Steamed Snow Crab: The Ultimate Recipe for Sweetness Without Fishiness
Steamed Snow Crab: The Ultimate Recipe for Sweetness Without Fishiness
Beat the Blues with Seasonal Snow Crab! Our Secret to Steaming Them Perfectly, Absolutely No Fishy Smell
Enjoy the peak flavor and nutrition of seasonal snow crabs, steamed to perfection without any fishy odor. This recipe will guide you to a delightful snow crab feast, complete with a recipe for crab ramen at the end. Boost your family’s energy and say goodbye to COVID-19 blues!
Crab Steaming Ingredients- 8 fresh live snow crabs
Flavor Enhancers & Odor Eliminators- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 100ml Soju (for removing fishiness)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 100ml Soju (for removing fishiness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, select fresh, live snow crabs. Choosing the liveliest ones from the market or store is key to a delicious outcome.
Step 2
Handling live crabs can be tricky and may lead to injury. For safety, if you’re not comfortable with preparation, placing the crabs in the freezer for a short while will make them sluggish and easier to handle. Alternatively, wear thick rubber gloves, firmly grasp one of the claws, and then use pliers to carefully remove the other claw to prevent any bites.
Step 3
Rinse the crabs thoroughly under running water. Use a toothbrush to scrub every nook and cranny – the shell, between the legs, and the underside – to remove any dirt or grit. A clean crab ensures a clean, non-fishy taste.
Step 4
Prepare your steaming pot. Fill it with enough water and dissolve 1 tablespoon of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) into it. Doenjang helps to neutralize any potential fishy odors and adds a subtle savory depth.
Step 5
Add 100ml of soju to the water with doenjang. The combination of doenjang and soju is a fantastic secret for eliminating any fishy smell, resulting in a cleaner, more delicious steamed crab. Now, turn on the heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. **Important Note:** Ensure the water is boiling vigorously *before* adding the crabs. Adding them while the water is cold can cause their precious internal juices and roe to leak out, diminishing the flavor.
Step 6
Once the water is boiling rapidly, place a steaming rack into the pot. Arrange the cleaned crabs on the rack with their **underside (belly side) facing upwards**. Placing them belly-up is crucial; if steamed with the top shell up, the crab meat can become loose and fall out as it cooks, leading to a less satisfying texture. The belly-up method helps retain the succulent meat within the shell.
Step 7
Cover the pot tightly with a lid and steam over medium-high heat for 20 minutes. The steaming time may vary slightly depending on the number of crabs. For fewer than 5 crabs, 15 minutes might suffice. **Crucial Tip:** Absolutely do not open the lid during the steaming process! Lifting the lid releases the steam and can allow any fishy odors to re-enter. Steaming with the lid securely on ensures a clean, odor-free result.
Step 8
After the initial 20 minutes of steaming, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the crabs rest and steam in the residual heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the crab meat to become even more tender and juicy.
Step 9
Once the resting period is complete, your delicious steamed snow crab is ready! Admire the beautiful golden hue and the plump, inviting crab meat.
Step 10
By following these steps, especially using doenjang and soju and avoiding opening the lid during steaming, you’ll achieve a perfectly steamed snow crab that is incredibly sweet and completely free of any fishy taste. Enjoy this exceptional culinary experience.
Step 11
After indulging in this delightful seasonal steamed snow crab, there’s one more treat you absolutely must have: crab ramen! Use the flavorful broth left from steaming or add the crab itself to a pot with chopped scallions, garlic, and chili peppers. Cook a refreshing and savory crab ramen. The rich, deep broth will have you exclaiming with delight! Let this bountiful crab feast help your whole family overcome the pandemic and wave goodbye to the pandemic blues!
