How to Cook Stone Crab Claws: A Step-by-Step Guide for Boiling, Steaming, and Baking

Stone crab claws are considered a delicacy especially along the East Coast of the United States. Their meat has a sweet, subtle flavor that is rich and delicious. Learning how to cook stone crab claws properly will allow you to impress guests or simply enjoy this tasty treat at home. There are a few different cooking methods you can use, including boiling steaming, and baking. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Boiling Stone Crab Claws

Boiling is a quick and easy way to cook stone crab claws. Here is how to do it:

Ingredients

• Fresh stone crab claws, enough for the number of servings desired
• Water
• Salt

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot about halfway with water Add a pinch of salt for every 4 quarts of water The salt adds a bit of extra flavor,

2. Bring the salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Use a large burner so it boils quickly.

3. Once boiling, carefully add the crab claws using tongs. Be careful of splashing.

4. Cover the pot and boil the claws for 8 minutes. Do not exceed 8 minutes or the meat may become tough.

5. Remove the cooked claws from the water and place them on a platter or pan. For chilled claws, place them on ice for about 30 minutes.

6. Use a crab cracker, mallet, or spoon to crack open the shells. Scoop out the meat with a fork.

Tips

• Chilling the cooked claws before cracking and eating allows the meat to further absorb the flavors.

• Add lemon, clarified butter, or a dipping sauce like aioli for extra flavor.

• Floating claws tend to have a bit less meat but still taste great.

Steaming Stone Crab Claws

Steaming is considered the best way to preserve the natural sweet flavor of the crab meat. Follow these instructions to steam stone crab claws:

Ingredients

• Fresh stone crab claws, enough for the number of servings desired
• Water
• Salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt if desired.

2. Place a metal steaming basket or strainer in the pot over the boiling water. Make sure it sits above the water and does not touch it.

3. Carefully place the crab claws in the basket using tongs. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

4. Steam the crab claws for 4-5 minutes. Do not overcook.

5. Remove the pot lid and use tongs to transfer the claws to a platter. Let cool slightly before cracking open.

6. Use a crab cracker or spoon to crack the shells. Remove meat carefully with a fork.

Tips

• Check claws after 4 minutes of steaming. Pull out smaller claws first if needed.

• Serve claws warm with melted butter, lemon wedges, or dipping sauce.

• For chilled claws, place cooked and cracked claws over ice before serving.

Baking Stone Crab Claws

Baking stone crab claws in the oven is an easy hands-off cooking method. Here is how it’s done:

Ingredients

• Fresh stone crab claws, enough for the number of servings desired

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Arrange the claws on a baking sheet in a single layer. Use multiple sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding.

3. Bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Do not overbake.

4. Remove from oven and crack open the hot claws using a cracker or mallet.

5. Carefully remove the meat from the shells using a small fork.

6. Serve immediately while hot, or chill claws on ice before removing meat if desired.

Tips

• Check claws after 8 minutes, removing smaller ones first if needed.

• Drizzle claws with clarified butter or lemon-garlic sauce after baking.

• Chilling baked claws before cracking allows flavors to permeate the meat more.

Making Dipping Sauces and Sides

Stone crab claw meat has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with tangy, creamy, or buttery sauces. Here are some easy dipping sauce ideas:

• Melted butter – Clarify the butter first for best flavor

• Lemon aioli – Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt and pepper

• Mustard sauce – Whisk Dijon mustard, mayo, lemon juice and seasoning

• Cocktail sauce – Combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice and Worcestershire

• Remoulade – Mix mayo, Dijon, capers, cornichons, herbs and Cajun seasoning

Some classic side dishes that complement stone crab claws include:

• Coleslaw – Tangy cabbage slaw with mayo or vinaigrette dressing

• Grilled asparagus – Simple lemon-garlic asparagus spears

• Potato salad – Creamy mustard or dill potato salad

• Garlic bread – Cheesy, buttered Texas toast or baguette

• Corn on the cob – Grilled or boiled and slathered in butter

Now you know how to perfectly cook and serve succulent stone crab claws using various easy methods. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this seafood delicacy. Just be sure to crack them open carefully to access the sweet meat inside. Enjoy!