Steaming Crabs: How Long Does It Take?

Steaming crabs is a great way to cook them without getting them waterlogged. The time it takes to steam crabs depends on the size of the crabs, the size of the pot, and the number of crabs being steamed. In general, crab legs take around 4-8 minutes to cook, while whole crabs can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. It's important not to overcook crabs, as this can affect their taste and texture. When steaming crabs, it's best to use a steamer pot or a high pot with a circular rack to keep the crabs above the boiling liquid. The liquid used for steaming can be water, beer, vinegar, or a combination of these, and it's recommended to add spices or herbs for extra flavour.

How to prepare crabs for steaming

To prepare crabs for steaming, you'll first want to ensure you have fresh crabs. Check for any cracked or damaged shells and discard them. Place the crabs in a large bowl or pot and cover them with cold water, ensuring the water level is a few inches above the crabs. Add salt to the water—approximately 2/3 cup of salt per 2 quarts (8 cups) of water. Mix the water and crabs with your hands to distribute the salt. Let the crabs sit for about an hour, then drain and rinse well to get rid of any loose grit. Fill the bowl or pot with a fresh batch of water and let the crabs soak for another 20 minutes. Rinse and repeat until clean.

There may be some crabs in the batch with open shells. Snap them with your fingers or tap them against a hard surface. Observe the siphon—if there's no movement, throw them out as they are likely dead. Any crabs that appear cooked (wide open) are also dead, so discard them as well.

When you're ready to steam the crabs, you'll need a two-part steamer pot or a high pot with a circular rack placed over the water. You can use water, beer, vinegar, or a combination of these liquids to steam the crabs, and you can add herbs and spices for extra flavour. Bring about 2 inches of liquid to a boil, ensuring the liquid doesn't rise above the steam rack.

Using tongs, place 3-4 crabs belly-down on the rack and cover them with a seafood seasoning blend. Add another layer of crabs on top of the first layer and sprinkle with more seasoning. Place the lid on the pot and steam the crabs for about 18-20 minutes, depending on their size. The crabs are done when they turn orange or bright red and the meat flakes when tested with a fork.

What liquid to use for steaming crabs

When it comes to steaming crabs, you can use water, beer, vinegar, or a combination of these liquids. The choice of liquid depends on your preference and the desired flavour profile. Here are some common options:

Water

Using water is a simple and straightforward option for steaming crabs. You can add a tablespoon of salt to the water for flavour.

Beer

Beer is a popular choice for steaming crabs, especially in Maryland, where it is often combined with vinegar. A light beer or a local favourite like National Bohemian ("Natty Boh") is ideal.

Vinegar

Adding vinegar to the steaming liquid helps to soften the crab shells, making the crabs easier to pick. Plain white vinegar is a standard choice, but you can also use white or red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Avoid strongly flavoured varieties like balsamic vinegar.

Beer and Vinegar

Combining beer and vinegar is a classic Maryland-style approach to steaming crabs. For this method, use equal parts beer and vinegar, adding about an inch of liquid to the bottom of your steamer pot. Bring the mixture to a boil before adding the crabs.

Seasonings and Spices

In addition to the liquid, you can enhance the flavour of your steamed crabs by adding various seasonings and spices. Maryland crab seasoning, such as Old Bay or J.O. Spice, is a popular choice, known for its iconic Chesapeake flavour. You can also create your own spice blend with ingredients like celery seed, celery salt, dry mustard, cumin, black pepper, rock salt, and nutmeg.

How long to steam crabs

Steaming crabs is a great way to cook them without getting them waterlogged. The amount of time it takes to steam crabs depends on the size of the crabs, the size of the pot, and the number of crabs you are steaming.

If you are using a two-part steamer pot, you will want to bring about two inches of liquid to a boil. Make sure the liquid doesn’t rise above the steam rack. You can use water, or, if you want to steam crabs like a local, you could try the Maryland approach and use a mixture of beer and vinegar.

Once the liquid is boiling, 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 the seasoning process. Finally, cover the lid of the pot.

Steaming time for crabs can vary from four to 30 minutes, depending on the type of crab. Crab legs cook in about four to eight minutes, while blue crabs can take up to 20 to 30 minutes. Whole Dungeness crabs can take 10 to 20 minutes to steam. The crabs are done when they turn a reddish-orange color and the meat flakes when tested with a fork.

Be careful not to overcook crabs, as this will affect their taste and texture.

How to tell when crabs are done steaming

Steaming crabs is an art, and there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for to ensure you don't overcook or undercook these delicious crustaceans.

Firstly, the crabs will change colour when cooked. Depending on the type of crab, they will turn either a bright red or orange colour. This colour change is a good indicator that the crabs are cooked.

Secondly, the crabs should be cooked until the meat is flaky and can be easily pulled away from the shell. To test this, use a fork to gently prod and pull at the crab meat. If it flakes away from the shell easily, the crabs are done.

Another way to tell if crabs are cooked is to smell them. When the crabs are cooked through, you will be able to smell their delicious aroma.

Finally, the cooking time will depend on the size of the crabs and the number of crabs you are steaming. For example, larger crabs will take longer to cook than smaller crabs, and if you are steaming multiple layers of crabs, they will take longer to cook than a single layer. As a guide, crabs should be steamed for around 15-20 minutes, but it is always a good idea to check on them regularly to ensure they are not overcooked.

Remember, the key to perfectly steamed crabs is to ensure they are cooked through but not overcooked, as this can result in rubbery and tough meat.

How to serve steamed crabs

Steamed crabs are a delicious treat, but they can be a little intimidating to prepare and serve. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to serve steamed crabs:

Step 1: Prepare the Crabs for Steaming

Before you start steaming, make sure you have fresh, live crabs. Check that the crabs are alive before putting them into the steamer, as cooking dead crabs can be dangerous. If you're not sure how many crabs to get, a good rule of thumb is to buy six to eight crabs per person. Choose bigger crabs if you're a beginner, as they're easier to pick apart.

Step 2: Set Up Your Steamer

You can use a crab steamer or make your own by using a large pot and a makeshift basket to keep the crabs out of the water. The steamer insert or basket should sit about 2 to 3 inches above the bottom of the pot. This allows the crabs to steam without touching the liquid.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Fill the bottom of your pot with about 2 inches of water, or a combination of water, vinegar, and beer. You can also add seasonings like Old Bay, garlic, or salt to the liquid for extra flavor. Bring this mixture to a boil or a strong simmer.

Step 4: Steam the Crabs

Carefully place the crabs in your steamer, layering them with a generous amount of seasoning between each layer. Cover the pot and steam the crabs for 20 to 30 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the number of crabs and your heat source. The crabs are done when they turn a bright orange or red color with no blue or green patches remaining.

Step 5: Prepare Your Serving Area

Cover your table with newspaper to make cleanup easier, as crab feasts can get messy! Set out some small dishes of melted butter or apple cider vinegar for dipping. You may also want to wear a bib to protect your clothes from any splatters.

Step 6: Serve the Crabs

Place the steamed crabs on a platter and sprinkle them with your favorite seasoning. Serve them with tools like mallets, picks, or knives to help your guests crack open the shells and get to the meat. Now it's time to dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Step 7: How to Eat Steamed Crabs

Here's a quick guide on how to eat steamed crabs:

• Remove the claws and legs, keeping the large claws for later.
• Flip the crab over and pull back the apron (the triangle-shaped part of the shell).
• Use your fingers or a knife to remove the gills and any other unappetizing bits.
• Break the crab in half, then break each half again.
• Pick out the meat with your hands or a knife.
• Open the claws by placing them on the table, pincer-side up. Gently hit a knife placed behind the joint with a mallet until the shell cracks, then pull out the meat.

Frequently asked questions