How to Steam Crabs Without a Steamer – Chinese Crab
Steam crabs are a delicacy in many parts of the world. People enjoy their taste, but they are not easy to cook. They require special care and attention while cooking to be safe from bacteria and contamination. One of the products you will use for cooking crabs is a steamer. The following article will help you learn how to steam crabs without a steamer.
Steaming crabs is the easiest way to cook crabs if you don’t have a steamer. All you need is a big pot and a big baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, pile on your crabs, and put them in hot water. After cooking for about 10 minutes, open the top and dump any fat that comes out. Serve with cocktail sauce.
So you can steam crabs without a steamer using a pot, stove, and oven. The steps are similar to how you cook a steamed crab in a steamer. Continue reading for methods you can use.
How to Steam Crabs Without a Steamer
If you’re looking for a way to cook crabs without a steamer, here are some simple steps to get the job done:
1. Place the crabs in a large pot and pour enough water to cover them.
2. Add an equal amount of white vinegar and salt to the water, then bring it to a boil over high heat.
3. Set your timer for 5 minutes before removing it from heat.
4. Drain off any excess liquid in the pot, place back on the stovetop, cover with lid, and return to medium-high heat until boiling again (this will take about 2 minutes).
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes until the meat turns white and pulls easily away from the shell when prodded with a fork (about 5 minutes more).
Another option is to steam your crab on top of a baking sheet in the oven. It is also a good way to cook your crab and is faster than boiling. However, if you don’t have an oven with an adjustable oven rack, this may not work for you.
How to Cook Whole Crab
Crab is very delicious and healthy food. There are many ways to cook the whole crab, but here we will focus on one of the most popular methods.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Clean the crab and place it in a shallow baking dish. Cover with cold water and let soak for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Drain the crab, pat dry, and refrigerate until ready to cook (about 8 hours).
Step 4: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crabs and saute for 5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Flip them over and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to serve.
How to Cook Small Crabs
Cooking small crabs is easy, as long as you use the right techniques and have all the right equipment. You’re good to go if you have a large, deep pot or skillet with high sides on which to cook your crabs.
Follow this guide:
1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the crab, and boil for about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the crab from the water and place it in a bowl of cold water until cool enough to handle.
3. Peel off each claw and discard any shells or cartilage that may be attached. You may need to use your fingers or a small knife to remove pieces of shell stuck between the crab’s claws and body (this is normal).
4. Separate each claw into five pieces using your fingers, then set them aside in individual bowls so you can cook them separately later in this recipe: two claws for each serving of crab meat.
5. Repeat steps 1 and 4 for each remaining claw, discarding pieces of shell or cartilage after separating all five claws from the body of the crab (you may need to use your fingers or a small knife again).
How to Cook Crab Chinese Style
Cooking Chinese crab style is a great way to enjoy the taste of crab without having to worry about getting it too overcooked. There are two ways to cook crab: steaming and frying.
- Steaming
First, to steam your crab, place it in a pot with enough water to cover it by at least an inch. Bring the water to a boil, then turn down the heat, so it’s simmering. Place your pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat and let it cook for 10 minutes until your crabs are cooked through but still have some pink in them.
- Frying
To fry your crab, place them in a small pan with just enough oil to lightly coat them (about 1/4 inch). Cook over medium-high heat until browned on each side (about 2 minutes per side).
Check out our tips and tricks on how to cook Chinese crab style.
1. Buy fresh crab from the store or the market. You can also get fresh crabs from your local fishmonger.
2. Prepare your crab by cleaning it with water, salt, and lemon juice. Ensure you remove any shells, legs, and antennae before cooking the meat.
3. Rinse any remaining salt from the crab meat with cold water before placing it on a baking sheet or pan lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup after cooking this dish.
4. Add about an inch of oil to a high-sided skillet/fry pan (or use whatever you have that’s large enough to fit all your crab pieces). Heat it over medium heat till it begins to smoke slightly around the edges but not too much to catch fire.
5. Add your prepared crabs by placing them on top of one another in one layer so they don’t slide around while cooking.
6. Cook until they’re golden brown.
How to Steam King Crab Legs
Steaming is a great way to cook king crab legs. It’sIt’s the easiest and most foolproof way to cook them, resulting in a tender, delicious meal.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add the crab legs and steam for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the crab legs from the pot and place them on paper towels to cool.
3. When the crab legs are cool enough to handle, crack the claws with your hands or with a mallet or hammer (carefully).
4. Remove the meat from the crab legs by pulling it off with your hands or by cutting it off at the joint where it meets the shell if you prefer not to remove all of it at once. The meat will be white, firm, and sweet-tasting when fully cooked, so take care not to overcook it.
When you’re ready to eat your king crab legs, remove them from the pot and serve.
How to Steam Crabs with Beer
Steam crabs with beer are a delicious way to enjoy the taste of crab without having to deal with the messy business of cracking and cleaning the shell.
Step 1: Clean and prepare your crabs. You can cut off the legs and claws or leave them on if you prefer. You also need to remove the viscera from the top of each crab (the part you eat).
Step 2: Fill a pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add the crabs, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pot.
Step 4: In another saucepan, add beer and bring to a simmer over low heat. Once simmering, add butter and allow to melt while constantly stirring until fully incorporated into saucepan contents; stir in salt and pepper until combined well enough that no lumps remain.
Remove from heat immediately once completely melted into mixture; pour mixture over cooked crabs and serve immediately.
How to Steam Crabs with Old Bay
Old Bay is a seasoning commonly used to flavor seafood. It’sIt’s made from ground celery seed, mustard seed, and bay leaves. You can use it to spice up your crab boil or create your own.
1. Place crabs in a large pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil, turn the heat down to low and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Remove crabs from the water and place them on a clean towel or paper towels to drain excess liquid.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet; then garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes and cook until soft, about 5 minutes (a pinch of salt helps intensify the flavor). Add Old Bay seasoning and cook for 1-minute longer (this will dry out the mixture).
4. Stir in white wine vinegar and reduce until almost evaporated; add cooked crabs back into the pan and their juice from step 2 (if needed). Cook until heated through and sour taste is gone; serve hot.
How to Cook Crabs with Sprite
Cook crabs slowly in a pot with a bit of moisture. Add some sprite, and then enjoy your meal.
1. Place crabs in a pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil before turning down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine Sprite and butter until melted, and let simmer for 3-5 minutes; set aside for later use as garnish.
4. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; set aside for later use as a marinade on the crabs.
5. Place crabs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil; pour marinade over each crab until they are fully covered in the marinade (leaving any excess at the top).
6. Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees F; flip each crab with tongs so they bake evenly on both sides (total cooking time should be 20-25 minutes). Serve immediately topped with some reserved Sprite butter mixture on top right before serving up your crabs.
How to Cook Crabs with Sauce
Cooking crabs is a great way to prepare them for the table. There are several ways to cook crabs, but this method is simple and delicious. First, you will need two pots: one to hold the crabs and one for the sauce.
Step 1: Place the crabs in their shells in your large pot. You can place them on their backs or sides if they are curled up in a ball shape or spread out, then put them upright on their backs or sides.
Step 2: Carefully pour enough water into the pot to cover all of your crabs. Add salt if desired and bring water to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and simmer without covering it for 15 minutes or until all of your crabs have opened up (you may need to add more water at this point if necessary).
Step 3: Remove all your crabs from the pot and set them aside until needed by scooping out any pieces inside their shells with a spoon. Discard empty shells (or save them for later use). Place cooked crab meat into a separate bowl for storage purposes.
How to Cook Crabs with Gata
There are a few ways to cook crabs with gata.
First, you can steam the crabs over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until the shells are all opened up, and the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Next, you can boil your crabs in water with some onion slices. The sweetness of the onions will help to sweeten up the broth, so it doesn’t taste too salty.
And finally, if you want to make a traditional paella-style dish, you can use this method: first, you’ll need to fry up some potatoes in olive oil until golden brown on all sides. Then add in your crabs along with some tomatoes and garlic cloves, then cover them with chicken broth and let them simmer on low heat overnight or until they’re cooked through.
Alternatively, follow these steps:
1. Place the crabs in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for 20 minutes.
2. Drain the crabs and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Place the crabs in a large pot with enough water to cover them by 1/2 inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and then reduce to medium-low heat until simmering (about 10 minutes). Skim off foam on the water using a spoon or skimmer as needed.
4. Cook until tender (they should flake apart easily when prodded). Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, cover with foil and set aside while you prepare your other ingredients.
How to Cook Crabs with Butter
This method is so simple and one of the most delicious ways to cook crabs we’ve ever found.
1. Begin by filling a pan with water and adding a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to your pot of boiling water, and let the butter melt into the water until it has been fully incorporated into the liquid (about 15 minutes). The butter will foam up as it cooks and turns brown, but don’t worry—this is normal!
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the melted butter/water mixture before placing your crabs in their shells in the hot water bath (or steamer basket). Allow them to cook for 3 minutes before removing them from their shells with tongs; this will seal them in their juices and keep them moist during cooking.
4. Once removed from their shells, allow them to cool slightly before putting them back into their shells so they can sit upright while they cook through (which takes about 5 minutes).
5. Add another 1/2 teaspoon of salt at this point so that all crabs are coated evenly with salt before cooking; this will help season them evenly throughout cooking time without over-salting.
How to Cook Crabs with Alavar Sauce
Alavar sauce is a traditional Ecuadorian sauce used to make all sorts of dishes, including crabs. It is made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro. The sauce can be used as a dip for bread or tortilla chips and in many different dishes.
1. Put some oil and garlic in a pan and add the crabs.
2. Add the salt and allow to cook together for 5 minutes on medium heat.
3. Add the tomatoes and cook for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Add the alavar sauce and stir until it has thickened slightly, which will take about 3 minutes
5. Serve with rice.
How to Cook Crab Without Shell
Crab is delicious food, but it can be daunting to prepare if you’re not careful. The problem is that the crab shell contains the crab’s meat and can be hard to clean out. Luckily, there are some easy ways to get around this problem.
Here are 6 quick tips for getting the most out of your crab without a hard-shell shell:
1. Clean: If you’re using frozen crabs, prepare them for cooking by cleaning them under cold running water. Remove any extra bits of shell with a paring knife or a pair of pliers.
2. Cook: Add a little oil to the pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Add your crabs and cook, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through (about 10 minutes). Serve with lemon wedges and buttery bread crumbs.
3. Serve: Once your crabs are cooked, serve them with lemon wedges and buttery bread crumbs on top if desired.
Conclusion
Steamers are great for steaming crabs, but when you’re out of propane or your electric one has gone down, you need to steam crabs quickly.
However, steaming is not always the best way to cook crab. You can prepare crabs that don’t require a steamer if you follow the step-by-step guide on this page on how to steam crabs without a steamer.