How To Cook Small Crabs

Welcome to the World of Small Crabs: A Culinary Delight

Crabs are a true delicacy and cooking them is an art. If you are a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat with small crabs. These tiny crustaceans are bursting with flavor and can be prepared in various mouthwatering ways. In this blog post, we’ll explore some delicious methods to cook small crabs that will leave you craving for more.

1. Steaming Small Crabs for Simple Perfection

Steaming is a classic cooking method that preserves the natural flavors of small crabs. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Grab a large pot and fill it about one-third full with water.
2. Add some spices to enhance the taste, such as bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic.
3. Place a steamer basket or rack inside the pot, ensuring that it’s above the water level.
4. Bring the water to a boil and carefully add the small crabs to the steamer basket, making sure they are well-distributed.
5. Cover the pot and steam the crabs for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn bright orange.
6. Once cooked, remove the crabs from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Steamed small crabs are delicious on their own or can be enjoyed with a dipping sauce like melted butter or a tangy aioli.

2. Grilling Small Crabs for a Charred and Smoky Flavor

If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, grilling small crabs is the way to go. Follow these steps to create a tantalizing dish:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rinse the small crabs and pat them dry.
3. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite spices.
4. Brush the crab shells generously with the marinade mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Place the crabs on the preheated grill, shell side down.
6. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the shells turn slightly charred.
7. Remove the crabs from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes.

Grilled small crabs are a delightful combination of smoky and sweet flavors. Serve them alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

3. Deep-frying Small Crabs for a Crispy Delight

For those who enjoy crispy and crunchy texture, deep-fried small crabs are an irresistible treat. Follow these steps to achieve crispy perfection:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and your desired spices.
3. Dredge the small crabs in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Carefully place the crabs in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown, usually around 2-3 minutes.
5. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the crabs from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Enjoy the crispy small crabs as a snack or serve them with a zesty dipping sauce for a taste sensation.

4. Small Crabs in a Creamy Delight: Crab Bisque

If you prefer a rich and decadent dish, crab bisque is a must-try. Indulge in the creamy flavors of this delectable soup:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions, celery, and carrots, and cook until they turn soft and translucent.
3. Stir in flour to create a roux, and cook for a minute or two.
4. Gradually whisk in seafood or vegetable stock, followed by heavy cream.
5. Add in small crabs and simmer the mixture for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
7. Serve the crab bisque hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Crab bisque is a comforting and luxurious option that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

5. Small Crabs in Exquisite Stuffed Shells

For an elegant and visually stunning dish, consider stuffing small crab meat into pasta shells. Follow these steps to create a culinary masterpiece:

1. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine small crab meat, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Spoon the crab mixture into the cooked shells.
4. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with additional parsley and serve the stuffed shells hot.

This elegant and flavorful dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your dinner guests.

Conclusion

Now that you have discovered various methods to cook small crabs, unleash your culinary creativity and dive into this world of mouthwatering flavors. Whether you steam, grill, deep-fry, incorporate them into soups or stuff them into shells, small crabs are sure to bring a delightful twist to your dining table. Enjoy these delectable crustaceans with family and friends, and savor the incredible taste of these miniature treasures from the sea!