Callinectes sapidus - Blue Crab

[cmburch]

Blue crab is one of my favorites.

Life Cycle
2005 Bay Game: Life Cycle of the Blue Crab

Maryland DNR Facts
Maryland DNR - Fisheries Service - Fish Facts: Bluecrab

Here's a beautiful 8" from the eastern shore July 2008.

[mrbheagney]

I met a guy in the pub last night from Australia who siad these are great with chilli and garlic on the bbq. Do you also eat them or is your love of the affectionate type.

[warscout2]

you have to eat them steamed in old bay

[cmburch]

The crabs can be steamed in a large covered pot with a grate on the bottom.

Safeway sells Old Bay seasoning in tins and "Costco like" retailers in MD have a huge plastic container for about $8.

Wiki Link
Old Bay Seasoning - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I like cracked crab, crab cakes, crab vegetable soup, crab bisque, crab cioppino, crab shell soup, barbecued crab, fried crab in black bean sauce, crab pasta, fried soft shell crab, crab rice balls, etc.

[cmburch]

For each dozen crabs,
water and apple vinegar (some use beer also - I would rather drink it)
2 1/2 tablespoons OLD BAY SEASONING
3 tablespoons salt ( I do not use salt)

Pot with raised rack. Add equal quantities water and vinegar to just below level of rack. Layer crabs; sprinkle each layer with mixture of OLD BAY SEASONING and salt. Cover and steam until crabs are red.

[awap]

The life cycle chart left out the red, hot, and spicy terminal stage.

[cmburch]

2 slices bread, with the crusts removed (I use milk to moisten bread)
OLD BAY Crab Cake Classic Seasoning
2 teaspoons parsley flakes (Fresh is best, I have also substituted about 1/2 teaspoon tarragon or Herbes de Provence)
1/4 teaspoon salt (I do not use)
1 tablespoon favorite brand mayonnaise (I do not use Mayo.)
1 fresh egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
2 teaspoons OLD BAY SEASONING
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 pound fresh lump crab meat

Break bread into small pieces in large bowl. Mix in mayonnaise (I do not use Mayo, but moisten bread with milk), OLD BAY Seasoning, parsley, mustard and egg. Stir in crabmeat. Shape mixture into patties.

Broil 10 minutes without turning or fry until golden brown on both sides.
Sprinkle the hot crab cakes with additional OLD BAY Seasoning, if desired.

Since I do not use Mayo, an oil must be used when broiling. Can drizzle some light olive oil on crab cake.

For a crisper crab cake, drop in flour or batter before frying.

[TommyD]

You guys come down to Louisiana. We boil them in seasoning (called "Crab boil") with lemon, mushrooms, red potatoes, corn and sausage.


We also batter and deep fry them when they are soft-shelled after molting.