Cleaning Blueclaws

[Billfish715]

This youtube video has almost 2 million views. Since the Jimmies are getting bigger and the best months for catching them is on us, this may help you learn how to prepare the crabs before you cook and pick them. My sources say that the crabbing is great and will continue to get even better.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDaDe7i6xy0

[frugalfisherman]

I definately learned something. Thanks.

[NoLimit]

I think the crabs die a lot quicker dumped into boiling water plus whats up with cleaning and washing with hose water and getting rid of all that tasty fat? Yuk - all sorts of plasticizers in that PVC

[Rocky]

I clean my crabs hot, no ice very lively. Every now and then one will get a hold of me and go flying as I fling it off.

Last Thursdays catch.

[Capt. Debbie]

Nice catch and informative string too.

[rumster]

Been doing them that way since I was a young lad. Best way to go if you like your fingers. Thanks for sharing

[Billfish715]

I guess if you are used to picking crabs after they have been cooked whole and alive, this is a concept that represents a major change in your habits. I've tried them both and if it's pure eating that you are interested in, then the ice water bath is the way to go. There is a lot less mess during the picking and eating process than in the traditional method since the trapped water that would be under the shell and surrounding the insides is gone. If you are looking for presentation, of course, the visual appearance of a platter of red shelled whole crabs is very appealing.

It takes some of your time to clean the crabs before puting them into the boiling water rather than having you or your dinner guests do it later. Somehow, if given the choice, removing the lungs and such before cooking the crab sounds much more appetizing once you think about it.

To each his own, but I'm siding more and more with pre-cleaning to avoid all of the residual mess when I'm eating.

[bigal427]

I clean them alive. Break the claws off first then pop the shell and blow them out with a hose. No eating the guts or mustard for me. Plus I never boil them . Just use a electric frying pan or wok with a little oil and some beer or water, Old Bay and garlic powder and fry on high for about 20 minutes turning once adding more seasoning. If you want you can baste them for extra flavor

[NoLimit]

Originally Posted by Billfish715

I guess if you are used to picking crabs after they have been cooked whole and alive, this is a concept that represents a major change in your habits. I've tried them both and if it's pure eating that you are interested in, then the ice water bath is the way to go. There is a lot less mess during the picking and eating process than in the traditional method since the trapped water that would be under the shell and surrounding the insides is gone. If you are looking for presentation, of course, the visual appearance of a platter of red shelled whole crabs is very appealing.

It takes some of your time to clean the crabs before puting them into the boiling water rather than having you or your dinner guests do it later. Somehow, if given the choice, removing the lungs and such before cooking the crab sounds much more appetizing once you think about it.

To each his own, but I'm siding more and more with pre-cleaning to avoid all of the residual mess when I'm eating.

That water in the shell makes a great broth - the best part

[jerseyhunter]

I like Ms. Grits way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSJkG3sm0RU