Steamed Crab
How to Steam Live Blue Crab from the West Coast Deliciously Without Any Fishy Smell
#AutumnCrab You absolutely can’t miss out on steamed crab during the autumn season! If spring is for female crabs, then autumn is definitely for the male crabs when it comes to steamed crab! I really love #CrabDishes, and while I adore marinated raw crabs and soy sauce marinated crabs, steamed crab is something I can’t get enough of once it’s prepared. I steamed some before Chuseok and enjoyed them immensely, but I’m only getting around to sharing the recipe now due to personal circumstances. Autumn male crabs are packed with meat, making them incredibly satisfying when steamed.
Ingredients- 3 medium-sized blue crabs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Using a kitchen brush or an unused toothbrush, scrub the crabs thoroughly, paying close attention to every nook and cranny, especially between the legs. It’s a good idea to trim the sharp, pointed tips of the legs and claws to prevent accidental cuts while eating. This ensures a cleaner and safer eating experience.
Step 2
Fill a pot with water and dissolve 1 tablespoon of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) in it. Bring the water to a boil. Adding doenjang helps to neutralize any fishy odors and adds a subtle, savory depth to the crab.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling, place a steamer basket over the pot. Arrange the cleaned crabs with their top shells facing downwards. Lightly sprinkle some soju (Korean rice wine) or cheongju (refined rice wine) over the crabs; this further helps to eliminate any fishy smell. Placing the crabs with their top shells facing upwards could cause the delicious juices and innards to spill out into the steaming liquid.
Step 4
Place the crabs in the steaming basket once the steam is strong. Start by boiling over high heat. As soon as the water begins to boil vigorously, reduce the heat to medium and steam for about 30 minutes. The steaming time can vary depending on the size of the crabs and the intensity of the heat. The crabs are ready when their shells turn a vibrant, beautiful red. Once cooked, turn off the heat and let them rest in the steamer for an additional 5 minutes to allow them to steam through and retain their moisture.
Step 5
While preparing the crabs might seem a bit tedious, the incredible taste makes it entirely worthwhile! Forget about any fishy smells during the preparation process and anticipate the savory delight of steamed crab that will have your mouth watering. I’m already getting hungry just thinking about it!
