How to prepare crab

How to prepare crab for cooking?

If you want to save cooking time, at Delfín we sell pre-cooked, frozen spider crab , ready to enjoy – just open and serve . Enjoy!

On the other hand, if you have raw crabs, they are very easy to cook. You only need the number of crabs you plan to eat, water, and salt . It's a simple preparation with a few easy steps. Pay attention:

1. Cooking must be individual for the flavor and texture to be perfect.
2. We add 5 liters of water to a saucepan. Add 70 grams of salt for every liter of water. 
3. Once the water is boiling, we add the crab
4. And finally we remove and cut up the crab.

Depending on the size, they have a cooking time of :

• From 600 to 800 g it takes 17 minutes
• For more than 800 g it takes 20 minutes

Alternative Cooking Methods 

To offer a more diverse culinary experience tailored to different tastes, here are several ways to cook crab, expanding on each technique with additional details:

Steam Cooking

• Description: Steaming is a more gentle alternative to boiling, as it prevents the crab from absorbing too much water, preserving its natural flavor and firm texture. This method is ideal for those looking to bring out the pure marine notes of seafood.
• How to do it:
  1. Fill a pot with 2-3 cm of water and add lemon slices, fresh herbs (such as dill or thyme), and a couple of crushed garlic cloves to flavor the steam.
  2. Place the crab on a rack or steamer basket and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes (depending on size) until deep red.
• Additional tip: Serve with a light sauce of melted butter and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.

Cooking in Flavored Water

• Description: Boiling crab in flavored water enriches its flavor with notes of spices and citrus. This method is perfect for those who want a subtle touch of seasoning in their seafood.
• How to do it:
  1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab.
  2. Add coarse salt (approximately 50 g per liter of water), a bay leaf, a few black peppercorns, lemon slices, and a splash of white wine.
  3. Bring the water to a boil before adding the crab. Cook according to weight (10-15 minutes per 500g).
• Additional tip: Save the resulting broth, as it can be used as a base for soups, rice dishes, or seafood stews.

Oven Preparation

• Description: Baking crab is a gourmet option that enhances its flavor with additional ingredients. This technique not only cooks it, but also adds a crispy texture and irresistible aroma.
• How to do it:
  1. Prepare the cooked crab (preferably steamed or boiled) and separate the meat from the shell.
  2. Mix the meat with a combination of melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and breadcrumbs.
  3. Fill the shell with this mixture and bake in the oven at 200°C for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Variants: You can add a touch of grated Parmesan cheese or a splash of brandy to the mix for a more sophisticated finish.

Other Alternative Cooking Options

• On the grill or barbecue: For a unique smoky flavor, grill the cooked crab on a hot grill for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing it with garlic and herb butter.
• Sauteed: For quick preparation, sauté the crab meat in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of chili, and use it as a base for pasta or toast.

How to prepare a cooked crab

1. Cleaning the Spider Crab :

   • Step 1:Place the cooked crab on a clean surface. Using a large knife, separate the claws and legs from the body.
   • Step 2:: : Turn the shell away from the body and remove the apron (a small fin).
   • Step 3:Carefully remove the top of the shell from the body, being careful with any liquid inside. Save the shell for serving if desired.
   • Step 4:Remove and discard the gills (dead man's fingers) from the body. They are not edible.
   • Council: Rinse the body under cold running water to remove any debris or shell fragments.

2. Extract the Meat :

   • Step 1:Use a nutcracker or the back of a heavy knife to open the claws and legs. Be gentle to avoid crushing the meat.
   • Step 2:: Use a small fork or seafood tool to remove the meat from the claws and legs.
   • Step 3:: Cut the body in half and remove the meat from the chambers.
   • Council: For easier removal, you can use a nutcracker or lobster tongs.

3. Preparing the Meat :

   • Step 1:: Check the removed meat to remove any shell residue.
   • Step 2:: Place the cleaned meat in a bowl. It's ready to use in various recipes.
   • Council: Keep meat refrigerated until you are ready to use it.