MARYLAND CRAB RECIPES  

STEAMED BLUE CRABS the "Truly Maryland Way"

1/2 cup seafood seasoning
1/2 cup salt
3 cups white vinegar
3 cups beer (or water)
3 dozen live (and lively) Maryland Blue Hard Crabs

Mix seasonings, vinegar, and beer (or water) well.  Put one-half crabs in very large pot with rack and TIGHT fitting lid.**  Pour one-half of seasoning mixture over top.  Add rest of crabs and remaining liquid.  Steam, covered, until crabs turn bright red [orange, really] in color, about 30-40 minutes.  Serve hot or cold.
Makes about 9 to 12 servings, depending upon size of crabs.

** If two pots are used, layer crabs and measure seasoning mixture accordingly.

NOTE: Serve crabs immediately if to be eaten hot.  To serve cold, bring to room temperature and refrigerate until ready to use.
Under NO circumstances should live and steamed crabs ever be stored in such a manner that they could come into contact with each other.

GRILLED MARYLAND SOFT CRABS
with SEAFOOD MARINADE

12 Maryland soft crabs, live or frozen
Seafood Marinade, see below

Dress live crabs (see * below); thaw crabs if frozen.
Liberally baste bottom side of crabs with marinade and carefully place, bottom-side down, on barbeque grill.
Grill over slow fire, at least 12 inches from coals, for 5 minutes. Liberally baste top of crabs with marinade, turn carefully, and grill 5 minutes more.
Makes 6 servings, 2 crabs each.

* To Dress Soft Shell Crabs: Use only live crabs.  With a sharp knife, cut off the apron or flap that folds under the rear of the body.  Turn the crab and cut off the face at a joint just back of the eyes.  Lift each point at the sides with fingers, clean out the gills, and wash the crabs in cold water.  Pat dry with paper towel.


Seafood Marinade

1 cup salad oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon tarragon leaves
1 teaspoon lemon and pepper seasoning
1/8 teaspoon lemon bits (OR 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix ingredients together. Let stand several hours at room temperature to let flavors blend before using.
Use for basting when grilling or broiling soft crabs, fish, etc.
Makes 1 cup marinade.
These recipes were developed by the State of Maryland Seafood Marketing Authority, Department of Economic and Community Development, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.

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