This 4th of July you will find me on the back porch eating one of my favorite foods I cook every Independence Day, fresh steamed crabs. I absolutely love them.
You see, I grew up eating “Maryland Blue’s” from the Chesapeake Bay. When I was a young girl my family would actually go crabbing off the pier at my grandfather’s home to catch them. Once, I remember being chased out of the kitchen by a crab that jumped out of the pot. As he ran for his life I definitely ran for mine. Have you seen how trecherious their claws are? I got the last laugh because I especially enjoyed eating him.
Anyway, in the spirit of food, fun, and freedom I thought I’d share my recipe since I can’t invite you to my back porch to pull up a chair.
My neighbor told me she loved crabs too but had no ideas how to cook them and that inspired me share my recipe for Steamed Crabs. To me, fresh crabs and the 4th of July go hand in hand. They are the look, smell and taste of summer.
Elle’s Steamed Blue Crabs
Ingredients:
- One dozen live blue hard shell crabs (you can usually find in a specialty farmers market if you don’t have a fresh fish market)
- Large pot, crab pot or steamer pot
- One can beer (I buy a domestic single serve can or bottle)
- Crab & Shrimp Boil, Crab Seasoning or Old Bay Seasoning
Directions:
Carefully, put crabs in the steam pot and have the lid available to keep the live crabs inside.
I suggest you wear oven mitts and use long tongs to protect yourself because you don’t want to get clawed.
Pour the can/bottle of beer over the crabs along with a equal amount of water.
Note, the crabs will be very active so keep the lid handy!
Pour the crab seasoning you are using over the crabs. Apply the lid and turn on the heat.
Steam the crabs for about 20-25 minutes. When they’re done the crabs will turn orange in color.
Let them cool atleast 20 minutes before eating. Now You’re ready to eat.
Now, all you need is newspaper, napkins and a place to eat where you don’t mind getting a little dirty :).
Don’t forget a cool drink of your choice, and Enjoy!!
I’m having a Mango Margarita.
What’s on the menu this 4th of July for you?
Extra Tips:
1. You can add shrimp or crawfish to the pot for the last 10-12 minutes if you like.
2. You can double or triple this recipe easily. You will only need one beer.
3. Many people enjoy a remoulade dip when eating crabs. Here’s a simple recipe you can whip up.
Remoulade Sauce
Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup (if you don’t like spicy)
1 tablespoon pickle juice or cider vinegar
1 teaspoon horseradish sauce
1 -2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Or 1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon black peper
2 teaspoons paprika
2 tablespoon finely chopped onions or scallions
Salt to taste
Directions:
- Mix all ingredients together until you have a smooth consistentcy. Chill before serving. Keep refrigerated.
Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend & Happy Birthday America!
