The Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Blue Crabs Before Cooking

Blue crabs are a delicious seafood delicacy enjoyed by many. However, cleaning these creatures properly before cooking is essential. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the easy process of cleaning blue crabs before tossing them into the pot.

Why It’s Important to Clean Blue Crabs Thoroughly

Cleaning blue crabs properly before cooking improves their flavor and makes eating them much easier, Here are some key reasons why thorough cleaning is essential

• Removes inedible parts – The gills, face, intestinal tract and some cartilage contain toxins or are indigestible Thorough cleaning removes these

• Improves taste – Innards and other inedible parts can impart unpleasant flavors. Proper cleaning leaves just the sweet crab meat.

• Makes eating easier – Cleaned crabs have had hard-to-eat parts removed, so all that’s left is tasty meat.

• Reduces health risks – Thorough cleaning removes bacteria and potential foodborne illness causes.

So take the time to clean blue crabs properly. It makes them safer to eat and taste far better! Now let’s look at the cleaning process step-by-step.

Step 1: Chill the Crabs

Start by refrigerating live crabs for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. Chilled crabs are more docile, minimizing the risk of being pinched. Place them in the coldest part of the fridge, like the bottom shelf.

Step 2: Kill the Crabs Humanely

Once chilled, it’s time to kill the crabs quickly and humanely. There are two recommended methods:

• Stabbing – Use an ice pick or thin, sharp knife. Plunge it into the crab’s body right under the base of the shell. Penetrate about an inch.

• Boiling – Drop the chilled crab into boiling water for 60 seconds. This paralyzes and begins cooking it. Move to an ice bath afterward to stop the cooking.

Both methods dispatch the crab swiftly and minimize suffering. Never just throw live crabs straight into the cooking pot!

Step 3: Twist Off the Top Shell

With the crab humanely killed, you can now remove the top shell. Simply grasp the sides and twist each half of the shell in opposite directions. It should pop right off, exposing the innards.

Step 4: Scoop Out the Gills and Innards

Now for the messy part! Reach into the crab’s body cavity and use your fingers to scoop out all the gills, intestinal tract and other innards. It’s gross but necessary. Just discard all this.

You may need to use a spoon or water pressure to clean out everything thoroughly. But be careful not to wash away the tasty crab meat!

Step 5: Crack and Clean the Body

With the crab’s innards removed, now crack open the body. First, detach the apron flap on the crab’s underside. Then flip it over and use a mallet or knife handle to crack the body down the center.

Pull apart the cracked crab and pick out any remaining innards or inedible parts. Give each half a good rinse too.

Step 6: Remove the Mandibles

Pinch off the pointy mandibles or mouthparts from each side of the crab’s face. These are inedible and contain toxins, so must be discarded.

Step 7: Break the Body into Quarters

For easier eating, split each crab half into quarters by snapping the legs apart one by one. Rinse once more.

Step 8: Chill Until Cooking Time

Give the cleaned crab pieces a final rinse then place on ice until ready to cook. Store no more than 2 days. Now your blue crab is prepped and ready for the pot!

Top Tips for Cleaning Blue Crabs

Follow these tips for an easier and more effective blue crab cleaning process:

• Use sturdy crabbing gloves to avoid pinches from live crabs.
• Work over a colander or tray to catch innards and debris for disposal.
• Have a hose or faucet nearby to rinse crabs frequently during cleaning.
• Keep your cleaning tools icy cold too to further sedate crabs.
• Split females in half before cleaning to easily remove eggs/roe.
• Save any mustard or tomalley if you wish to use it for flavoring.
• Crack crab bodies before cooking too for easier meat removal later.

Do’s and Don’ts of Blue Crab Cleaning

• DO chill crabs before cleaning.
• DO kill humanely before cleaning.
• DO remove all innards, gills and mandibles.
• DON’T wash away or discard tasty crab meat.
• DON’T simply boil crabs alive.
• DON’T use warm tools – keep them icy.

Follow these cleaning steps, tips and advice, and your blue crabs will be perfectly prepped for that mouthwatering crab boil or steamer. So get ready to enjoy these delicious crustaceans at their flavorful best!