How To Pick Crabs

The Tawes Crab & Clambake
Photo Credit: Charlotte Scott

Steamed Maryland crabs are definitely not fast food. They are also not for very formal people. After all, you will be eating right off the table with your hands. A Maryland crab feast should be a leisurely afternoon or evening spent with good company. It is practically a seasonal rite for most residents and regular visitors to the Eastern Shore.

Of course, you might find you are a bit slow when you start. The first time eating a steamed Maryland crab, you may want the help of a veteran picker. They will probably have a good laugh at your expense while you learn, but by the end of the meal you will be having such a good time it won't matter. And after just a few bites of the sweet treat, you'll be hooked on this Chesapeake delicacy.

Prepare The Table
Steamed crabs are probably best eaten outside at a picnic table because they can be a bit messy. Have a trash can near by. Lay down the following in the order given:
- Plastic table cloth to keep juices from dripping through
- Brown craft paper or paper grocery bags cut open
- Dump a pile of crabs on the table for folks to eat or serve from a large tray or bowl.
Select a Crab
Take a nice heavy crab, just out of the pot and steaming. Remove the claws and set aside for later. You'll need a crab knife (a butter or steak knife will do). A wood crab mallett will be helpful for cracking the claws. Also be sure to have lots of beer and/or soda on hand.
Getting Started
Pull the big pincher claws off the crab and save for later. Pull the hind legs (the back fin) off with a twisting motion. Sometimes some meat will come out with it - bite that off. Yum!
Pull Off The Other Legs
Some folks will snap open the legs for a small bite of meat - but there isn't much there so you might wait till you get faster at this. Throw away the legs and move on...
Remove The Apron
Turn the crab over so you're looking at the bottom. Insert the tip of your knife into the apron. Pull it up and back. This detaches the top shell.
Remove the Top Shell
Turn the crab over again, right-side up. Now you can take off the top shell and discard it.
Removing the Gills
You'll see the gills and mustard. Using your knife, clean these away.
Eating The Crab Meat
Take the remaining crab in your hands. Snap it in two and all that luscious crab meat will be revealed. You can use your knife to peel the shell away from the meat, or...
- Using your knife, slice each half in half again lenthwise. Use your knife to pick the meat from the shells.
Eating The Claws
Don't forget the claws you set aside. Use your knife and wooden mallet to crack them open.
- There are two main sections in the claw - ignore the elbow.
- Place the sharp edge of your knife in the middle of one section.
- Tap the dull side of your knife with the mallet until the shell breaks. (This takes practice - not too hard - not too light.) Pull the exposed meat off with your fingers or your teeth.
Clean Up
Roll up your craft paper and all the discarded shells and paper towels and put it in the trash outside. Be sure you don't throw away any knives or mallets etc.
- Hose down your table cloth and the general area and pick up any shells.

When you're finished - plan your next feast right away.

How To Steam Blue Crabs

Other Recipes

In addition to table coverings you will need the following:
sharp paring knives
wooden mallets
several rolls of paper towels

If you want to protect your table from the dings made by mallets and claws, start by laying down several folded newspapers for padding.

Steamed crabs can be eaten just as they are. They have plenty of spices and they are very rich by themselves. However there are some folks who do like to have drawn butter or vinegar available for dipping.

Some folks eat the mustard found under the shell, but it is not generally recommended.

The gills are sometimes called Devil Fingers and are never eaten.

Crab spices can burn very badly if you touch tender places like your eyes. Avoid scratching and be sure to wash your hands very thoroughly.

If you decide to eat crabs indoors (you are very brave) be sure to protect your floors and do your clean up right away.

Moms and Dads often have to help their little ones with the picking. Take turns helping the kids so you each get to enjoy the crabs too!

Don't let those crabs go to waste. If you get full and there are any crabs left, be sure and pick the meat, put it in ziplock bags and pop them in the fridge. Refridgerated crab meat will last a few days. You can also freeze crab meat for up to three months.

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