How to Eat Maryland Crabs – A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The Chesapeake Bay is home to some of the best seafood in the world, with Maryland crabs being one of its most recognizable delicacies. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s worth trying the succulent crab meat that comes from the bay. But how do you eat crabs the Maryland way? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating Maryland crabs, from identifying and preparing them, to exploring traditional dishes and recipes, to finding the freshest crabs and cooking them to perfection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eating Maryland Crabs

Eating Maryland crabs is a fun and delicious experience, but it can be a bit tricky if you’ve never done it before. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Identifying and Preparing Maryland Crabs

When selecting Maryland crabs, you’ll want to look for ones that are 3 to 4 inches wide. These are typically the most flavorful and tender. You’ll also want to look for crabs that have a bright orange color and a firm shell. Once you’ve selected your crabs, it’s time to prepare them. Start by rinsing them in cold water and removing any debris or dirt. Next, use kitchen scissors to cut off the eyes, mouth, and apron (the triangular piece of shell on the underside of the crab).

Proper Utensils for Eating Crabs

When it comes to eating Maryland crabs, you’ll need the right utensils. First, you’ll need a pair of heavy-duty kitchen shears to cut through the hard shells. Second, you’ll need a small mallet to crack open the legs and claws. Finally, you’ll need a bowl for collecting the pieces of crab shell as you go. You may also find it helpful to have a few napkins handy to wipe your hands after handling the crabs.

How to Separate the Meat from the Shell

Once you’ve cracked open the claws and legs, you’ll need to separate the meat from the shell. To do this, use your fingers or a fork to gently pull the meat away from the shell. Be careful not to break the pieces of meat. Once you’ve separated all the meat, it’s ready to be eaten!

Recipes for Preparing Maryland Crabs

Now that you know how to identify and prepare Maryland crabs, it’s time to start cooking! Here are a few of the most popular recipes for cooking Maryland crabs:

Boiling Crabs

Boiling is one of the simplest and quickest ways to cook Maryland crabs. To begin, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crabs. Add a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning and bring the water to a boil. Carefully place the crabs in the boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes. Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool before serving.

Steaming Crabs

Steaming is another popular way to cook Maryland crabs. To begin, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the bottom of the pot. Add a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning and bring the water to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the crabs. Cover the pot and steam the crabs for 10-15 minutes. Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool before serving.

Grilling Crabs

Grilling is a great way to give Maryland crabs a smoky flavor. To begin, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the crabs with a light coating of olive oil and season generously with Old Bay. Place the crabs on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them cool before serving.

The Best Spots in Maryland for Buying Fresh Crabs

If you’re looking for the freshest Maryland crabs, there are a few places you should check out. Here are a few of the best spots in Maryland for buying fresh crabs:

Local Markets

Your local grocery store or farmers market is a great place to buy fresh Maryland crabs. Look for crabs that have bright orange shells and that are still alive when you purchase them. It’s also a good idea to ask the store clerk for advice on how to select the freshest crabs.

Seafood Restaurants

Many seafood restaurants in Maryland offer fresh crabs for sale. Ask your server for advice on where to find the freshest crabs. You can also ask them to recommend a recipe or two so you can get the most out of your crabs.

Online Sources

There are also several online sources for buying fresh Maryland crabs. Check out reputable websites like Chesapeake Crab Connection or Maryland Blue Crab Express for the freshest crabs delivered straight to your door.

Tips for Selecting the Freshest Maryland Crabs

When selecting Maryland crabs, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the freshest crabs possible. Here are a few tips for selecting the freshest Maryland crabs:

Smell the Crab

When selecting a crab, take a whiff of it. The crab should smell like the ocean, not like ammonia or fishy odors. If it smells bad, it’s probably not fresh.

Check the Shell

The shell of the crab should be hard and intact, not soft or cracked. Cracks in the shell could indicate that the crab is old or has been mishandled.

Look for Active Crabs

When selecting crabs, look for ones that are still active. If they’re moving around, they’re likely to be fresher than those that are sitting still.

How to Cook Maryland Crabs to Perfection

Now that you’ve selected the freshest Maryland crabs, it’s time to cook them! Here’s how to cook Maryland crabs to perfection:

Boiling

To boil Maryland crabs, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crabs. Add a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning and bring the water to a boil. Carefully place the crabs in the boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes. Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool before serving.

Steaming

To steam Maryland crabs, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the bottom of the pot. Add a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning and bring the water to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the crabs. Cover the pot and steam the crabs for 10-15 minutes. Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool before serving.

Grilling

To grill Maryland crabs, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the crabs with a light coating of olive oil and season generously with Old Bay. Place the crabs on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them cool before serving.

Exploring Traditional Maryland Crab Dishes

Once you’ve mastered the art of cooking Maryland crabs, it’s time to explore some of the region’s traditional dishes. Here are a few of the most popular dishes made with Maryland crabs:

Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a classic Maryland dish made with a mix of crab meat, bread crumbs, and other seasonings. They’re usually served with a side of tartar sauce or remoulade.

Cream of Crab Soup

Cream of crab soup is a creamy, rich soup made with a base of cream and seasoned with Old Bay. It’s usually served with a side of crackers.

Old Bay Seasoned Crabs

Old Bay seasoned crabs are a classic Maryland dish. The crabs are boiled in a pot of water seasoned with Old Bay, then served with melted butter for dipping.

Conclusion

Eating Maryland crabs is a fun and delicious experience, and with the right preparation, you can enjoy the delicate flavor of the bay’s most iconic delicacy. From identifying and preparing Maryland crabs, to exploring traditional dishes and recipes, to finding the freshest crabs and cooking them to perfection, this guide provides all the information you need to get started.