Mud crabs are native to Africa, Australia, and Asia and are known for their dark brown or black shells.It can be caught near the shoreline or purchased at fish markets.If you prepare the crab correctly, it will not suffer during the cooking process.You can either cook the mud crab whole or crack it into pieces after washing it.
Step 1: Purchase live crabs.
There are crabs that don't have missing legs or claws.If the mud crab moves its legs and claws, you will know it is alive and well.Adult mud crabs can weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds.Live mud crabs can be found in the seafood section of the grocery store.If the crab doesn't respond when you touch it, look for another one that is more responsive.If you cook dead crabs, they will give you food poisoning.
Step 2: The crab needs to be washed under cold water.
If you want to get rid of dirt on the crab's shell, leave it under the running faucet.The mud crab has claws, so be careful when handling it.Mud crab claws can cause serious injury.The rubber bands will be wrapped around the crab's claws.A pair of thick protective gloves can be worn.
Step 3: Put the crab in a bowl with a towel over it.
Line the bottom of the bowl.When you put the crab in the freezer, keep it in a bowl.Crabs don't like the light, so you should place a towel over the bowl to keep them calm.You can keep a live mud crab in the water for up to 24 hours before it dies.
Step 4: Place the bowl in the freezer for a while.
If you place the crab in the freezer, it will not suffer when you cook it.When you take the crab out of the freezer, it shouldn't move.If the crab is left in the freezer too long, it will kill it and cause it to freeze.
Step 5: Remove the strings or bands from the crab and cook it.
Cut the bands or strings holding the crab's claws shut so that you don't boil them in the water.Remove the strings from the crab and cook it.If you let the crab warm up, it will move around and suffer as you clean it.
Step 6: Remove the tail flap from the crab.
Because mud crabs are so large, you may want to take the crab apart before boiling it.The crab's tail flap will be shaped like a V or U.Pull the flap with your fingers and then twist it to remove it.
Step 7: The crab shell needs to be removed.
The crab's shell and body should be placed against your thumbs.Remove the top of the crab shell.This should show the inside of the crab.The front of the crab's shell has sharp edges.
Step 8: The crab has eyes.
The crab should be held so that the underside is facing you.Pull and twist the crab.You should discard these pieces if you don't want to eat them.
Step 9: The crab's body has gills on it.
You can remove the phalanges on the crab's body by running your fingers down each side.The fingers look like they are inside the crab's body.There are two sets on the crab's body.The crab's body isn't good for eating.
Step 10: Cut through the crab's body.
When cutting the crab, put it on a paper towel.Place a kitchen knife on the crab's body and apply downward pressure to the knife with your other hand to cut through the shell.You don't want to cut yourself when cutting through the crab.
Step 11: The crab's body should be washed out.
The gunk in the center of the crab can be cleaned by running the crabs body under cold water.Some people like to eat the crab's body while others don't.
Step 12: Remove each arm.
The joint closest to the crab's body should be cut with the knife.The crab has been disassembled and you are ready to cook it.
Step 13: The stock pot should be filled with water.
You can use a large pot to fit the crab.If you're cooking the crab whole, make sure to cook each crab individually.If you fill the pot with water, it will overflow when you put the crab in it.You can ladle the excess water out if you put too much in the pot.
Step 14: Add seasonings to the pot.
Add 3 bay leaves to the water by seasoning it with salt and pepper.The crab will get more flavor from this.Adding another seasoning to the water is also possible.
Step 15: The water should be brought to a rolling boil.
Wait for bubbles to break the surface of the water and turn the stove to high.The water should still be boiling after you turn the heat up to medium-high.
Step 16: The crab should be cooked for 12 minutes.
Place a lid over the pot and use a pair of tongs to lower the crab or crab pieces into the water.The shell should start to turn red as the crab cooks.The meat will get tough if you cook the crab for more than a few minutes.
Step 17: Remove the crab from the pot and put it in an ice bath.
Place the crab in the bowl with the cold water and ice cubes.The cooking process will be stopped if the crab islunged in the ice water.
Step 18: Store the crab in the fridge.
Either serve the crab immediately or keep it in the fridge for a few days.You can freeze the crab if you want to eat it later.If you want to eat the crab, crack the arms and claws and pull the meat out of the shell.As you eat the crab meat, you can dip it in butter.