Cooking Instructions


Steamed Blue Crabs

Reheating steamed blue crabs is a delicate process—you want to warm them up without drying them out or making the meat rubbery. Here are several methods depending on what equipment you have and your taste preferences:

1. Steaming (Best for Keeping Moisture)

What You Need: Steamer pot or large pot with a rack, water, vinegar or beer (optional)
Instructions:

  1. Add 1–2 inches of water to the pot (you can mix with vinegar or beer for flavor).

  2. Place a steamer rack inside the pot and bring the water to a boil.

  3. Place the crabs on the rack, cover, and steam for 5–8 minutes until heated through.

  4. Avoid over-steaming—crab meat can get tough if left too long.

2. Oven Reheating (Even Warming)

What You Need: Oven, aluminum foil, baking sheet
Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Wrap crabs individually in damp paper towels, then in foil.

  3. Place on a baking sheet and heat for 15–20 minutes.

  4. Check one crab to make sure it’s fully heated through.

3. Microwave (Quickest Method, Use Carefully)

What You Need: Microwave, damp paper towel, microwave-safe dish
Instructions:

  1. Wrap each crab in a damp paper towel.

  2. Place on a microwave-safe plate.

  3. Microwave on medium (50–70%) power for 1–2 minutes per crab.

  4. Let sit for 30 seconds before checking—repeat if necessary.

⚠️ Tip: This method works best for just one or two crabs at a time to avoid uneven heating.

4. Reheat Crab Meat Only (e.g., out of the shell)

What You Need: Skillet or pan, butter or oil
Instructions:

  1. Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add the crab meat and sauté gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring often.

  3. Season lightly if desired (Washington Crab seasoning, lemon, garlic).

Bonus Tips:

  • Always store leftover steamed crabs in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the fridge—best consumed within 1–2 days.

  • Do not reheat crabs more than once to maintain food safety and quality.

  • Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, or vinegar for a flavor boost!