Steamed Spider Crabs
User Reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
569 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer, Lunch
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Cuisine
American
Steamed Spider Crabs
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This is your basic, master recipe for cooking spider crabs of any species.
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Ingredients
- 5 to 7 pounds whole spider crabs, alive
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 5 to 10 bay leaves (optional)
- 1 cup Butter, melted
- 2 lemons, quartered
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Instructions
- If using, scatter the bay leaves in the bottom of a very large pot.
- Set a steamer insert into the pot. If you don't have one, you can crumple up foil into large blocks or balls that you can rest the crabs on, so they are not submerged. Fill the pot with enough water to just about come over the level of the steamer insert, about 3 to 5 inches.
- If using, dust the live spider crabs with the Old Bay Seasoning. They won't mind.
- Get the water boiling in the pot, then lower the crabs into the steamer and cover it tightly. Steam over medium-high heat for 30 minutes.
- While this is happening, melt the butter and put it in little ramekins for everyone. Also get a large basin of ice water ready. Your sink is usually your best bet.
- When the crabs are done (they'll be red), plunge them into the ice water for a couple minutes to cool off. This helps the meat come away from the shell.
- To eat, pull the top of the carapace off the crab. Clean out the insides, which are icky and gooey. Remove all the feathery gills - they are toxic! Pull away all the legs from the body, trying to get the meat that is attached to the base, which is delicious. My advice is to pre-crack the claws before you serve, because you'll likely need a hammer.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
569kcal
(28%)
Carbohydrates
11g
(4%)
Protein
28g
(56%)
Fat
48g
(74%)
Saturated Fat
30g
(150%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
12g
Trans Fat
2g
Cholesterol
182mg
(61%)
Sodium
1553mg
(65%)
Potassium
438mg
(13%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
1702IU
(34%)
Vitamin C
40mg
(44%)
Calcium
181mg
(18%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 569 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 569kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 48g | 74% |
| Saturated Fat | 30g | 150% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 2g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 182mg | 61% |
| Sodium | 1553mg | 65% |
| Potassium | 438mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1702IU | 34% |
| Vitamin C | 40mg | 44% |
| Calcium | 181mg | 18% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
15 reviews
Excellent
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