Steaming Blue Crabs: Pressure Cooker Method

Steaming blue crabs is a popular pastime in the Chesapeake region, where crabs are coated with a hefty portion of Old Bay and cooked to perfection over a beer and water mix. The process of steaming blue crabs can be done in a pressure cooker, but it is important to note that this method may be too aggressive for such delicate seafood. A more traditional approach involves using a steamer pot or a large stockpot with a tight-fitting lid. The crabs are then layered in the pot with a generous amount of seasoning and steamed until they turn bright red.

Use a stockpot or pasta boiler if you don't have a crab pot

If you don't have a crab pot, use the largest stockpot or pasta boiler you have. Place a few clean, empty metal cans upside down on the bottom or invert a colander inside the pot—you need something that allows you to have a boiling liquid at the bottom and crabs above it, so they're not swimming in the soup.

Alternatively, you can set up a rack at the bottom of the pot to keep the crabs a few inches from the bottom. Add the liquid—this can be water, beer, or vinegar—and bring to a boil.

Place 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, which should take around 25 to 30 minutes.

Prepare crabs by sticking a knife through the shell and turning them upside down

Preparing blue crabs for steaming in a pressure cooker requires a few simple steps. Firstly, ensure you have the right tools, including a sturdy knife, a steamer basket or rack, and a large stockpot or pressure cooker. You will also need some form of seasoning, such as Old Bay, and a liquid base of water, beer, or vinegar.

Once you have gathered your crabs, it is important to prepare them properly for cooking. Take each crab, and using your knife, carefully stick it through the shell, just behind the mouth. This step is crucial as it allows the steam to penetrate the crab and cook it evenly. After you have pierced the shell, turn the crab upside down. This ensures that the heat reaches all parts of the crab during cooking, ensuring thorough cooking.

The next step is to arrange the crabs in your steamer basket or on a rack set over the liquid in your pot. It is important to place them in a single layer, sprinkling each layer generously with your chosen seasoning. You can repeat this process, layering the crabs and seasoning until your pot is full. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside.

Now, you are ready to begin steaming your crabs. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your crabs and the number you are cooking, but generally, it should take around 15 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and you will know they are done when they turn a bright red colour.

With these simple steps, you can prepare and cook delicious, tender, and flavourful blue crabs in your pressure cooker.

Use a mixture of beer, vinegar and water for boiling

To steam blue crabs in a pressure cooker, you'll need a few things. Firstly, make sure you have a steamer pot or a large, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid. You'll also need a rack that can be placed at the bottom of the pot to keep the crabs elevated above the boiling liquid. If you don't have a rack, you can use clean, empty metal cans or a colander to create a platform for the crabs to sit on.

Now, for the mixture of beer, vinegar, and water. While the exact measurements may vary, a good starting point is to use one cup of apple cider vinegar, one cup of water, and two to four beers. Bring this mixture to a boil in your pot.

While the mixture is coming to a boil, you can prepare your crabs. It's recommended to use only male crabs as they are easier to pick and do not lay eggs. You'll want to remove any dead crabs from the batch before steaming. Place the crabs on the rack in the pot and sprinkle them with a generous amount of seasoning. You can use a Chesapeake-style crab seasoning like Old Bay, or make your own blend with kosher salt, celery seed, dry mustard, paprika, and black pepper. Repeat this process, layering the crabs and seasoning until all crabs are in the pot.

Cover the pot and steam the crabs over medium-high heat until they turn bright red, which should take around 25 to 30 minutes. You can check the crabs after 15 to 20 minutes to see how they're doing, as the cooking time will depend on the size of your pot and the number of crabs.

Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the pot using tongs and serve them over newspaper, with mallets and picks for cracking and picking the meat. Enjoy your freshly steamed blue crabs!

Sprinkle crabs with seasoning

When sprinkling crabs with seasoning, it is important to be generous. A thick coating of seasoning is recommended, and a popular choice is Old Bay. You can also use kosher salt, celery seed, dry mustard, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning onto each layer of crabs in the pot, ensuring that they are well-coated. Repeat this process until all the crabs are in the pot and ready for steaming.

If you are using a pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, it is important to season the crabs before sealing the pot. The pressure cooker will intensify the flavours, so a light seasoning is often enough. You can use a seafood seasoning like Old Bay, or try something different like lemon and pepper.

For those who enjoy a more intense flavour, sprinkling additional seasoning on the crabs after cooking is an option. This can be done by sprinkling the remaining seasoning over the crabs before serving. This method ensures that the crabs are seasoned to taste and adds a final touch of flavour.

When it comes to seasoning, personal preference plays a significant role. Some people prefer a heavier hand with the spices, while others opt for a lighter touch. It's always a good idea to taste the crabs as you season them to ensure they suit your palate. This is especially important if you're using a unique seasoning blend or experimenting with new flavours.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be generous yet mindful of your own taste preferences. Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of seasoning or try new combinations to find the perfect flavour profile for your steamed blue crabs.

Steam crabs for 15-30 minutes

Once you've got your crabs, it's time to get steaming. You'll need a pressure cooker, a steamer basket, and some seasoning. Old Bay is a popular choice for seasoning blue crabs, but you can also use kosher salt, celery seed, dry mustard, paprika, and black pepper.

First, pour at least one cup of liquid into the bottom of your pressure cooker. This can be water, broth, or beer. If you're using a steamer basket, insert it into the pot now. Then, fill the basket with your crabs, making sure they're in a single layer. Sprinkle the crabs with a thick coating of seasoning. You can also stick a knife through the shell, just behind the mouth, before placing them in the steamer.

Now it's time to start steaming. Place the lid on your pressure cooker and set the timer for 15-30 minutes. The steaming time will depend on the size of your pot and the number of crabs you're cooking. The crabs are done when they turn bright red or bright orange with no blue-green color remaining.

Once the crabs are steamed to perfection, carefully remove them from the pot and pour them out onto a table covered with newspaper or old paper. Now, it's time to dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Frequently asked questions