Notice that this is NOT one of my “how to” posts. While the dinner that follows came out absolutely wonderful, I’m sure that it was an accident of major proportions – or the fact that crab is probably one of the easiest things I’ve ever made. I love that AquaBest sent me LIVE SNOW CRABS, especially since finding great shellfish in South Florida isn’t easy (warm water shellfish is NOT as tasty as those that live in cold water).
This snow crab comes from Breton Island near Nova Scotia, and is naturally sweet, plump, and very much alive straight to your door.
I am not a great cook.
I am not even a good cook.
Do you remember the joke: What does a XXX (derogatory term) makes for dinner?
Answer: Reservations – Yes, that’s ME!
I know that if I take my time and put my heart into it, I could be good, but 80% of the time I’m not. Just ask Mr. S. I have a repertoire of a few things that I can make, shellfish being one of those. Being New England born and raised, I can boil a lobster till that sweet meat is absolutely tender, but crab I had never quite cracked…until now.
I looked at them from all angles, trying to decide what to do with them
I was about to attempt to make snow crabs. Not only had I never MADE these leggy crustacean’s before, but I don’t think I’d ever even EATEN snow crabs. It’s a good thing that I love a good challenge because I had TWO crabs and a bottle of white wine and from that point, I was ON MY OWN. My former chef of a husband was no help. When asked what I should do with these sea creatures he simple shrugged (not a Champagne Living moment by any means).
Most snow crab is brined (salt solution), and if you eat it in a restaurant, it’s many times boiled in sugar. These wonderfully fresh snow crabs from AquaBest in NYC may be steamed, grilled, baked, or otherwise cooked with care as you see fit.
I AM RESOURCEFUL
I knew that I could steam/boil a lobster so I went to work clarifying butter and put a big pot filled with water and Old Bay Seasoning on the stove top. I assumed that like good Maine lobster that they simply change color (to red) when they’re fully cooked.
Just in case…I posted on FACEBOOK that I’d be cooking (warning the neighbors). My friends know this could either be extremely elegant, or a disaster, there’s no in-between with me. One minute later I had a status update from my fellow blogger and neighbor down the street Nicole Fisher of Nicole’s Nickels (who coincidentally is also married to a chef, one who actually COOKS for her)…
Nicole Fisher Zipporah Lubin-Sandler Jamie Fisher says they turn bright red almost as soon as you put them in the water, so let them simmer about 14 minutes.
I enjoy my crab prepared simply.
- Bring enough water to completely cover the crabs to a boil
- Add seasoning (I like Old Bay with crab, although I considered just tossing in some red pepper flakes & salt)
- Put the crabs into the pot and simmer for about 14 minutes (as per Jamie Fisher)
- Remove and shock them with ice water to stop the cooking process
- Have your drawn/clarified butter or cocktail sauce ready along with some crackers and ENJOY
Aqua Best originally started out as a mom and pop store located in downtown New York City just blocks away from the original Fulton Fish Market. In the olden days , good seafood was readily available in the market but the secret to obtaining great seafood was to directly deal with the fishermen. Therefore in the 1980‘s my parents travelled as far north as Maine and as down south as Virginia in order to find the best source of seafood. Our underlying strategy was to secure the highest quality seafood in order to give our company a competitive edge.
Some meals need lots of pomp and circumstance
Snow crab is not one of them. The simplicity of steamed snow crab dipped in butter with a clean, crisp glass of white wine was perfection all on it’s own. The crab was as sweet as can be (and frankly it didn’t even NEED the butter). I know, I enjoyed it so much that I’m considering ordering some to create an appetizer for Thanksgiving this year.
Of course I wouldn’t have learned about these fabulous purveyors had it not been for Crave Local. Crave Local is one of those sites that I rely on for great tips on what to eat and drink, where to go to get great meals, what’s doing around town and more. I check them often for local EVENTS.
I received product from AquaBest Seafood via Crave Local Network to facilitate this post. Opinions are strictly my own.
Kathleen says
You are braver than I, I would not have even attempted the crab LOL.
Zippy says
LOL – it was easier than I thought.
Stefanie says
Crab is one of my favorite eats.
A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says
With all those legs I wouldn’t know how to go about tackling them!
Zippy says
Mine too now. I’d had King crab legs before, but these were even MORE delicious.
Barb @ FL Mom's Blog says
I love crab, and used to watch my parents and grandparents prepare it when we lived up in Maryland in the early 60’s. I’ve never prepared it! Zippy, you are a much braver woman than me!
April Decheine says
I love my seafood prepared simple myself, that looks simply amazing, I havn’t had crab legs in some time!
Zippy says
Start at the outside & work your way in???
Zippy says
Barb – it was so much easier than I imagined.
Zippy says
If it’s FRESH and sweet, there’s nothing like simple.
London Blogger says
Those big crabs are perfect with a coconut milk based sauce. I had that dish in the Philippines. Though I am not Asian, I l did like it and I even ordered another cups of rice. I miss it.
Zippy says
A coconut milk sauce sounds sublime! I’m going to look up recipes for the next time! Thank you
Leilani says
Yum! That looks delish. I only recently started eating crab.
Jenn @therebelchick says
Oh my gosh, I never knew that restaurants boil their snow crabs in sugar, no wonder they taste sweet! Duh!!!
Billie says
I would never dream of attempting these myself. Jake loves crab legs.
Courtney says
I absolutely love crab, just can’t cook it for the life of me! That and lobster.. I feel bad lol
Kelly says
My husband would pass out from happiness to eat this.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
OMG!! I absolutely love crab, it’s the only thing I never mess up on when I cook it.
Notorious Spinks says
These look amazing. I need to try cooking some of these.
Lolo says
Why did you not invite me?!! Delish!
HilLesha says
Very nice!
Zippy says
Leilani – I was not a major crab eater either. This actually tasted closer to lobster (much sweeter than the crab I’d eaten in the past).
Zippy says
It’s like when they soak french fries in sugar before frying them to get that nice sweet flavor.
Zippy says
Billie it was EASY and hubby loved them.
Zippy says
OK, this is gonna sound cruel, but the crabs didn’t “scream” like lobsters do.
Zippy says
Wow, he’s easy to please. They were as easy to make as opening a can of soup & putting it on the stovetop.
Zippy says
LOL – I love that you can’t mess them up. Easy peasy
Zippy says
Lolo – next time fly down and we’ll have dinner. I promise I’ll make some for you.
😉
Tricia Nightowlmama says
your quite the cook Zippy. I don’t eat seafood but you make it look so easy
Zippy says
OMG Tricia – I am SOOOO not a cook. That’s why I married one (which backfired on me).
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