Domromer
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« on: March 18, 2012, 08:41:19 PM » |
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I'm the only one at my house that likes crabs so most of the time ill be cooking small batches for myself. Usually its 4 to 6 crabs. I've been steaming them lately and they often turn out sorta dried
Out. I hardly ever get ones that are still full of those nice crab juices. So I thought id check in here as to how long I should steam small batches.
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CaptMoose
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« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2012, 12:41:10 AM » |
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They are live when you cook them right? Never cook or eat a dead crab.
No matter the size of the batch, about 25 min should do the trick. Get the steam rolling first then add the crabs. They always come out moist and juicy for me. For small batches I use a 10 qt pot with a SS vegetable steamer that sits on top.
What is your current method and how long are you cooking them? That might help narrow down the reason for the dry crabs.
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fishingtom
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« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2012, 12:47:48 AM » |
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single crab sprinkle with favorite seasoning put in a paper bag and fold shut microwave on high 4 minutes and wait 1 minute to open, I do it for my wife all the time...
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shedking
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« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2012, 06:16:32 AM » |
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As long as you have steam rolling the crab should not dry out. The steam should keep then moist.
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Domromer
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« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2012, 07:29:43 AM » |
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I guess the time varies because I've had mixed results. Usually I'll got between 12 and 15 minutes. This weekend I cooked one single keeper and I only steamed it for 8 minutes or so. I normally cook them in an 11.5 quart steamer pot. I'm pretty sure i get the steam going good before I put them in. Although I know I haven't been steaming for 25 minutes as I always figured the dried out non juicy crabs were from over cooking.
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Domromer
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« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2012, 07:30:33 AM » |
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single crab sprinkle with favorite seasoning put in a paper bag and fold shut microwave on high 4 minutes and wait 1 minute to open, I do it for my wife all the time...
I'd give that a try if I had a microwave. That sounds cool. |
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jack1747
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« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2012, 08:24:09 AM » |
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They are live when you cook them right? Never cook or eat a dead crab.
No matter the size of the batch, about 25 min should do the trick. Get the steam rolling first then add the crabs. They always come out moist and juicy for me. For small batches I use a 10 qt pot with a SS vegetable steamer that sits on top.
What is your current method and how long are you cooking them? That might help narrow down the reason for the dry crabs.
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wag
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« Reply #7 on: March 19, 2012, 12:33:53 PM » |
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Put crabs in spicy / salty boiling H2O for 8 min.
--- then cut off fire --- let soak for about 20 min.
--- remove crabs & eat -----
ggaarroonnTEEEE juicy &&& sseeaassoonneedd well
YOU RUIN CRABS BY STEAMING THEM ----- LOL
Hope everyone have a good crabbing year.
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« Last Edit: March 19, 2012, 12:35:50 PM by wag »
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---> Louisiana <--- where crabbing / crabs available all year
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Ronster
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« Reply #8 on: March 19, 2012, 12:43:02 PM » |
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jack1747
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« Reply #9 on: March 19, 2012, 12:46:09 PM » |
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Put crabs in spicy / salty boiling H2O for 8 min.
--- then cut off fire --- let soak for about 20 min.
--- remove crabs & eat -----
ggaarroonnTEEEE juicy &&& sseeaassoonneedd well
YOU RUIN CRABS BY STEAMING THEM ----- LOL
Hope everyone have a good crabbing year.
Sound like baiting to me!  A banable offense.... JK..    |
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"Helping to Moderate the BCA since 2003"
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Crab Shack
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« Reply #10 on: March 19, 2012, 01:17:42 PM » |
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« Last Edit: March 19, 2012, 01:20:56 PM by CrabShack »
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NO CRABS WERE HARMED IN THE PRODUCTION OF THIS POST
WHAT WE'VE GOT HERE IS...FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE
YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID
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CrabDog
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« Reply #11 on: March 19, 2012, 02:52:33 PM » |
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no they are so big you gotta drown em first to eat em........ Although I would trust Capt Ron on a crab boil........... |
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« Last Edit: March 19, 2012, 02:56:28 PM by CrabDog »
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MD / PA Line
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Domromer
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« Reply #12 on: March 19, 2012, 06:09:16 PM » |
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Thanks for all the feedback. I'll do the 25 minutes rapid steam next time.
As for boiling vs steaming..I like both. I grew up in Florida and I learned to boil them, since I've moved to South Carolina I've been trying my hand at steaming.
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crabbywaters
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« Reply #13 on: March 19, 2012, 08:47:11 PM » |
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I know a really heavy packed crab will seem dryer then a light crab. The light crabs have more room for water to stay in the cavitys. I always STEAM! small batches with lot of beer and cider vinegar + Jo#2(lots). Get that thing rolling hot steam, then toss those fat crabs in for 25 mins always. Man im getting excited..
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I wish i was a crab.
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CaptMoose
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« Reply #14 on: March 19, 2012, 09:04:37 PM » |
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As for boiling vs steaming..I like... CRABS! |
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KI Crabber
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« Reply #15 on: March 19, 2012, 09:57:58 PM » |
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I know a really heavy packed crab will seem dryer then a light crab. The light crabs have more room for water to stay in the cavitys. I always STEAM! small batches with lot of beer and cider vinegar + Jo#2(lots). Get that thing rolling hot steam, then toss those fat crabs in for 25 mins always. Man im getting excited.. Easy there cupcake!! |
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crabbywaters
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« Reply #16 on: March 19, 2012, 10:13:23 PM » |
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I had to take a cold shower! |
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« Last Edit: March 19, 2012, 10:14:55 PM by crabbywaters »
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I wish i was a crab.
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allmuckmojo
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« Reply #17 on: April 05, 2012, 02:47:18 PM » |
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youll smell them when they are done!
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Dreampixels
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« Reply #18 on: April 06, 2012, 01:48:35 AM » |
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Cupcake? I know Cupcake! She can out drink any man on this forum, well ok if she is still living. |
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KI Crabber
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« Reply #19 on: April 06, 2012, 07:03:24 AM » |
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Is there something I should know before we go crabbing Dan? |
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registereduser
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« Reply #20 on: April 06, 2012, 09:08:42 AM » |
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your getting some mixed info and opinions here. Often when i would crab late in the afternoon i would put most of the crabs in the fridge. before getting a shower i put 8 or 10 in a 5 qt dutch oven, rinse with water, drain, then put on stove top for 5 min high heat with a tight lid. then let sit while in shower 10-15 min. drain and enjoy. I didnt mention adding water, beer, vinegar, or using a special steamer,, not needed. i do this 20 times or more a year , it works. btw if i was cooking crabs from SC , i'd boil.
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Lordron
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« Reply #21 on: April 06, 2012, 09:31:31 AM » |
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I do recall a certain get together where a certain person from the south boiled you guys crabs and you were all shocked how good they were. Come to the dark side my son.
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KI Crabber
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« Reply #22 on: April 06, 2012, 10:32:03 AM » |
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I do recall a certain get together where a certain person from the south boiled you guys crabs and you were all shocked how good they were. Come to the dark side my son.
They were good but I just can't go to the dark side either boiling or CBC. |
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crabbywaters
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« Reply #23 on: April 06, 2012, 10:36:38 AM » |
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Is there something I should know before we go crabbing Dan? ok, ok.. Just don't hang around me while i steam crabs |
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I wish i was a crab.
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