How to Safely Handle, Clean, and Cook Blue Crabs: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Catch Blue Crabs: A Complete Guide to Crab Lines and Crabbing Methods

Crabbing for blue crabs is a fun and rewarding activity, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. In this guide, we’ll cover how to make a crab line, the best methods for catching blue crabs, and the pros and cons of each technique. Let’s dive in!

How to Make a Crab Line

Making your own crab line is simple and cost-effective. Here’s what you’ll need and how to do it:

Supplies:

• A sturdy stick or piece of wood (6–8 inches long) that floats
• Cotton cable cord string (#18), 25 feet long
• Bullet fishing weight (4 or 5 oz.)
• Raw chicken back or neck for bait

Instructions:

1. Create the Handle: Tie one end of the string around the middle of the stick. This will serve as your handle.
2. Wrap the String: Wrap the string around the stick to keep it organized.
3. Attach the Weight: Tie the other end of the string to the bullet weight.
4. Add Bait: Tie a raw chicken back or neck near the weight at the bottom of the line.

Your homemade crab line is now ready to use!

How to Catch Blue Crabs

There are several methods for catching blue crabs, each with its own advantages. Here are the most popular techniques:

1. Crab Traps

• How It Works: Crab traps are baited wire contraptions that you toss into the water. After a few hours, you pull up the trap to see your catch.
• Pros: Efficient for catching multiple crabs at once.
• Cons: Less interactive and not as exciting as other methods.

2. Baited Crab Line

• How It Works: Use your homemade crab line or a store-bought version. Slowly pull the line out of the water when a crab nibbles, then scoop it up with a net.
• Pros: Fun and engaging; feels like a sport.
• Cons: Requires quick reflexes to catch the crab before it lets go.

3. Wire Mesh Net

• How It Works: Bait a wire mesh net and lower it into the water. Yank it up quickly to trap crabs.
• Pros: Durable and reliable.
• Cons: The wire net can rust over time.

4. String Net

• How It Works: Similar to the wire mesh net, but made of string.
• Pros: Rust-resistant.
• Cons: The string net can tangle easily.

5. Scapping (Scooping Crabs)

• How It Works: Use a net to scoop crabs directly from shallow water without bait.
• Pros: No bait required; great for adventurous outings.
• Cons: Requires luck and a good crabbing spot; can be muddy.

Pros and Cons of Crabbing Methods

Tips for Successful Crabbing

• Timing: Crabs are most active during high tide.
• Bait: Use fresh bait like raw chicken or fish heads for the best results.
• Patience: Crabbing requires patience, especially when using a baited line.
• Safety: Handle crabs carefully to avoid pinches, and wear water shoes if scapping in muddy areas.

How to Safely Handle, Clean, and Cook Blue Crabs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Blue crabs are a delicious seafood treat, but proper handling and cleaning are essential to ensure safety and quality. In this guide, we’ll cover how to keep crabs alive before cooking, how to clean them properly, and tips for cooking them to perfection.

Safety Note: Keeping Crabs Alive Before Cooking

To ensure your crabs are fresh and safe to eat, it’s crucial to keep them alive until you’re ready to clean or cook them. If a crab dies before cooking, it’s best to discard it to avoid the risk of eating spoiled meat. Here are some tips to keep crabs alive:

1. Leave Crabs in the Trap: Don’t empty your crab trap until you’re ready to cook or clean the crabs.
2. Use a Laundry Basket: Store crabs in an old laundry basket with holes, and periodically dunk it in water to keep them fresh.
3. Bucket with Seawater: Place crabs in a large bucket with a small amount of seawater, but refresh the water frequently.
4. Clean as You Go: Kill and clean the crabs as you catch them, then store them on ice or in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
5. Extra-Large Bait Bucket: Keep crabs in a submerged bait bucket to maintain their freshness.

How to Clean Blue Crabs

Cleaning blue crabs before cooking not only ensures a better dining experience but also makes the process safer and less messy. Here’s how to clean blue crabs step by step:

1. Kill the Crab Humanely

• Use metal tongs to flip the crab onto its back.
• Locate the triangular apron (the small flap on the underside).
• Pierce the crab with an ice pick or sharp knife at the top point of the apron. This method is quick and humane.

2. Remove the Shell

• Pull off the apron and lift the top shell (carapace) away from the body.
• Discard the shell or save it for making crab stock or deviled crab.

3. Clean the Body

• Remove the gray gills, also known as “deadman’s fingers,” as they are not edible.
• Rinse the crab thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining debris or gunk.

Now your crabs are ready to cook!

Cooking Blue Crabs: Whole vs. Cleaned

There are two main ways to cook blue crabs: whole or cleaned. Here’s a breakdown of each method:

Cooking Whole Crabs

• Process: Boil or steam live crabs directly in a pot of seasoned water.
• Pros: Some people enjoy the flavor of the yellow “mustard” (crab fat) left inside.
• Cons: Eating whole crabs can be messy, and you’ll need to clean them after cooking.

Cooking Cleaned Crabs

• Process: Clean the crabs as described above, then boil, steam, or grill them.
• Pros: Cleaned crabs are easier to eat and less messy.
• Cons: Requires extra effort to clean before cooking.

Tips for Cooking Blue Crabs

• Seasoning: Use Old Bay seasoning, garlic, or Cajun spices for added flavor.
• Boiling: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add seasoning, and cook crabs for 10–15 minutes.
• Steaming: Steam crabs over beer or vinegar for 20–30 minutes until the shells turn bright orange.
• Grilling: Brush cleaned crabs with oil and grill for 5–7 minutes per side.

How to Cook Blue Crabs: Boiling, Steaming, and a Delicious Deviled Crab Recipe

Blue crabs are a coastal favorite, and cooking them at home is easier than you might think. Whether you prefer boiling or steaming, this guide will walk you through the process. Plus, we’ve included a mouthwatering Charleston Deviled Crab recipe to make the most of your crab meat. Let’s get started!

How to Cook Blue Crabs

Cooking blue crabs is simple and rewarding. Here’s how to boil or steam them to perfection:

Boiling Blue Crabs

1. Prepare the Pot: Use a large pot (at least 6 quarts) and fill it two-thirds full with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
2. Season the Water: Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 2–4 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning for flavor.
3. Add the Crabs: Carefully place the live crabs into the boiling water one by one. Leave the claws attached.
4. Cook: Boil the crabs for 8–10 minutes until the shells turn bright orange.
5. Drain and Serve: Drain the crabs in a colander, then spread them out on a newspaper-covered table for a classic seafood feast.

Steaming Blue Crabs

1. Prepare the Pot: Add 1–2 inches of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Add beer, vinegar, or Old Bay Seasoning for extra flavor.
2. Steam the Crabs: Place a steaming rack in the pot and arrange the crabs on top. Cover and steam for 20–30 minutes.
3. Serve: Remove the crabs and let them cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tip: Serve boiled or steamed crabs with melted butter, lemon wedges, and plenty of paper towels for easy cleanup.

How to Eat Blue Crabs

Eating blue crabs is a hands-on experience. Here’s how to enjoy them:

• Crack the Shells: Use a nutcracker, lobster cracker, or small mallet to open the claws and legs.
• Pick the Meat: Remove the meat from the claws, legs, and body. Some people like to pile up the meat before eating, while others prefer to eat as they go.
• Save the Shells: If you plan to make deviled crabs, save the main shells, scrub them clean, and boil them for later use.

Charleston Deviled Crab Recipe

Turn your leftover crab meat into a delicious dish with this Charleston Deviled Crab recipe. It’s perfect for a special meal or entertaining guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 5 tbsp butter, divided
• 1/4 cup reen pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 cups crab meat
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 cleaned crab shells or small ramekins 
• Paprika (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the green pepper and onion for 5 minutes. Set aside.

   
• Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add flour and stir to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
• Combine Ingredients: Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Mix well.
• Add Crab Meat: Fold in the sautéed vegetables and crab meat until evenly combined.
• Stuff the Shells: Loosely fill the cleaned crab shells or ramekins with the mixture. Sprinkle paprika on top.
• Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the deviled crabs for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and serve warm.

Notes

• If you don’t have crab shells, use small ramekins or a casserole dish.
• For a touch of sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of sherry to the crab mixture before baking.
• Pair with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword blue crab, blue crabs, bluecrab

Charleston Deviled Crab Recipe

Turn your leftover crab meat into a delicious dish with this Charleston Deviled Crab recipe. It’s perfect for a special meal or entertaining guests.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ready In: 1 hour
Serves: 4 people (2 deviled crabs each)

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 cups crab meat
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 cleaned crab shells or small ramekins
• Paprika (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the green pepper and onion for 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add flour and stir to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Mix well.
4. Add Crab Meat: Fold in the sautéed vegetables and crab meat until evenly combined.
5. Stuff the Shells: Loosely fill the cleaned crab shells or ramekins with the mixture. Sprinkle paprika on top.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the deviled crabs for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and serve warm.

Notes:

• If you don’t have crab shells, use small ramekins or a casserole dish.
• For a touch of sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of sherry to the crab mixture before baking.
• Pair with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Cooking blue crabs is a fun and delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood. Whether you boil, steam, or transform your crab meat into deviled crabs, these methods will impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to save the shells for creative recipes like Charleston Deviled Crabs!

You May Also Like:The Easiest Way To Cook Blue Crabs