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Beer Steamed Crabs Recipe

Dive into a delicious seafood adventure with our Beer Steamed Crabs recipe! This exciting recipe uses live crabs for the freshest, most succulent meat. The beer adds a unique depth of flavor, while the crushed red pepper and Old Bay seasoning create a perfect balance of spice and savory goodness. Best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer on the side, this recipe is perfect for a fun-filled family meal or a casual get-together with friends. Don't miss out on this unforgettable culinary experience!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 297.5 kcal
Protein 36g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Beer Steamed Crabs

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Beer Steamed Crabs

  • Live Blue Crab
  • 4 cups water
  • 12 ounces beer (lager or pilsner recommended)
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

How to Make Beer Steamed Crabs

  1. In a 6-quart pot, combine 4 cups of water, 12 ounces of your favorite beer (lager or pilsner recommended), 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference), 4 bay leaves, and 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  2. Carefully add 2-3 pounds of live, uncleaned crabs to the boiling liquid. (Adjust the crab quantity based on your serving size).
  3. Once the liquid returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the crabs are bright red and the meat is easily pulled from the legs.
  4. Remove the crabs from the pot using tongs and serve immediately. Enjoy with extra beer and plenty of melted butter for dipping!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

11 g

Sugar

10g

Fat

1g

Carbs

7g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Low Protein Healthy Very Low Carbs Main Dish Seafood Steam Low Fat Crab Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Low Carb Low In Something Shellfish Technique