Steaming Crabs: Instant Pot Method For Succulent Shellfish

Steaming cooked crab in an Instapot is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. With this method, you can have crab legs on the table in just 20 minutes, and the results are juicy and tender. This guide will teach you how to steam cooked crab in an Instapot, including the equipment and ingredients you'll need, as well as step-by-step instructions.

How to prepare crab for steaming

To prepare crab for steaming in an Instapot, you will need to start with either fresh or frozen crab legs. If you are using frozen crab legs, you may need to let them thaw for a few minutes so that they fit in the pot.

Place a trivet at the bottom of the Instapot and add water—at least one cup. You can also add seasoning to the water if you want a bolder flavor. For example, you can add garlic or seafood seasoning like Old Bay.

Next, place the crab legs on top of the trivet. Close and lock the lid, then select high pressure and set the timer according to the weight of the crab legs. For example, one source recommends 3 minutes for 2 pounds of crab legs, while another suggests 2 minutes for 3 clusters of crab legs.

Once the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions. This should take about 5 minutes. Then, unlock and remove the lid, and use tongs to transfer the crab legs to a serving dish.

Finally, serve the crab legs with your choice of accompaniments. Many people enjoy crab legs with melted butter and lemon wedges, but you can also get creative with other sauces and seasonings.

How to steam crab legs in an Instant Pot

Steaming crab legs in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect results.

What You'll Need:

• Instant Pot or multi-functional pressure cooker
• Steaming rack or trivet
• Crab legs (fresh or frozen)
• Water
• Butter (optional)
• Lemon (optional)
• Seasoning (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Prepare your Instant Pot: Place a steaming rack or trivet at the bottom of your Instant Pot. If you're using a multi-functional pressure cooker, ensure it's set to the appropriate function.
• Add water: Pour about one cup of water into the pot. The amount of water can vary depending on the model of your Instant Pot, but ensure there is enough to create steam.
• Prepare the crab legs: If using frozen crab legs, you may need to let them thaw slightly so they fit in the pot. Place the crab legs on top of the steaming rack or trivet.
• Seal and cook: Close and lock the lid of your Instant Pot. Set the timer for 2-3 minutes for thawed crab legs or 4 minutes for frozen. Allow additional time for the pressure to build before cooking starts (usually around 10 minutes).
• Release pressure: Once the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method according to your manufacturer's instructions. This step is crucial for safety, so follow the instructions for your specific model.
• Open the lid: After releasing the pressure, unlock and remove the lid. Use tongs to transfer the cooked crab legs to a serving dish.
• Serve: Squeeze some lemon juice over the crab legs and serve with melted butter, if desired. You can also add your favourite seasonings to enhance the flavour.

Tips:

• Avoid overcooking the crab legs, as they can become tough and rubbery.
• For bolder flavour, stir minced garlic or seafood seasoning into the water before steaming.
• Serve the crab legs with sides like fresh shrimp, potatoes, sausage, corn, or Air Fryer Artichokes.
• Use crab crackers or nutcrackers to extract all the meat from the legs easily.
• Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and tender crab legs!

How to serve steamed crab

Once you've steamed your crab, it's time to serve it! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Table

Cover the table with newspaper to make the clean-up easier and less worrisome. Steamed crab is a messy dish, and using newspaper as a table cover will make the process more enjoyable. You can also provide bibs for your guests to protect their clothes from any splatters or spills.

Step 2: Provide Necessary Tools

Place the necessary tools on the table, such as crab crackers and splitters. These tools will help your guests to crack open the crab shells and extract the meat more efficiently. Paring knives can also be useful for picking apart the crab.

Step 3: Offer Dipping Sauces

Set out small dishes of melted butter and apple cider vinegar as traditional dipping sauces for steamed crab. These sauces enhance the flavour of the crab and make the dining experience even more delightful.

Step 4: Serve the Crab

Now it's time to serve the crab! Place the steamed crab on a platter and sprinkle it with your favourite seasoning. Old Bay seasoning is a popular choice for steamed crab, but you can use any seasoning that complements your taste preferences.

Step 5: Guide Your Guests

If your guests are unfamiliar with eating steamed crab, offer them a quick guide or demonstration on how to crack and pick the crab. Show them how to remove the claws and legs, pull back the apron, and extract the meat from the shells.

Step 6: Enjoy the Feast!

Finally, let your guests dig in and enjoy the delicious steamed crab! It's a fun and social dining experience, so encourage your guests to dive in and savour the sweet meat of the crab. Don't forget to remind them to watch out for any rogue shell bits in their food!

How to store leftover crab

Storing leftover crab is a great way to preserve its freshness and enjoy it later. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store your leftover crab to maintain its quality and safety:

Refrigerating Leftover Crab

• Avoid Room Temperature: Never leave cooked crab at room temperature for an extended period. Bacterial growth can occur rapidly between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Consuming leftover crab with harmful bacteria can lead to food poisoning.
• Refrigerate Promptly: As soon as the crab legs have cooled down, refrigerate them. Place them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
• Use Airtight Containers: Store the crab in shallow airtight containers or large zip-top freezer bags. This prevents moisture loss and keeps unpleasant odours from the fridge from being absorbed.
• Remove Meat from the Shell: If you have leftover crab meat removed from the shell, put it in an airtight container. If you put it in a zip-top bag, only keep it this way for 24 hours.
• Consume Within 1-2 Days: For the best quality and safety, consume your cooked crab within 1-2 days of cooking or purchasing.

Freezing Leftover Crab

• Wrap Individually: Before freezing, wrap each crab leg individually in heavy-duty aluminium foil, plastic wrap, or freezer wrap paper. This prevents freezer burn and maintains flavour and texture.
• Place in Freezer Bags: Put the individually wrapped crab legs in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label and Date: Label the freezer bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the crab has been frozen. Crab legs are typically good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Store in the Freezer: Put the freezer bag in the coldest part of your freezer, ensuring a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
• Consume Within 2-3 Months: While frozen crab can be safe to eat for longer, it's best to consume it within 2-3 months for optimal quality.

Reheating Leftover Crab

• Allow to Reach Room Temperature: Before reheating, let your leftover crab legs sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This allows the crab legs to heat more evenly.
• Add Moisture: Keep the crab legs moist by adding some melted butter or olive oil before reheating.
• Reheating Methods: You can reheat your leftover crab legs by boiling, steaming, baking, using an air fryer, or even using an Instant Pot.

Remember, it is crucial to store and reheat leftover crab properly to maintain its freshness, flavour, and safety. Enjoy your delicious leftover crab responsibly!

How to make crab stock with leftover shells

First, collect and clean your leftover crab shells. You can also freeze them if you are planning to make the stock at a later date. Before using the shells, break up any larger pieces into smaller pieces by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or a meat hammer.

Next, add your shells to the Instant Pot. You can roast the shells beforehand for extra flavour—place them on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes at 400°F. However, this step is completely optional.

Now, it's time to add the rest of your ingredients. You will need:

• Dry white wine
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery stalks
• Garlic cloves
• Tomato paste
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Fresh parsley sprigs
• Bay leaf
• Peppercorns

Add all of these ingredients to the Instant Pot, along with enough water to cover the shells by about an inch.

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is in place and the steam release knob is set to the "sealing" position. Then, press the "manual" button and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. It will take around 15-30 minutes for the pot to reach full pressure, and then the display will start counting down.

Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally. This will take another 15-30 minutes, and then the float valve will drop.

Finally, strain your stock through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and it's ready to use! You can use this crab stock as a base for soups and stews, adding a delicious depth of flavour to your dishes.

Frequently asked questions