How to Cook Spider Crab: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking spider crabs is an art that brings out all the flavor of this shellfish. Whether they're live, frozen, or thawed, here you'll learn the essential steps to cook them properly.

We explain how to do it step by step:

What do you need to cook spider crabs?

Before you begin, it's important to gather the necessary ingredients and tools.

Ingredients and Necessary Tools

crabs: Live, frozen or previously thawed.
Water: If possible, use seawater or tap water with salt.
Coarse salt: Essential to enhance flavor.
(Optional) Bay leaf: To provide an aromatic touch.

Tools needed

Big pot: Ideal for giving the crabs enough space.
Timer: To control cooking time according to its size.
Tongs or utensils: To handle them safely.

Steps to Cook Spider Crab

1. Previous preparation

If the crabs are aliveIt's important to prevent them from losing their legs during cooking. To do this, place them in cold, salted water a few minutes before boiling. This stuns them and minimizes the risk. Another option is to tie them with a thin string to keep them immobilized before placing them in the water.
If the crabs are frozenDefrost them completely before cooking. You can leave them in the refrigerator for a few hours or soak them in cold, salted water to speed up the process.

2. Cooking time according to size

Timing is key to achieving a perfect texture:

Small crabs (100-150 g): 6-8 minutes.
Medium crabs (150-200 g): 10 minutes.
Large crabs (200-300 g): 12 minutes.

3. Cooking process

Fill the pot with water and add coarse salt (35 grams per liter) to simulate seawater.
Bring the water to a boil and add the crabs. If they're live, place them in upside down to prevent them from moving too much.
Wait for the water to boil again before you start timing.

4. Techniques to prevent leg loss

The main secret is to stun them beforehand and gently place them in the pot. Also, make sure the water covers them completely during cooking. Another option is to secure them with a thin string to keep them immobile before placing them in the water.

Tips for enjoying cooked spider crabs

Is it better to eat them cold or warm?

Cooked spider crabs are best enjoyed cold, especially after they have rested for a few minutes in salted water and ice after cooking. This helps to preserve their flavor and texture.

Recommended accompaniments

Mayonnaise or pink sauce.
Fresh bread and white or Albariño wine.

Frequently asked questions about cooking spider crabs

Can I use tap water?

Yes, as long as you add enough coarse salt to recreate seawater. The ideal ratio is 35g of salt per liter of water.

How much salt should I add?

The amount depends on the volume of water, but a good reference is one tablespoon per liter.

What happens if the crabs are dead?

If they're fresh, you can still cook them. Check that they don't have a bad smell or strange color before doing so.

Cooking spider crabs doesn't have to be complicated. With these tips, you'll have delicious seafood that will win everyone over. Follow these steps and enjoy the authentic flavor of spider crabs at home, perfect for any special occasion.