Questions on cooking

[Plankton]

I have always boiled crabs in Old Bay and recently tried the JO#2 seasoning, both seemed to be about the same and I'm wondering if it's because of the boiling? I taste test both seasonings and the JO has a lot more Kick to it but it doesn't translate to the boiled crabs..what I'm asking is if it's better to clean the crabs first and then boil them? Or should I just go ahead and try them steamed

[attheyard08]

Anytime I've had boiled crabs they seemed more bland. I think a lot of the flavor comes from the seasoning on your fingers when you're eating, since it gets all over the meat. With boiled crabs you won't have this since they don't maintain the seasoning on their shells, so maybe try steaming?

[flatfish4x4]

Anytime I've had boiled crabs they seemed more bland. I think a lot of the flavor comes from the seasoning on your fingers when you're eating, since it gets all over the meat. With boiled crabs you won't have this since they don't maintain the seasoning on their shells, so maybe try steaming?

if you only new how to boil crab

[vw_buggsy]

The best is if you can experiment and figure out what you like best.  Of course with crabs being expensive or a bit of work to get one hates to deal with poor results on an experiment.

Boiled crabs can be good,  if the boil is seasoned well. I still prefer steamed though.  It could be just how I grew up and the regional preference for steamed. Boiled comes out a bit... wet, for my taste.

I haven't tried CBYC yet but I'm real interested in the method and it's absolutely on my list of things to try.

I'd try steamed next.  It's not a lot of work and it's a real common method. I soak mine in ice water first (20-30 minutes while I'm getting other stuff ready) which makes them docile and helps them keep their claws. I personally layer them upside down in the steamer with jo#2 on each layer.  Then 25-30 minutes of good steam. As in start the timer when you've actually got steam going.

I like jo#2 for seasoning while cooking and keep a little pile of old bay near when I'm picking for dipping.

So much is personal preference. It's like asking "how do I make good chili". There are thousands of chili recipes out there but not all of them are ones you'll like. Gotta figure out what works for you and yours.