Best 3 Maine Peekytoe Crabs Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Peektoe crabs, found in the icy-cold waters off the coast of Maine, are known for their delicate flavor and unique appearance. The word “peekytoe” refers to the small tuft of reddish bristles found on the last joint of the crab's legs. These sought-after crustaceans are a delectable treat, often featured in various culinary preparations, from classic steamed feasts to creative gourmet dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood enthusiast or a curious home cook, embarking on a culinary journey into the world of Maine peekytoe crabs will unveil a treasure trove of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

PEEKYTOE CRAB TOAST



Peekytoe Crab Toast image

Peekytoe crab, so named because of its toelike leg tips, sits sweet and tender atop toasted bread in this recipe from chef Dan Kluger. Also try:Shaved Raw Summer Squash with Parmesan Dressing, Roasted Beets with Yogurt, Roasted Squash with Parmesan

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces peekytoe crab meat, picked over for shells
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fennel fronds
1 tablespoon finely chopped, seeded serrano chile
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons coarse salt
4 (3/4-inch-thick) slices sourdough bread
1/2 cup Aioli for Peekytoe Crab Toast
8 lemon wedges

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine crab meat, fennel fronds, serrano chile, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and salt; set aside.
  • Drizzle bread with remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bread and cook, turning once, until golden and crisp on each side.
  • Remove bread from skillet and spread one side of each slice with aioli; top with crab mixture. Cut each slice of bread into quarters and top crab with a dollop of aioli. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

JOHNNYCAKES WITH PEEKYTOE CRAB



Johnnycakes with Peekytoe Crab image

Categories     Appetizer     Thanksgiving     Cornmeal     Crab     Fall     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

9 ounces fresh peekytoe crabmeat or other fresh crabmeat
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/3 cups whole milk
1 1/3 cups water
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons polenta or coarsely ground cornmeal
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Mix crabmeat, mayonnaise, chives, and lemon juice in medium bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
  • Bring milk and 1 1/3 cups water to boil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in polenta, then butter and salt. Remove batter from heat; let stand 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Lightly butter large rimmed baking sheet. Heat large nonstick griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with vegetable oil. Working in batches, spoon 1 tablespoonful batter for each cake onto griddle, spreading slightly with back of spoon. Cook until cakes are golden brown on bottom and firm at edges, about 2 minutes. Turn cakes over and cook until firm and golden brown, about 1 minute longer. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. (Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cool, then cover with foil and refrigerate. Rewarm, covered, in 350°F oven until hot, about 7 minutes.)
  • Divide johnnycakes among 8 plates. Top johnnycakes with crab mixture.

MAINE PEEKYTOE CRAB CAKES RECIPE



Maine Peekytoe Crab Cakes Recipe image

Provided by jenkid

Number Of Ingredients 19

Crab Cakes:
4 Tbls unsalted butter
11/2 cups fine bread crumbs
1 Tbls kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 lb Maine crab meat; or any fresh crab meat
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 About 1/2 cup all pourpose flour, plus additional for coating
3 tbls vegetable oil
Remoulade sauce:
2 cups mayonaise
1 tbls whole grain mustard
1 tbls dijon mustard
3 tbls gherkins, fine chopped
1 tbls sriracha
2 tbls sherry vinegar
1 tsp Spanish paprika
3 tbls minced shallot

Steps:

  • For sauce: Whisk ingredients together in a mixing bowl. For Crab Cakes: Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs, salt & pepper and stir with a large spoon until the butter is fully incorporated. Remove from the heat and let cool. Place the crabmeat in a large bowl and pick through it removing any bits of shell. Add the lemon juice to the crabmeat and toss. Mix in the sour cream, 1/2 cup flour, and the bread crumbs. Form the crab mixture into 6 hamburger size patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. (If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more flour.) Coat each crab cake with flour. Warm the vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the crab cakes and cook until very brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Place one crab cake onto each of the warm plates. Garnish with a dollop of remoulade.

Tips:

  • Freshness is Key: Always use fresh, live peekytoe crabs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Proper Cooking Method: Steaming is the preferred cooking method for peekytoe crabs, as it preserves their delicate flavor and prevents overcooking.
  • Seasoning: Keep the seasoning simple to allow the natural sweetness of the crab to shine through. Old Bay seasoning, melted butter, and lemon wedges are classic accompaniments.
  • Don't Overcook: Peekytoe crabs cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked crab meat becomes tough and loses its flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve peekytoe crabs with melted butter for dipping, lemon wedges, and your favorite sides such as corn on the cob, potato salad, or coleslaw.

Conclusion:

Peekytone crabs are a delicious and versatile seafood delicacy that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you steam them, boil them, or bake them, these crabs are sure to please your taste buds. With their delicate flavor and tender meat, peekytoe crabs are a perfect choice for a special occasion meal or a casual seafood feast. So next time you're looking for a unique and flavorful seafood experience, be sure to give peekytoe crabs a try!

Related Topics