No matter if you’re hosting a family crab feast or just want an easy, delicious dinner at home, this classic dish is easy to make.
Serving crab with a warm, seasoned butter sauce is an ideal way to complement it. There are various options for this sauce, such as basic garlic butter or spicy versions with red chili flakes.
Legs and Claws
Crab legs and claws are a delectable delicacy enjoyed by many. Not only are they healthy, but also packed full of essential nutrients. While they may be difficult to consume at first glance, with practice you can master the art of cracking open these shells and enjoying their meat inside.
Crab legs are packed full of protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids – essential for heart and overall health. Not only that, but this nutrient helps your body develop properly and fight off diseases like cancer as well.
Crab legs provide lean and delicate meat, often white in color with a sweet taste. You can use it in many recipes such as soups, sandwiches and salads for added variety and flavor.
One popular and uncommon type of crab meat is claws. These tend to be oilier and fattier than their leg counterparts, as well as coming in various colors. Since claws are easier to consume than their leg counterparts, they have become more sought-after for diners.
King crab claws are a beloved seafood choice for many, particularly those who appreciate their sweet and salty flavor. Unfortunately, these crustaceans tend to be more expensive than crab legs and can cost as much as a lobster!
Precooked and frozen, they’re ready for consumption when delivered directly to your door. Plus, if you want to try a different type of crab but don’t want to pay full price for it, these frozen options make for an affordable alternative.
Body
Eating crab can be done a few ways, but the most popular is to dip it into a sauce of melted butter. If you want to add some citrusy flair, squeeze in a wedge of lime. Additionally, you can save some of the crab meat for another dish.
Crabs are delicious creatures with sweet meat inside. Some people choose to crack open the shell so you can see all of its sections, while others opt to consume the crab whole.
Before eating crab legs and claws, it’s essential to separate them from their bodies in order to maximize your yield of meat. You can do this with either your knife or skewer; doing so will enable you to get both white meat as well as dark meat and bone from them.
Next, you should thoroughly clean the crab by taking its legs, claws, apron (also known as the tail flap), and shell off. Doing this allows you to get a better view of the meat inside the crab and discard any unwanted parts.
For this step, you’ll likely want to use either a pair of kitchen scissors or a paring knife. You could even shave the claws and legs down with a scalpel for easier pulling out of the meat.
Once you’ve cleaned and removed all of the crab’s hard parts, it’s time to enjoy! Either eat it immediately or freeze for later consumption. If freezing, make sure the meat is covered and kept refrigerated until consumption.
Scales
Crabs are a favorite food of many, especially those living along the coastline. Not only are they nutritionally beneficial to those living there, but crabs contain protein which benefits the body as well. Unfortunately, if not handled correctly, can become dangerous to consume.
To cook crabs successfully, it is best to remove all hard parts from their shell, such as claws and legs. Do this either by submerging them in ice water or poking an ice pick or nut pick through their heads; this will cause them to go unconscious during preparation.
You can also eat the orange substance inside a female crab’s shell, called roe. This is an excellent source of calcium for your bones and teeth.
Exercise can also be beneficial to your heart and blood pressure. Furthermore, studies suggest that it may lower cholesterol levels.
One major advantage of eating crabs is their high omega-3 fatty acids content, which may help protect against heart disease.
If you plan to cook a large number of crabs, purchasing their meat in bulk is a wise idea. Not only will this save money and prevent waste, but it will also ensure quality results.
When selecting crabs, look for meaty ones that are firm to the touch and heavy in weight. A crab that feels light or brittle could be immature and contain less meat.
Tail
Though crab shells may not be the prettiest on the beach, their tails are some of the tastiest. With some skill and determination, you can open a fresh crab to reveal its hidden bounty.
To maximize your crab experience, start by taking its legs and claws off, then turn it over to expose its belly. While some people like to pry off the apron (or tail flap) with their fingers, using a chef’s knife or table knife usually makes for easier work. Now the fun can begin!
The crab’s stomach is the most impressive part, boasting an incredible amount of meat. While some people opt to skip this section altogether, it’s actually recommended that you eat as much of its belly as possible – it’s packed full with protein and will leave you feeling satisfied and full.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even cook the belly in various ways. Fry it to perfection or bake it slowly in a low oven until tender and delicious.
No matter how you prepare it, the most essential thing is to take your time and savor every bite! Doing this ensures you enjoy every succulent bite without any unpleasant surprises.
For further knowledge about crabs, be sure to check out our Crab 101 guide. Additionally, some basic table manners will make for a pleasant dining experience with other diners in your group and paying close attention to any warning labels on food products.