Delaware's blue crab boil is a delightful seafood feast that combines the bounty of the sea with the flavors of the shore. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, preparing a Delaware blue crab boil is an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories. This article will guide you through the process of selecting the freshest crabs, choosing the perfect spices and seasonings, and mastering the art of boiling crabs to perfection. So gather your friends and family, roll up your sleeves, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the beauty of Delaware's blue crabs.
Let's cook with our recipes!
STEAMED MARYLAND BLUE CRABS FOR 14
Steps:
- Cover tables, preferably outdoors, with brown packaging paper and tape. For each pot of crabs, add water, beer, and approximately 1/4 packet of crab boil seasoning to pot. Bring to boil. With gloves on, remove crabs from bushel, you may have to pull them apart (carefully!) and put/shake a few at a time into pot. It is best to grab them from behind to avoid the claws, as their legs only move forward. Add enough crabs to fill bottom of pot. Sprinkle more crab boil seasoning over first layer of crabs. Continue, alternating crabs and seasoning until pot is nearly full, leaving about an inch at the top. Cover tightly. Steam over high heat for 14 to 16 minutes, or until shells are bright orange. Halfway through cooking time, shake pot to redistribute seasoning. When done, remove pot from heat. Drain over sink the accumulated liquid from pot. Spread crabs onto large tray; place in center of table where guests help themselves. Serve with small dishes of melted butter and, for those who like added seasoning, place small bowls of extra crab boil seasoning on table.
- Eating guidelines: It is easier to learn how to eat crabs from an expert, but if none is available, here are step-by-step instructions. First, pull off claws and legs. Break legs and check for meat. Sucking is okay. Some like to save the claws for last because they are rather dessert-like, although the "lump" meat from the body is prized most. Next, turn the crab on its back. You will see an elongated part of the shell that looks like a "T." Some call it the key, even though it doesn't look very much like one. The female key is plumper; the male's is more elongated. Pull the key back, breaking it off, which makes the rest of the shell easy to remove. Now the body of the crab is shell-less. You will now see the long rib-like strips on either side of the cavity. These are the crab's gills. Edible, but not very good. Pull them off, and you will more easily be able to break the crab in half. When you do this, you will most likely now see a good amount of white, fleshy "lump" crab meat. Continue opening the small sections to expose more meat. You will not need mallets or hammers for this. When you are ready for the claws, break them in half at the joint. Take a wooden mallet and whack the large half hard. Don't be shy.
- Other helpful hints: Don't wear your Sunday best. If it tastes good, you can eat it. Plates and cutlery are unnecessary; the brown paper is a communal plate. Bibs are for babies. When finished, steamed hand towels are very welcome. The easiest way to dispose of the mess is to roll up the brown paper with all the shells, etc. on it -- taking care to "rescue" knives, bowls, etc. first -- and discard in outdoor trash can. The garbage may attract animals, so be sure to keep the lid on tight. Note: Leftover crabs are excellent cold, served with a mayonnaise based dipping sauce. Cooked crabs will keep in refrigerator for a few days.
BLUE CRABS WITH SPICY BUTTER
Provided by Valerie Bertinelli
Categories main-dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the beer and vinegar with 1 cup of water in a very large pot. Add a steamer insert and bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Add the crabs and 1/4 cup of the Old Bay and cook, covered, until the crabs are bright red, 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size. Transfer the crabs to a large platter and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Old Bay.
- Serve the hot crabs with the Spicy Butter and lemon wedges on the side.
- Make the butter while the crabs cook: combine the butter, Old Bay, cayenne and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Pour the melted butter into a small ramekin, leaving the milk solids in the saucepan.
Tips:
- Choose the freshest crabs possible. This will ensure that your crab boil is as delicious as possible.
- Use a large pot. You'll need plenty of room for the crabs, corn, and potatoes.
- Season the water generously. The seasoning will help to flavor the crabs and the other ingredients.
- Bring the water to a boil before adding the crabs. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be present.
- Cook the crabs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are bright red. Do not overcook the crabs, or they will become tough.
- Serve the crabs with melted butter, lemon wedges, and Old Bay seasoning.
Conclusion:
A Delaware Blue Crab Boil is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood feast that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that your family and friends will love. So next time you're looking for a fun and festive way to enjoy fresh crabs, give this recipe a try.
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