Don't overcrowd the pot with too many crabs or the crabs on the bottom will overcook while the crabs on top might undercook.The quantities and cook time will vary based on the size of your pot and the size of your crabs. This is more of a method than an exact recipe.Serve immediately with extra old bay, melted butter, corn on the cob and plenty of ice cold beer. ![]() Repeat with the rest of your crabs until they're all used up. Line a big table with newspaper or brown paper bags, then dump the steamed crabs out on top.Larger crabs (#1's) will take 12 minutes, slightly smaller crabs (#2's) about 10 minutes, and smaller crabs about 8 minutes. Cover and steam for about 8-12 minutes, depending on size.Make sure the liquid is at a rolling boil. Sprinkle the crabs liberally with Old Bay seasoning, then repeat with 2-3 more layers of crabs, but no more than 4 total.Bring the liquid to a boil, then add a single layer of live crabs.Add equal parts beer and vinegar to the bottom of a large steamer pot, about 1 inch.Claw Crackers - While not totally necessary, a good set of claw crackers can make eating the crabs a little bit easier for your guests.Tongs - A sturdy pair of stainless steel, long handled tongs are helpful for both getting the crabs into the pot and out of the pot.If you don't have a steamer pot, you can place a heat-safe rack on the bottom of the largest pot you have. Steamer Pot - A steamer pot, with a lid, is essential for steaming crabs, otherwise they will just boil in the liquid.If you're avoiding alcohol for any reason, substitute a non alcoholic beer or just plain water instead. Beer - National Bohemian or "Natty Bo" is traditional in Baltimore, but any basic light beer is ideal.Avoid balsamic or anything with a lot of flavor. Plain white vinegar is all you need here, but if you don't have any, white or red wine vinegar is fine. Vinegar - Vinegar adds amazing flavor to the crabs, but it also helps soften the shells and make them easier to pick.In Maryland, it's common to see homemade Old Bay seasoning or Old Bay that's been doctored up with added sea salt, mustard powder and red chili flakes. It's a mixture of celery seed, cayenne pepper and other spices that give the crabs that iconic Chesapeake flavor. Old Bay Seasoning - Aside from the crabs, Old Bay is the most essential ingredient for making Maryland Style crabs.Crabs - Blue Crabs are traditional, as that's the species local to Maryland, but this technique can be applied to any type of crab.Jimmies aka large male blue claw crabs in Maryland Essential Ingredients Any type of crab or crab legs can be steamed Maryland style.The addition of vinegar helps to soften the crab shells which makes them easier to pick. ![]()
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