5 Simple Crab Steaming Recipes for Home and Outdoor Cooking

Craving the delightful flavors of crab but concerned about the complexity of preparing it at home or for an outdoor gathering? Look no further. Today, our chef has curated a collection of recipes that not only showcase the delectable taste of crab but also prioritize simplicity and ease of preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will provide you with a straightforward path to savoring the succulent sweetness of crab, turning your home and outdoor cooking adventures into crab feasts to remember. Let’s dive into the world of crab cuisine, simplified for your culinary enjoyment.

5 Best Crab Steaming Recipes for Home and Outdoor Cooking

1. The Classic Steamed Crab or Classic Crab Boil

The Classic Steamed Crab or Crab Boil is a traditional culinary practice that you’ll often find associated with coastal regions and outdoor gatherings. It involves the preparation of crab and other delectable seafood. In this flavorful mix, you can expect to discover fresh crabs, shrimp, crawfish, and a delightful assortment of ingredients such as corn on the cob, potatoes, sausage, and an array of aromatic spices. You have the option to combine these ingredients in a large pot and season them with spices before boiling or steaming to your preference. The end result is a seafood medley bursting with flavors, often with a hint of spice, and it’s a true joy to crack the crab shells and relish the tender meat inside. The Classic Crab Boil isn’t merely a meal; it’s a social event, a celebration of flavors, and a beloved tradition that’s often enjoyed alongside family and friends.

So, here is the recipe for you!

Ingredients:

Let’s start with a 6-8 live blue crabs.

• 2 quarts water
• 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 4 ears of corn, shucked and halved
• 1 pound small red potatoes
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions:

Step 1: Fill your crab steamer pot or pan with water, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and half of the lemon slices. Then, put on your stove or burner.

Step 2: Add potatoes, sausage, onion, and thyme to the pot. Then, cook for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add crabs, corn, and the remaining lemon slices. Cover and steam for another 10-15 minutes until the crabs turn bright orange.

Step 4: Drain and serve the crab boil on a newspaper-covered table for a fun, messy feast.

2. Garlic Butter Crab Legs

Garlic Butter Crab Legs are a delectable seafood dish made from crab legs that have been cooked and served with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. When preparing Garlic Butter Crab Legs, you’ll be working with crab legs, creating a delectable seafood dish. You can cook the crab legs by either steaming or boiling them until they reach a tender and succulent state. Once they’re ready, you can craft a flavorful sauce by blending butter, minced garlic, and, if desired, additional seasonings like lemon juice, parsley, and various spices. Afterward, generously drizzle this luscious garlic butter sauce over the crab legs. The sauce will enhance the natural sweetness of the crab meat with its rich and aromatic garlicky flavor, creating a truly mouthwatering combination of tastes. Garlic Butter Crab Legs are a beloved seafood dish, frequently featured in seafood restaurants and cherished during homemade seafood feasts and special occasions.

So, here how it is cooked!

Ingredients:

Let’s start with a 2-pound crab legs. You can have snow crab or king crab as you wish.

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, wedged

Instructions:

Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Place crab legs in the steamer basket of your crab steamer pot. Pour the garlic butter over the crab legs.

Step 3: Steam the crab legs for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

3. Cajun Crab and Shrimp Steam or Boil

When preparing Cajun Crab and Shrimp Boil, you’ll be creating a beloved seafood dish with bold and zesty flavors. In this culinary tradition, you can combine live blue crabs, large shrimp, and possibly other seafood like crawfish. You’ll boil or steam these seafood delicacies in a large pot with a blend of aromatic spices and seasonings, which typically includes Cajun or Creole seasoning blends, garlic, onions, lemons, and red potatoes. The outcome is a spicy and savory seafood medley, infused with the rich, spicy, and distinctive flavors associated with Cajun cuisine. Cajun Crab and Shrimp Boil is best enjoyed during festive gatherings, especially at seafood boils and outdoor events, where the delightful combination of ingredients creates a memorable and lively dining experience.

Here is how it is cooked!

Ingredients:

you can start with a 6-8 live blue crabs and shrimp and even mix with crawfish all together.

• 1 pound large shrimp, deveined and peeled
• 2 quarts water
• 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 4 ears of corn, shucked and halved
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions:

Step 1:. Fill your crab steamer pot with water, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and half of the lemon slices. Bring to a boil.

Step 2:. Add potatoes, sausage, onion, and thyme to the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add crabs, shrimp, corn, and the remaining lemon slices. Cover and steam for another 5-7 minutes until the crabs turn bright orange and the shrimp turn pink.

Step 4: Drain and serve this zesty Cajun boil with plenty of napkins.

4. Asian-Inspired Crab and Noodle Soup

Asian-Inspired Crab and Noodle Soup is a delightful and flavorful soup that takes inspiration from Asian cuisine, particularly seafood-infused dishes. When you prepare Asian-Inspired Crab and Noodle Soup, you’ll be embarking on a culinary journey inspired by the rich and diverse flavors of Asian cuisine. The star of this soup is the succulent crab meat, infusing the broth with its sweet and delicate taste. You’ll complement this seafood delight with an array of vegetables, such as bok choy, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, adding a refreshing and satisfying element to your dish. The broth itself comes to life with the infusion of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and, for those who enjoy a touch of heat, a hint of chili. To complete this hearty soup, you’ll add noodles, often choosing between rice noodles or egg noodles, providing a comforting and substantial component to the meal. Asian-Inspired Crab and Noodle Soup is your opportunity to experience the perfect balance of seafood, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, creating a delightful and heartwarming bowl of Asian-inspired comfort.

Let’s prepare to make it!

Ingredients:

• 6-8 live blue crabs
• 1 quart chicken or seafood broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 bundles of udon noodles
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: In your soup pan, combine the chicken or seafood broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and shiitake mushrooms. Bring to a simmer.

Step 2: Place the crabs in the steamer basket and steam for about 15-20 minutes until they turn orange.

Step 3: While steaming, cook the udon noodles according to package instructions and drain.

Step 4: To serve, divide the cooked noodles among bowls, ladle the hot broth over them, and top with steamed crabs. Garnish with green onions, chili pepper slices (if you like it spicy), and fresh cilantro leaves.

5. Lemon and Herb Crab Salad

When you prepare Lemon and Herb Crab Salad, you’re in for a refreshing and delightful seafood treat with crab meat as the shining star. In this dish, you’ll combine the sweet and succulent crab meat with the vibrant and zesty flavors of lemon and an array of aromatic herbs. You can pair the crab meat with fresh dill, parsley, and chives to infuse the salad with a burst of garden-fresh tastes. To complete this dish, you’ll drizzle it with a light and tangy vinaigrette featuring lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and perhaps a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness. The outcome is a salad that not only celebrates the natural sweetness of crab but also offers a harmonious blend of citrusy and herby notes. Lemon and Herb Crab Salad is typically served chilled, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a light and refreshing seafood dish, especially during the warmer seasons.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 live blue crabs
• 1 quart water
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Fill your crab steamer pot with water, lemon slices, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.

Step 2: Place the crabs in the steamer basket and steam for about 15-20 minutes until they turn orange.

Step 3: While the crabs cool, prepare the salad dressing. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Once the crabs have cooled, crack them open and remove the meat.

Step 5: Toss the crab meat with the prepared dressing.

Step 6: Serve the lemon and herb crab salad garnished with fresh dill.

Conclusion

These crab steaming recipes showcase the versatility of your crab steamer pot, allowing you to explore different flavors and culinary traditions. Whether you opt for a classic crab boil, zesty Cajun spices, or a savory crab salad, your crab steamer pot is your ticket to a world of mouthwatering crab delights that will leave your guests craving more. So, don your apron, fire up your steamer pot, and get ready to elevate your crab culinary game to new heights.