Description
A classic East Coast delicacy, these Maryland-style steamed blue crabs are infused with vinegar and apple cider, then generously seasoned with Maryland crab seasoning for bold, briny flavor. Perfect for a festive gathering or a seafood treat at home.
Ingredients
¾ cup apple cider
¾ cup plain white distilled vinegar
Live Maryland blue crabs (about 3–6 per person, depending on size)
Maryland crab seasoning (such as J.O. Spice or Old Bay), to taste, plus extra for serving
Melted butter, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider and vinegar into the bottom of a large steamer pot to create about 1 inch of liquid. Bring it to a rolling boil.
- Place a single layer of live blue crabs into the steamer basket and sprinkle generously with crab seasoning.
- Continue layering crabs and seasoning—up to 3 or 4 layers—while keeping the liquid boiling below.
- Cover the pot tightly and steam the crabs for 8–12 minutes depending on size: 12 minutes for large, 10 for medium, and 8 for small crabs.
- While crabs steam, set up a table with newspaper or brown paper for easy cleanup.
- Once crabs are done, carefully dump them onto the table and repeat the steaming process for remaining crabs.
- Serve immediately with extra seasoning and melted butter on the side, if desired.
Notes
Add sliced onions or garlic to the steaming liquid for extra aroma.
Dungeness or other crab varieties can be substituted if blue crabs are unavailable.
Mix different crab seasonings to create a custom flavor.
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicier version.
Store leftover crabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat crabs in a steamer for about 5 minutes; avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4–6 crabs
- Calories: 895
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1580mg
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 93g
- Cholesterol: 315mg
