How to cook crab

Cooked crab is a delectable seafood that you can easily enjoy if you're a seafood lover. It is also liked by people around the world. Crab has long been a culinary staple because of its renowned succulent flesh and distinctive flavour. This adaptable item always tempts taste buds, whether it be in the form of a decadent crab feast, a gourmet crab cake, or a warm bowl of crab soup.

A crab's colourful shell changes into a lovely crimson tint when cooked, enticing guests with its appearance. The cooking process enhances the crab meat's sweet and briny flavour, turning it into a delicious treat for lovers of seafood. The crab's delicate flesh has a beautiful texture that adds to its allure.

Nutritional Value of Crab

Crabs are a type of crustacean that provides a variety of essential nutrients when consumed. The nutritional value of crabs can vary slightly depending on the species and preparation method, but here is a general overview of the nutrients found in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked blue crab (a common type of crab):

• Calories: Approximately 83 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie protein source.
• Protein: Crab is a rich source of high-quality protein, providing around 18 grams per 3.5-ounce serving. Protein is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall body function.
• Fats: Crab is low in fat, with only about 1.2 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce serving. It is also relatively low in saturated fat.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Crab is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega-3s are known for their heart-healthy benefits and are important for brain and eye health.
• Vitamins: Crab is a rich source of various vitamins, including vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. It also provides vitamin C, vitamin A, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin (vitamin B3).
• Minerals: Crab is an excellent source of minerals such as selenium, zinc, and copper. Selenium is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, while zinc is essential for various bodily functions, including immune health and wound healing. Copper is important for the formation of red blood cells and connective tissues.
• Phosphorus: Crab contains phosphorus, which is essential for bone health, energy metabolism, and the formation of DNA and RNA.
• Choline: Choline is an essential nutrient found in crabs that plays a role in brain health, metabolism, and other physiological processes.
• Sodium: Crab can be relatively high in sodium, so individuals who need to watch their sodium intake should be mindful of portion sizes and preparation methods.

How to Cook Crab

There are different ways to cook crab, from straightforward methods like steaming or boiling to complex dishes that highlight its inherent characteristics. 

Cooking techniques that are in demand include grilling, baking, and sautéing. The flesh may be utilized in a variety of cuisines, including sushi rolls, crab soup, and crab-stuffed mushrooms. Crab is a favourite component in both traditional and modern cooking because of its richness and adaptability.

Cooked crab delivers a distinctive and wonderful dining experience, whether it is eaten as the focal point of a spectacular seafood feast or as an ingredient in a savoury seafood dish. It is a wonderful gem of the sea and a favourite among seafood enthusiasts because of its delicate, sweet flavour and rich texture.

Crab Recipes

1. Crab Cakes

The world's seafood lovers have fallen in love with the delectable culinary treat called crab cakes. These delicious morsels are made with a tasty blend of crab flesh, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. They are normally fashioned into patties and pan-fried or baked until brown. Crab cakes offer a delicious contrast of textures and flavours with their crunchy outside and delicate, juicy inside.

The quality and freshness of the crab flesh are crucial for a delicious crab cake. The best type of crab meat to utilize is lump crab meat, which is made up of big, flavourful crab bits. Every bite has a sweet and briny flavour thanks to the tender picking of the flesh from the crab's body and claws.

Common components in traditional crab cake recipes include mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and Old Bay spice, which give the meal a tangy and fragrant flavour. These spices enhance the crab meat's subtle sweetness without dominating it.

Depending on regional tastes, there are many different methods to serve crab cakes. Some people eat them as an appetizer with some tangy rémoulade sauce or lemon juice. Others enjoy them as the main course of a meal, complemented by a side of creamy coleslaw or a bed of fresh greens.

Crab cakes continue to be a traditional favourite that perfectly captures the authentic flavours of the sea, whether they are eaten as a restaurant speciality or as a home-cooked treat. They are an appealing treat for seafood lovers worldwide because of their delicious flavours, luscious crab flesh, and crispy texture.

How To Make Crab Cakes

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh lump crab meat (make sure it's picked over for shells and cartilage)
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work well)
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Mix these wet ingredients until well combined.

Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the crab too much. You want the crab cakes to have nice chunks of crab.

Add the breadcrumbs, green onions, red bell pepper (if using), parsley, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the mixture holds together. If the mixture seems too wet, you can add more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise.

Form the mixture into crab cake patties. You can make them as small or as large as you prefer, but about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick is a good guideline.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the crab cakes into the hot oil and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Remove the crab cakes from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve the crab cakes hot with a side of your favourite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce or remoulade. You can also serve them on a bun as a crab cake sandwich.

2. Crab Bisque

Crab bisque is a luxurious and velvety soup that showcases the delicate and rich flavours of crab meat. This wonderful meal, which offers a symphony of tastes and a smooth, creamy texture, is a great pleasure for seafood lovers.

How To Make Crab Bisque

Ingredients

• 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté them until they become tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the bisque.

Gradually add the seafood or chicken broth to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf and Old Bay seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

Remove the bay leaf from the pot.

Carefully blend the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender until it's smooth and creamy. Be cautious with hot liquids in a blender; blend in small batches if necessary.

Return the soup to the pot if you use a regular blender.

Stir in the heavy cream and dry sherry (if using) and let the bisque simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, but do not let it come to a boil.

Gently fold in the lump crab meat and cook for a few more minutes until the crab is heated through.

Season the bisque with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the Old Bay seasoning if desired.

Serve the crab bisque hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. You can also serve it with a crusty bread or crackers on the side.

3. Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon is a delightful appetizer that has gained popularity in American Chinese cuisine. These bite-sized treats are made by filling wonton wrappers with a creamy combination of crab meat, cream cheese, and spices before being deep-fried until they are crispy and golden brown.

Cream cheese, crab meat (generally fake crab or tinned crab), green onions, garlic powder, and soy sauce make up the filling of a Crab Rangoon. To create little pockets of deliciousness, the mixture is delicately folded into the wonton wrappers. When deep-fried, wonton wrappers are crispy and golden, adding a delightful crunch to the creamy interior.

Crab Rangoon is commonly served as an appetizer alongside a sweet and sour or plum sauce for dipping. A delicious flavour combination that is both addicting and fulfilling is produced by the cream cheese's richness and the crab's salty undertones.

How To Make Crab Rangoon

Ingredients

• 8 oz (1 cup) lump crab meat, drained and flaked
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper (or to taste)
• 24-30 wonton wrappers
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Water for sealing the wontons
• Sweet and sour sauce or sweet chilli sauce for dipping

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, flaked crab meat, green onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ginger powder (if using), and white pepper. Mix everything until well combined.

Lay out a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of the crab and cream cheese mixture in the centre of the wrapper.

Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wonton wrapper. This will help seal the wrapper.

Fold the wonton wrapper diagonally to form a triangle, enclosing the filling. Press the edges to seal and remove any air bubbles.

You can leave them as triangles or bring the two opposite corners together and press to form a traditional purse-like shape. Make sure they are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.

Continue to fill and fold the remaining wonton wrappers until you've used up all of the filling.

In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can also use a deep fryer if you have one.

Carefully add the crab Rangoon in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes or until they turns golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

4. Ghanaian Akotonshi (Stuffed Crab)

Ghanaian Akotonshi, also known as "Stuffed Crab Shells," is a delightful and flavoursome dish that represents the rich culinary heritage of Ghana. This classic West African treat is a superb example of Ghanaian cuisine's inventive ingredient pairings and bright tastes.

The filling for Akotonshi is a concoction of cooked crab flesh, veggies, spices, and flavourful herbs. Typically, the crab flesh is combined with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and occasionally tomato paste to create a flavourful and fragrant dish. To enhance the taste, extra seasonings like ginger, thyme, and chilli peppers are frequently used.

The dish's characteristic look is achieved by spooning the mixture into moulds or crab shells. Usually deep-fried till golden and crispy, the packed crab shells have a pleasant texture that contrasts with the juicy interior.

Akotonshi is frequently offered as a main dish with a selection of sides, such as fried plantains, rice, or a crisp salad. Each mouthful is a treat because of the marriage of the crispy surface with the tasty, well-seasoned inside.

How To Make Ghana Akotonshi

Akotonshi, also known as stuffed crabs, is a delicious Ghanaian dish that features crab shells stuffed with a flavorful mixture of crabmeat, vegetables, and spices. Here's how to make Ghanaian akotonshi:

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Crabs:

• 4-6 fresh crab shells (crab bodies)
• 1 cup cooked crab meat (you can use canned crab or fresh crab meat)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (red and green)
• 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the Batter:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt to taste

Instructions

If you have fresh crab shells, clean and wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand. Remove any inedible parts.

Carefully break off the claws and set them aside to use in the stuffing. You can use a mallet to crack the shells if needed.

Rinse the crab shells again and let them drain.

In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the vegetables become tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the cooked crab meat and crab claws to the pan. Season with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring to combine all the ingredients.

Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Stuff each cleaned crab shell with the crab and vegetable mixture, making sure to pack it in well.

In a small bowl, make a batter by mixing the all-purpose flour with water until it's smooth. Add a pinch of salt to the batter.

Dip each stuffed crab shell into the batter, ensuring it's coated evenly.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan for frying over medium-high heat. It should be hot, but not smoking.

Carefully place the stuffed crab shells into the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the stuffed crabs from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Where To Buy Crab Cuts

You can typically find crab cuts or crab meat at various places, including seafood markets, grocery stores, and online seafood suppliers. You can also purchase crab cuts from us here at our African Food Store.