If not using a steamer basket, simply cover the bottom of a wide pot or pan with about ¼ inch of water and add a few lemon slices. Cover with lid and bring to a simmer over medium heat until steaming. Then, add crab and cover with lid.
Cover and Bring to a Boil
Put the lid on your pot and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to trap the steam and ensure proper cooking. As the water boils, the steam will rise and cook the crabs to perfection.
Prepare Your Pot
Place a rack or steaming plate at the bottom of your pot. If you don’t have either of those, you can use a heatproof plate or a metal colander instead. The key is to elevate the crabs above the water so they steam instead of boil. Add enough water to the pot to form a thin layer, but make sure it doesn’t touch the crabs when they’re placed on the rack.
It’s time to infuse your crabs with delightful flavors. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the crabs, whether it’s classic Old Bay seasoning, garlic, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Get creative and make it your own!
Kitchen Hack – How to Cook Crabs at Home without a Steamer
FAQ
How to steam crabs on the stove?
How do you steam seafood without a steamer?
Is it better to boil or steam crab?
How do you cook blue crabs without a steamer?
Do you need a steamer to steam crabs?
You need a steaming rack or separator on top of the pot so the crabs don’t touch the hot liquid. You can purchase a steam rack or make one out of tin foil. The basic goal is to allow the steam to rise into the crabs while preventing the crab from touching the boiling liquid below it. A crab steamer is a two-part pot.
How do you remove crab legs from a steamer?
Be careful when removing the crab legs from the steamer. Lift the lid away from your face so that you do not accidentally burn yourself on the hot steam as it bursts out. Steamed crab legs and claws have softened shells, so a crab cracker should not be used to get the meat out.
How do you steam crabs in a crock pot?
Did this article help you? To steam crab, you’ll need a tall high-walled pot with a steaming rack or separator on top of the pot so the crabs don’t touch the liquid. Pour 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt or 2 cans of beer and an equal amount of apple cider or distilled white vinegar into the pot.
How long does it take to steam crab legs?
A tight cover is essential. If you do not cover the stockpot, you will have no way of trapping the steam inside, and the crab legs will not heat through correctly. Steam until heated through. This can take anywhere from 5 to 7 minutes depending on the size of the crab legs and how thawed they are before you steam them.