Brown crab is a delicious crustacean that is popular in many coastal regions. With its sweet, succulent meat and rich flavor, it can be the star of many meals. Learning how to cook brown crab properly will help you enjoy this seafood at its finest.
1. Is Brown Crab Good to Eat?
Absolutely! Brown crab is not only delectable but also a healthy addition to your diet. It’s rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12 and zinc. Its brown meat, found in the body, has a more robust flavor compared to the delicate white meat in the claws and legs. This balance makes brown crab versatile for various dishes.
2. How To Cook Brown Crab
Cooking brown crab might seem daunting at first, but it’s straightforward once you know the steps. Here, I’ll guide you through two classic methods: boiling and steaming.
2.1. How To Boil Brown Crab
Boiling is a simple and effective way to cook brown crab, preserving its natural flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 live brown crab
- water & salt
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, ensuring there’s enough to fully submerge the crabs. Add a generous amount of salt (about 1/4 tsp per liter of water ) and bring the water to a rolling boil.
Carefully place the live crabs into the boiling water. Cover the pot and return the water to a boil. Depending on the size of the crabs, boil for 15 minutes for a 1kg crab. Add 3 minutes for every additional 500g.
The crabs will turn a bright orange color when fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the crab with tongs and submerge it in ice water to stop the cooking process and keep the meat tender.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2.2. How To Steam Brown Crab
Steaming is another excellent method that enhances the crab’s sweet, delicate flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 live brown crab
- 1 liter of water
Instructions:
Prepare a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack. Add water to the bottom, ensuring it doesn’t touch the rack.
Bring the water to a boil. If desired, add aromatics to the water.
When the water boils, place the crab on the rack and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Depending on the size of the crabs, steam for 16 minutes for a 1kg crab. Add 3 minutes for every additional 500g.
Once cooked, carefully remove the crabs and place them in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to cool down. Serve immediately.
3. How To Eat Brown Crab Properly
Eating brown crab can be as much fun as cooking it. Here’s how to do it right:
Crack the claws: Use a crab cracker or a heavy knife to gently crack the claws and extract the sweet white meat.
Open the shell: Flip the crab over, and locate the underside flap (known as the apron). Pull it up to remove the top shell.
Clean the crab: Discard the gills (also called dead man’s fingers) and rinse away any unwanted bits. Retain the brown meat inside the body.
Savor the flavors: Use a spoon to scoop out the brown meat. Pair it with crusty bread or mix it into sauces for an extra depth of flavor.
Enjoy the legs: Break them apart and use a skewer or crab pick to access the meat inside.
Now, you knew how to cook brown crab in 2 different ways. Whether you boil or steam it, the process is simple and easy to make.
