Seafood lovers, rejoice! Did you know that a 1 medium, NFS (yield after cooking, shell removed) steamed hard shell crab only contains 48 calories? Yes, you heard it right. You can now indulge in your favorite seafood dish without feeling guilty.

Apart from being low in calories, a steamed hard shell crab is also packed with nutrients that are beneficial to your health. This crab is an excellent source of protein and contains essential minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, and zinc. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain health and reduce inflammation in your body.

In this article, we'll share some tips on how to cook the perfect steamed hard shell crab that will bring out its natural sweet flavor. We'll also discuss the best seasonings to use and why steaming is the healthiest way to cook crab. Furthermore, we'll explore the history, benefits, best practices, and serving suggestions for steamed hard shell crab. So, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this delicious seafood dish.

Healthy Nutrients in a Steamed Hard Shell Crab

If you're looking for a healthy seafood dish, steamed hard shell crab is an excellent choice. This crab is low in calories and high in nutrients that can benefit your body. One medium-sized steamed hard shell crab contains around 17 grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. It also provides 35% of your daily value of selenium, an essential mineral that supports your immune system and regulates thyroid hormones. Moreover, steamed hard shell crab is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect your heart and brain health. It contains phosphorus and zinc that build strong bones and support wound healing. Overall, steamed hard shell crab is a nutritious and tasty seafood dish that you can enjoy guilt-free.

How to Cook the Perfect Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Steamed hard shell crab is a classic seafood dish that is best enjoyed fresh and simple. While it may seem intimidating to cook crab at home, it's actually quite easy and straightforward. First, you need to choose a live crab that is active, heavy for its size, and has no cracks or holes in the shell. You can also opt for frozen crab if fresh is not available. In that case, you need to thaw it first according to the package instructions. To cook the crab, fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab and add a steamer basket on top. Bring the water to a boil and place the crab in the steamer basket. Cover the pot and steam the crab for 10-12 minutes, depending on its size. The crab is ready when its shell turns bright red and the legs are easy to remove. Serve the crab with melted butter and lemon wedges for a classic and delicious seafood meal.

The Best Seasonings for Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Steamed hard shell crab is naturally sweet and flavorful that it doesn't need much seasoning to taste great. However, adding a few ingredients can enhance its taste and aroma, depending on your preference. One of the most popular ways to season steamed hard shell crab is by using Old Bay seasoning, a blend of spices that includes celery seed, paprika, and mustard. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder, black pepper, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. For a more Asian-style seasoning, you can mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, with some chopped scallions and ginger for a sweet and tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can also try Cajun seasoning or butter and herbs for a different taste. The possibilities are endless!

Why Steaming is the Healthiest Way to Cook Crab

Crab is a delicate seafood that requires gentle cooking to preserve its natural flavor and texture. While there are many ways to cook crab, steaming is considered the healthiest and the easiest method. Here's why: Steaming crab preserves its nutrients and reduces the need for additional fats or oils, making it a low-calorie and low-fat meal that is suitable for people watching their weight. It also keeps the crab moist and succulent, preventing it from drying out or becoming tough. Moreover, steaming crab is very simple and fast, requiring only a few minutes of preparation and cooking time. You don't need to add much seasoning or sauce to steamed crab, as it has a natural sweet and briny taste that shines through. Overall, steaming is the best way to enjoy the full flavor and nutrition of crab.

The History of Steamed Hard Shell Crab

The tradition of steaming crab dates back to the Chesapeake Bay region in the United States, where blue crabs are abundant and widely consumed. The Native Americans and the English settlers used to hunt and fish for crabs in the Bay, and they developed various methods to prepare them for food. One of the most popular ways was to steam the crabs with water and vinegar or beer, which added flavor and tenderized the meat. The crab was then served with melted butter, corn on the cob, and potato chips, creating a classic seafood feast that is still enjoyed today. Over time, steamed hard shell crab has become an iconic dish of the Chesapeake Bay region, celebrated in festivals, restaurants, and home kitchens. It represents the unique cultural heritage and culinary legacy of the Bay, and it continues to delight seafood lovers all around the world.

The Benefits of Eating Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Apart from being delicious and nutritious, steamed hard shell crab offers several benefits for your health and well-being. First, the protein in crab can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing your appetite and preventing overeating. It can also boost your metabolism and help build muscle mass, making it ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Second, the essential fatty acids in crab can improve brain function, memory, and mood, and protect against depression and anxiety. They can also reduce inflammation in your body and promote heart health, lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Choosing the Best Crab for Steaming

To enjoy the best steamed hard shell crab, you need to choose the right type and quality of crab. Here are some tips to help you choose the best crab for steaming: First, look for live crabs that are active and responsive to touch, indicating that they are fresh and healthy. Avoid crabs that are lethargic, slimy, or have a foul odor, as they may be dead or spoiled. Second, choose crabs that are heavy and dense for their size, as this indicates that they are meaty and have a higher yield. Female crabs may have less meat, but they are sweeter and richer in eggs, making them a delicacy for some people. Male crabs are more abundant and have a cheaper price, but they may have a stronger taste or a harder shell.

Variations of Steamed Hard Shell Crab Recipes

While steamed hard shell crab is delicious on its own, you can also try different recipes and flavors to spice things up. Here are some variations of steamed hard shell crab recipes to try: Crab legs and claws: If you prefer big chunks of crab meat, you can steam crab legs and claws separately and serve them with dipping sauce or melted butter. Crab cakes: If you like crab but don't want to deal with the shell, you can make crab cakes by using crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to form patties that you can fry, bake, or broil. Serve the crab cakes with remoulade sauce, tartar sauce, or aioli for a tasty appetizer or main dish.

Serving Suggestions for Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Steamed hard shell crab is a versatile seafood dish that can be served in many ways, depending on the occasion and the preference of the diners. For a classic Chesapeake-style feast, serve the steamed crab with melted butter, corn on the cob, potato chips, and a cold beer or soda. Use a mallet or a crab cracker to break the shell and extract the meat, and enjoy the sweet and briny flavor with your fingers. For a more elegant presentation, you can remove the meat from the crab and use it in salads, sandwiches, soups, or pasta. The crab meat pairs well with avocado, cucumber, grapefruit, and herbs, and adds a rich and delicate flavor to any dish. You can also garnish the crab meat with lemon zest, chives, or caviar for a touch of luxury.

Cultural Significance of Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Steamed hard shell crab is more than just a seafood dish; it is also a cultural icon and a source of pride for the Chesapeake Bay region and the crabbing communities that reside there. The tradition of steaming crab represents the unique identity and heritage of the Bay, and it has become a symbol of unity, resilience, and creativity for the people who live and work there. The crabbing industry supports many local businesses, including restaurants, seafood markets, and festivals, and it has a significant impact on the economy and the environment of the Bay. Furthermore, steamed hard shell crab has inspired many artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers to create works that capture its beauty and its spirit. From paintings and poems to songs and documentaries, steamed hard shell crab has left a mark on the cultural landscape of the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.