1/9/2024 0 Comments Cooked blue crab![]() Do not be afraid to experiment with your favorite spices to invent a custom blend. Some chefs even use white wine in place of beer.Ī spice mix using ingredients like nutmeg, cumin, celery salt, dry mustard, and black pepper is added to the liquid, stirred, and then brought to a boil. Although some swear by plain water for steaming, most Maryland residents use equal parts light beer and apple cider vinegar. This helps the meat stay light and fluffy instead of becoming waterlogged. To prepare Blue Crabs like native Marylanders, steam crabs instead of boiling. You won’t regret it! How to Cook Maryland Crabs Although buying less expensive Sooks may be tempting, splurge when preparing your crab feast and get the Jimmies. Crabbing professionals normally sell unwanted Sooks to processing plants that package fresh or pasteurized meat for commercial sale. Male Blue Crabs, referred to as “Jimmies,” are larger and meatier than the mature females, called “Sooks.” Blue Crab enthusiasts prefer the Jimmies for eating whole, as they offer richer, more plentiful meat. With the largest population, the Chesapeake Bay coastline in Maryland provides residents with the best market prices and quality selection of Blue Crabs. While you can buy Blue Crabs all along the coast from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, the Chesapeake Bay is widely regarded as the best place to get Blue Crabs. If you have trouble telling the molted crabs from the unmolted crabs, ask the salesperson for “fat” or “heavy” Blue Crabs. These crabs contain more water in their bodies, while the unmolted crabs are fatter and full of flavorful meat. Steer clear of the white shells that signal molting has already occurred. These crabs will have pink or rust-colored edges on legs and shell. When purchasing, look for crabs that are close to molting. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, try some recreational crabbing with the family to catch your own dinner! Although tempting, these have less meat and will lack the rich Blue Crab flavor. When prepping for your Blue Crab feast, avoid going with the cheapest crabs available. This group is mostly females with a few smaller males. ![]() The Number Threes are the ungraded, smallest crabs. In Number Two, buyers find smaller, less meaty male Blue Crabs. These crabs typically have the most meat and provide the best eating. Large males measuring over 6 inches across make up the Number One group. Crabs purchased straight from the dock or from a seafood market are generally put into three categories based on size. ![]() Starting with the finest selection of crabs is key to cooking delicious Blue Crabs.Ĭrabbing in Maryland is prevalent, and you will find people selling Blue Crabs at most docks and fish markets. While many residents claim to know the best secrets to cooking Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, the first step is to know a little bit about the crustaceans to get the best, most meaty crabs available. Crabbing in Maryland: Picking out the Best Blue Crabs Whether cooking for a large group or providing dinner for an intimate family gathering, follow our Blue Crab cooking guide to create the ultimate Southern Maryland seafood spread this summer. Add an ice-cold National Bohemian beer and you’ve got the authentic Maryland experience. Nothing compares to the Maryland tradition of a bucket of steamed Blue Crabs coated in a zesty layer of Old Bay seasoning.
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