Steaming Crabs: Turkey Fryer Method For Quick, Succulent Results

Steaming is considered the best way to cook crabs, and it can be done in a turkey fryer. The time it takes to steam crabs in a turkey fryer depends on the type of crab and the recipe used. For example, crab legs can be steamed for four to five minutes if thawed and a few minutes more if frozen. Blue crabs, on the other hand, can be steamed for about 25 minutes until they turn bright orange-red. The steaming time also depends on the amount of crabs being cooked, with larger quantities taking longer to cook.

How to steam crabs without a basket

To steam crabs in a turkey fryer, fill the fryer with water up to the MAX fill line. Set the temperature to 375°F and bring the water to a boil. This should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Add salt and crab boil to the water.

Now, let's get to the main concern: steaming crabs without a basket. Here are some alternative methods you can use:

Method 1: Using a Rack

Create a rack by forming a circular layer of crushed beer or soda cans. You can also use other materials such as bolts, bricks, wood blocks, or rocks to build the rack. The rack should be 2-3 inches off the bottom of the pot. Place a piece of mesh or a wire rack on top of the crushed cans to create a platform for the crabs. This will keep the crabs out of the water and ensure they are steamed, not boiled.

Method 2: Using a Cookie Cooling Rack

If you have a basket, you can elevate it above the water level by bending and placing a cookie cooling rack inside. This method allows you to lift the crabs out of the water easily and keeps the water in the pot hot and ready for the next batch.

Method 3: Using a Grill Grid

If you have a large, old stainless steel pot, you can use a round grill grid as a rack. Look for a grill grid with handles that can be placed upside down inside the pot, elevating the grid off the bottom.

General Instructions for Steaming Crabs:

Once you have set up your chosen method for steaming without a basket, follow these general steps:

• Keep the crabs on ice until it is time to steam.
• Fill the pot with beer or water just below the bottom of the insert.
• Stack the crabs in circular layers using tongs, seasoning each layer as you go. Leave a few inches of space at the top for ears of corn, if desired.
• Secure the lid firmly and steam the crabs for about 25 minutes. The crabs will turn a bright orange-red color when they are done.
• Serve the crabs on a table or tray. Enjoy!

How long to steam crab legs

Steaming is the best way to cook crab legs. It is far easier than you might think and is the preferred cooking method to reheat crab legs to serve at home. The gentle, moist heat helps preserve the pure, sweet taste and tender texture of the meat. They're also less likely to overcook and turn rubbery or lose their flavorful juices, as they often do when they are boiled.

How to steam crab legs

First, choose a pot large enough to hold the crab legs and a steamer basket. It should have a tight-fitting lid. Fill the pot with an inch or two of water, then arrange the basket on top. Season or salt the water. Bring the water to a boil, then place the crab legs in the steamer basket. Cover the pot, and let the legs steam until heated through. This should take four or five minutes for thawed crab legs, and a few minutes more if the legs were frozen when you placed them in the steamer.

How to know when the crab legs are done

Breathe deep: You'll know the crab legs are cooked through when you can smell them! The meat should also be hot all the way throughout, and the flesh should appear reddish-pink and juicy.

How long to steam crabs in a turkey fryer

If you are using a turkey fryer, fill it to the max line with water and turn it up to 375°F to get it to boil. You can add potatoes, garlic cloves, corn, sausage, crab leg clusters, and shrimp to cook a delicious low country seafood boil. Add the crab leg clusters and let them cook in the broth for about 10 minutes.

If you are steaming whole crabs, you can use a large stockpot or pasta boiler. Place a steamer pot or any large, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid on the stove. Add the beer, vinegar, and a cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Put a layer of crabs on the rack in the pot. Sprinkle with a generous amount of seasoning, then repeat with another layer, and another, until all crabs are in the pot and well-seasoned. Cover and steam over medium-high heat until the crabs are bright red, 25 to 30 minutes.

How to elevate crabs in a fryer

Elevating crabs in a fryer is a crucial step in ensuring they are steamed, not boiled. This method helps to preserve the delicate flavour and texture of the meat, preventing it from becoming rubbery. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to elevate crabs in a fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the crabs

Keep the crabs cold on ice until it is time to steam them. It is important to minimise any stress to the crabs and only place them in the cooler using tongs, ensuring they are the right way up.

Step 2: Prepare the fryer

Fill the fryer with water, beer, or a combination of both, to the maximum fill line. If using water, add a generous amount of salt, as well as any other desired seasonings such as bay leaves, lemon wedges, or a splash of white wine. If using beer, fill the crab pot just below the bottom of the insert. This will take about 6 beers.

Step 3: Elevate the crabs

There are several methods to elevate the crabs above the liquid in the fryer:

• Use a steamer basket: If using a steamer basket, ensure it is raised above the water. This can be done by creating a rack using bolts, or finding a rack or cookie-cooling rack that fits inside the basket to keep it elevated.
• Cans: Crush some beer or soda cans and place a piece of mesh on top to elevate the crabs.
• Colander: If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a colander inside the pot, ensuring the lid still fits securely.

Step 4: Stack the crabs

Once you have your elevation method in place, it's time to add the crabs. Using tongs, stack the crabs in circular layers, seasoning each layer as you go. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the pot for corn on the cob, if desired.

Step 5: Steam the crabs

Secure the lid on the pot and begin steaming. Steam the crabs for around 25 minutes, or until they turn a bright orange-red colour.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the crabs from the pot using tongs and serve on a table covered in newspaper, or on a tray. Enjoy your freshly steamed crabs!

How to tell when crabs are done steaming

Steaming crabs is an art, and there are a few tell-tale signs to indicate when they are done. The first is time; depending on the size of the crab, steaming should take between 15 to 20 minutes. For larger crabs, like Dungeness, this can be increased to 45 minutes.

The second indicator is colour. Crabs will turn a vibrant reddish-orange colour when they are cooked. This bright colour is a clear sign that they are ready to be removed from the heat.

The third way to tell when crabs are done is by smell. When crabs are cooked, you will be able to smell their aroma. This is a good indicator that they are ready to eat.

The fourth sign that crabs are cooked is that the meat will be hot all the way through and will flake when tested with a fork. The flesh should also appear reddish-pink and be juicy.

It is important to note that crabs should not be overcooked, as this can affect the texture and taste.

What to serve with steamed crabs

Steamed crabs are a delicious treat, and there are several side dishes that can complement their sweet, juicy, and savoury flavour. Here are some ideas for what to serve with steamed crabs:

Vegetables

Raw, grilled, boiled, steamed, or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and corn can be a great addition to your meal. They provide a well-balanced and nutritious option to go with the crabs.

Salads

A side salad is a straightforward and refreshing choice that pairs well with steamed crabs. A crisp, fresh, tossed salad can add a touch of elegance to your meal.

Potatoes

Whether they are baked, mashed, fried, or roasted, potatoes are a versatile side dish that goes surprisingly well with crabs. If you're looking for something quick and easy, consider roasted potatoes or French fries.

Bread

Crusty bread or garlic bread can be a great option to soak up all the delicious crab juices and flavours.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a unique and savoury side dish that complements the flavour of crabs. They can be made with a variety of seasonings and sauces, making them a versatile option for any event or party.

Corn

Corn on the cob or a corn casserole can be a tasty addition to your crab feast. You can even spice things up with Mexican corn or add corn to a potato casserole for a heartier option.

Other Sides

Some other side dishes that go well with steamed crabs include watermelon, tomato salad, artichokes, coleslaw, hush puppies, macaroni salad, and potato salad.

Frequently asked questions