Steamed Blue Crab Delight: A Simple Recipe for Plump, Flavorful Spring Crabs
Steamed Blue Crab Delight: A Simple Recipe for Plump, Flavorful Spring Crabs
Homemade Steamed Blue Crab: An Easy Recipe for Spring Crabs Bursting with Roe
Enjoy the delicate sweetness of fresh spring blue crabs with this easy steamed crab recipe, perfect for a delightful meal. We’ve also prepared abalone sashimi to complement the crab, making it a truly special spring delicacy. You can easily prepare and steam these crabs at home, saving money and enjoying a more generous portion than dining out. Follow our detailed, step-by-step instructions to create a delicious steamed crab dish that even beginners can master.
Ingredients- 4 fresh live blue crabs
- 10 live abalones
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your fresh live blue crabs. Use a small brush to gently scrub the shells clean under running water. After cleaning, submerge the crabs in tap water for about 15 minutes to calm them down. This step is crucial to prevent the legs from detaching and the internal organs from spilling out during steaming when the crabs are lively.
Step 2
Locate the apron or ‘belly plate’ on the underside of the crab. Gently lift this plate and press it firmly. You should see dark, granular excrement emerge from the rear end. Carefully remove this to ensure a clean taste and odor.
Step 3
When placing the cleaned crabs into the steamer, ensure they are positioned upside down (belly side up). This prevents the rich roe and internal juices from leaking out during the cooking process. Arrange the crabs in the steamer basket, then generously sprinkle about 5 tablespoons of cooking wine (mirin or sake) over them to help eliminate any fishy odors. Steam over high heat for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and let them steam for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This total steaming time of 30 minutes will result in tender, succulent, and flavorful steamed crabs.
