bjones
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Crab is usually cooked in one of two methods – boiled or steamed. Neither method is better than the other, although some people believe steaming preserves more of the natural flavor of the crab. If your crab is frozen, it will need to be thawed first. Crab should never be defrosted in a microwave or with hot water. It must thaw in the air or in cold water only. If using cold water, the crab must be wrapped in cling wrap or put in a zip lock bag. It should not come into contact with the water. One pound of crab will defrost in about 45 minutes. Two pounds of crab will require 60 minutes. If your crab is frozen, chances are that it has been precooked. Precooked crab needs only to be heated by steam or boiling water for 10 minutes.
Like lobster, it is recommended to cook crabs live. To boil a live crab, heat 2 – 3 quarts of water with 5 teaspoons of salt. When the water is rolling, hold the crab by its back legs and drop it head-first into the water. The crab should be cooked for 15 minutes. Remove the crab from the boiling water and dunk it in a cold-water bath for 5 seconds. Serve right away.
To steam a live crab, add 2 cups of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of salt to a steamer. Heat the mixture until boiling. Place the crabs in ice water or the freezer for 3 – 4 minutes, and then put the crabs on the rack in the steamer. Steam on medium-high heat for 20 minutes. Before serving, dunk them in a cold-water bath for 5 seconds.
 Posted 5403 day ago
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