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 a fish market.The live crab needs to be prepared correctly so that it doesn't suffer during the cooking process.You can either cook the mud crab whole or crack it into pieces.
Step 1: There are live-mud crabs for purchase.
There are crabs that don't have missing legs or claws.When you touch the mud crab, you will know it is alive and well.There will be between 1.5 and 2 pounds of healthy adult mud crabs.There are live mud crabs 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 beWashed under cold water.
If you want to remove dirt from the crab's shell, leave it under the running faucet.The mud crab can pinch you with its claws, so be careful when handling it.Mud crab claws can cause serious injury.Most stores have rubber bands around the crab's claws.A pair of thick protective gloves can be worn.
Step 3: Put the crab in a large bowl and put a towel over it.
The bowl should be lined with wet paper towels.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 for up to 24 hours before it dies.
Step 4: Place the bowl in the freezer for a short time.
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.
Use a scissor to 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: The crab needs to be flip over to remove the tail flap.
Because mud crabs are so large, you may want to take the crab apart before boiling it.The flap on the bottom of the crab will be V or U shaped.Pull up and twist the flap to remove it.
Step 7: The crab shell has to be removed.
The crab's body and top shell should be placed against your thumbs.The crab shell needs to be removed.This should show the inside of the crab.The front of the crab's shell has sharp edges.
Step 8: Take the crab out of its eyes.
The underside of the crab should be 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 some gills on it.
To remove the phalanges on the crab's body, run 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 is not good for eating.
Step 10: The center of the crab's body has to be cut through.
When cutting the crab, place 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.
To clean out the gunk in the center of the crab, run the crabs body under cold water.Some people like to eat the crab's body while others don't.
Step 12: Remove each arm.
To cut each arm, use the knife at the joint closest to the crab's body.The crab has been disassembled and you are ready to cook it.
Step 13: Take a large pot and fill it with water.
You can use a large pot to fit the crab.If you're cooking the crab whole, cook it 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 after seasoning it with salt and pepper.The crab will have more flavor.Adding another seasoning to the water is possible.
Step 15: The water should be brought to a rolling boil.
If you want bubbles to break the surface of the water, turn the stove to high.The water should still be boiling after you turn the heat to medium-high.
Step 16: The crab needs to be cooked for a while.
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 turn red as the crab cooks.The meat will get tough if you cook the crab for more than a few minutes.
Step 17: Take the crab out of the pot and put it into 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: You can either serve the crab or keep it in the fridge.
Either serve the crab immediately or keep it in the fridge for a few days.If you want to eat the crab later, you can freeze it for 3-6 months.To eat the crab, crack the arms and claws with a shell food cracker and pull the meat out of the shell.As you eat the crab meat you can dip it in butter.