Steamed Blue Crabs

Steamed Blue Crabs

Blue crabs can be found throughout the coastal south when in season, which typically lasts from late April to October.
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some live blue crabs,
there’s no better way to enjoy them than in an old-fashioned “steamed crab feast,” with “Old Bay” seasoning.

 

Ingredients

One 12-ounce bottle lager-style beer

1 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay

1 dozen live blue crabs, preferably males (“Jimmies”)

1 tablespoon kosher salt

Instructions

Set up a steamer for the crabs. The steamer insert should sit 2 to 3 inches above the bottom of the pot so that the crabs do not touch the liquid beneath.

 

Add 1 1/2 cups water, lager, vinegar and 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning to the bottom of the pot. Whisk to combine and bring to a simmer. 

 

Layer the crabs in the steamer insert, generously sprinkling the salt and remaining seafood seasoning on each layer of crabs. 

 

Cover the pot and steam the crabs for 30 minutes. The cooked crabs should be a bright orange color throughout with no trace of blue or green. Get crackin!

Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it. 

If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good seafood page.

 

Steamed Blue Crabs