convenient element to the meal.
• Bread: Southern cornbread is a traditional favorite, providing a savory and comforting accompaniment.

Drinks:

• Wine: White wine, such as Pinot gris, Chardonnay, or dry Riesling, pairs incredibly well with steamed crab.
• Beer: A cold beer is a perfect match for steamed crab, especially when paired with a spicy condiment.

How to prepare crabs for steaming

Preparing crabs for steaming is a relatively simple process, but it does require a few key steps to ensure the crabs are cleaned properly and ready for cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare crabs for steaming:

Step 1: Keep Crabs Chilled

Crabs can be steamed live or frozen, but live crabs tend to taste better. If you're not cooking the crabs immediately, it's important to keep them chilled, either in a cooler full of ice or using cold packs. This will ensure the crabs stay fresh until cooking time.

Step 2: Clean the Crabs

Cleaning the crabs involves removing their shells and gills, and rinsing them with water. First, remove the abdominal shells and backs (carapace) by hand or with a knife. Then, take out the spongy gills from the underside of the crabs and discard them. Finally, rinse the crabs in cold water to remove any remaining debris or guts.

Step 3: Defrost Frozen Crabs

If you're using frozen crab legs, you'll need to defrost them before steaming. Place the crab legs in the refrigerator for about 8 hours to defrost. It's best not to leave them in the refrigerator for more than two days without cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Pot

For steaming crabs, you'll need a tall, high-walled pot with a steaming rack or separator. This setup ensures that the crabs don't touch the boiling liquid. Place the steaming rack in the pot, and add liquid—water, beer, vinegar, or a combination—to a depth of about two inches. Bring the liquid to a boil.

Step 5: Season the Crabs

Before placing the crabs in the pot, you can season them with a spice blend. A typical blend might include celery salt, dry mustard, cumin, black pepper, rock salt, and nutmeg. You can also purchase a pre-made spice blend specifically for crab meat.

Step 6: Steam the Crabs

Use tongs to place three to four crabs, belly down, on the steam rack in the pot. Cover the pot and allow the crabs to steam. The cooking time will depend on the size and number of crabs, but it typically ranges from 4 to 30 minutes. The crabs are done when their shells turn a bright reddish-orange colour.

How to tell when crabs are steamed

Steamed crabs are a delicious treat, but how do you know when they're done? Here are some telltale signs to look out for:

Colour Change

The most obvious sign that crabs are steamed is their colour change. Crabs will turn a bright red or reddish-orange colour when they are cooked. This colour change is due to the heat from the steam cooking the crabs' shells. So, if you see your crabs turning red, they're likely done!

Aroma

Another way to tell if your crabs are steamed is by their aroma. Crabs give off a distinct aroma when they are cooked. This aroma is caused by the crabs' meat and shells releasing their flavours into the steam. So, if you start to smell something delicious, your crabs are probably ready to eat!

Flaky Meat

If you want to be really sure your crabs are steamed, you can test them with a fork. Carefully remove one crab from the pot and insert a fork into the meat. If the meat flakes easily, it's a good indication that the crab is cooked. This method is especially useful if you're not sure if your crabs have reached the bright red colour mentioned above.

Timing

Finally, timing is an important factor in determining when crabs are steamed. As a general rule, crab legs take about 4-8 minutes to cook. Whole crabs can take longer, ranging from 18-30 minutes depending on their size and the number of crabs you're steaming. So, if you've reached the minimum time for your crabs to be cooked, it might be a good idea to start checking on them regularly to ensure they don't overcook.

In conclusion, there are several ways to tell when crabs are steamed. By paying attention to colour changes, aromas, flaky meat, and timing, you can ensure your crabs are cooked to perfection!

Frequently asked questions