Crab is your ideal choice if you're searching for a delicious seafood option packed with nutrients!
Crab is a low-fat and high-protein food that provides numerous health advantages.
In this blog post, we'll cover different ways to prepare crab and select the ideal crab. So whether you want to enjoy a nutritious meal or wow your guests at your next dinner party, this blog post has everything you need!
Benefits of Eating Crab
Crab offers consumers a range of nutritional benefits, with each type having its advantages. Blue crab, for instance, provides protein, phosphorus, and selenium, while Dungeness crab contains copper and zinc.
Eating Crab for Health
Eating crab can provide many health benefits due to the presence of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and zinc.
For instance, omega-3s help reduce inflammation throughout the body while selenium supports thyroid function; furthermore, zinc aids immunity support as well as wound healing.
How to Prepare Crab
One popular method for cooking crab is boiling. This straightforward procedure only takes a few minutes and requires only some basic supplies: a large pot of water, a steamer basket, and some fresh crab. For added flavor, add herbs or spices to the water as well.
Begin by filling your pot with enough water to cover the crab completely.
Bring this to a boil and carefully add the crab to a steamer basket.
Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until done cooking through; once removed from the pot and cooled, enjoy!
Baking Crab
Another popular way to prepare crab is by baking it in the oven. This method takes longer than boiling, but the outcome is a moist, tender crab with plenty of flavors. You only need fresh crabs, butter, garlic, and lemon juice to bake crab.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat it while you clean and remove crab shells.
Melt some butter in a baking dish with garlic and lemon juice for flavor, then add crabs evenly coated in this butter mixture. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until crabs are cooked through.
Grilling Crab
Grilling crab is an excellent way to enjoy its flavor while getting some grill char outside. All you need are fresh crabs, butter, garlic, lemon juice, skewers, or a grill basket for grilling purposes.
If using skewers, thread the crabs onto them and brush them with butter. Alternatively, if using a grill basket, place the crabs inside and brush them with butter.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding your crabs; cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let cool before enjoying!
How to Select the Ideal Crab
When selecting a crab, the initial step should always be ensuring it's fresh.
There are several telltale signs you can look for to tell if a crab is fresh:
- First, the body should remain undamaged.
- Second, the gills should appear red and moist.
- Third, the claws should be securely closed.
- Finally, the crab should be free of visible slime.
If the crab you're considering meets all these criteria, it is likely fresh and will make for an exquisite meal.
How to Select Quality Crab from the Grocery Store
When purchasing crab from your neighborhood grocery store, there are a few steps you can take to guarantee you receive top-notch products:
- First, confirm your package's "sell by" date to ensure it is current.
- Next, look for crabs individually packaged rather than in bulk containers.
- Finally, steer clear of crabs that have been frozen and thawed multiple times, as these will not be as fresh.
By following these easy tips, you can be sure to get fresh crab that will taste fantastic when prepared correctly.
How to Buy Fresh Crab from the Market
When purchasing fresh crab from a market, there are several things you should take into consideration:
- The market should be kept tidy and well organized.
- Crabs should always be stored on ice, not exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Be sure to ask the vendor when the crab was caught and ensure it is within the past day or two.
By following these guidelines, you can be sure to get fresh crab of superior quality.
Conclusion
Eating crab is an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients, but selecting the right crab and preparing it correctly is essential.
There are three primary methods for cooking crab - boiling, baking, or grilling. Each has its advantages, so select one that best meets your requirements.
When selecting a crab for consumption, look for signs of freshness, such as clear eyes and an empty shell.
You may also ask store staff at your market if they can assist in selecting fresh crab. With some effort put into selecting crab dishes, you'll enjoy delicious and healthy dishes anytime!
