Entrée: United States – Maryland Style Steamed Blue Crabs

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 30 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

12 live blue crabs, about 4 lb total (1.8 kg total)
1 / 2 cup (120 ml) Old Bay seasoning
1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 cup (240 ml) water
4 ears corn (optional)

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Pot**: In a large steamer pot, combine the water and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps to enhance the flavor and aroma of the crabs.
2. **Add Seasoning**: Sprinkle a layer of Old Bay seasoning evenly on the bottom of the pot.
3. **Add Crabs**: Place crabs in layers in the steamer basket, generously layering more Old Bay seasoning between each layer of crabs.
4. **Steam the Crabs**: Cover the pot and bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Steam the crabs until they are bright red, about 20-30 minutes.
5. **Optional**: During the last 10 minutes of steaming, you can add the corn on top of the crabs if desired.
6. **Serve**: Remove crabs from the pot using tongs, and serve them hot on a table covered with newspaper or a large serving platter, along with some melted butter and lemon wedges. Sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning to taste.