Blue Crabs Steamed Maryland Style Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the quintessential taste of Maryland with this Blue Crabs Steamed Maryland Style recipe, perfect for a summer gathering or a spicy weeknight dinner. This easy-to-follow recipe promises a burst of flavor in every bite, leaving you craving for more of these succulent steamed crabs.
Rating:
★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars, based on 5 reviews)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 80-100 Crabs (yield may vary)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 100.4
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 23.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients:
- 80-100 Blue Crabs (live)
- 1-2 cups cider vinegar
- 1-2 cups water or beer
- 2 cups “Old Bay” seasoning
- 2 cups Morton’s coarse kosher salt
Equipment:
- 1 Large Pot with a raised rack (at least 2-4 inches)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pot:
- Place the large pot over high heat and add equal amounts of cider vinegar and water (or beer).
- Bring the mixture to a boil. The total amount should be just below the raised rack, approximately 2-3 cups of each vinegar and water (or beer).
-
Seasoning:
- Mix equal amounts of “Old Bay” seasoning and Morton’s coarse kosher salt (about 2 cups of each) in a bowl.
- Sprinkle a layer of the seasoning mixture over the crabs in the pot.
-
Steam the Crabs:
- Add 4-6 live jumbo male crabs for each layer in the pot.
- Continue layering crabs and seasoning until at least 12-14 crabs are in the pot.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the crabs for 25-30 minutes.
-
Steaming Process:
- Keep the lid on during the steaming process.
- Avoid lifting the lid too soon (trust us, it’s worth the wait!).
-
Serve:
- Use tongs to carefully lift out the steamed crabs from the pot.
- Place them on a table covered with newspapers or brown paper.
-
Repeat:
- Repeat the steaming process until all crabs are cooked, changing the vinegar and water mixture and adding fresh seasoning to each new batch.
-
Enjoy:
- Serve the steamed crabs immediately with extra seasoning and crab mallets for cracking open the claws.
- Or store any leftovers in brown paper bags in the fridge for up to 4-5 days (but trust us, they won’t last that long!).
Keywords: Summer, Spicy, Weeknight, Steam, < 4 Hours, Easy
Tips:
- Make sure to use live jumbo male crabs for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for spiciness.
- Be cautious when handling hot steam and boiling liquids.
- Don’t forget the “Old Bay” seasoning; it’s the key to that authentic Maryland flavor!
From lovewithrecipes.com, this Blue Crabs Steamed Maryland Style recipe is a surefire hit for any crab lover. Whether you’re hosting a summer seafood feast or simply craving a taste of the Chesapeake Bay, this recipe delivers on both flavor and simplicity. So gather your ingredients, fire up the pot, and get ready to savor the taste of Maryland with every mouthwatering bite! 🦀🌞