Steamed Blue Crab Recipe
The regional specialty on the Maryland coast is steamed blue crabs. You could buy blue crabs almost anywhere already steamed. However, we decided to buy a couple dozen fresh from the docks and steam them up in our own kitchen.
It is a fairly simple process with only a few basic ingredients. The key is obtaining large, fresh blue crabs which may be difficult for anyone that does not live near the central Atlantic coast of the United States. If your fish monger is able to get you some blue crabs, give this recipe a try.
If you’re in Maryland and don’t have the time or desire to steam them yourself, you should visit Phillips Crab House. They have an incredible seafood buffet featuring all you can eat steamed blue crabs. Their Crab Imperial is not bad either. If you’re in Baltimore, you should visit Lexington Market and go to Faidleys for blue crab cakes.
Cantler’s Riverside Inn in Annapolis is another great choice to get blue crab served at its finest.
Recommended Equipment:
large metal pot
Ingredients:
water
apple cider vinegar
Old Bay brand seasoning
live Blue Crabs
Preparation:
- Fill the bottom of the pot with equal parts water and vinegar. Fill to a depth of 1 1/2 inches.
- Heat liquid to a soft, steady boil over medium high heat.
- Add live blue crabs to the pot in layers. After each layer, sprinkle generous amounts of Old Bay seasoning.
- After all of the crabs have been added to the pot, cover the pot with the lid and steam the blue crabs for 30 to 35 minutes. Do not remove the lid during the steaming process.
- Cover the dining table with newspapers and serve the crabs hot with cold beer.
