Steaming crabs is usually done with hot water.

Using hot water cooks the crabs faster and keeps their tender texture better. Usually, the crabs are placed in a steamer or steamer basket with the right amount of boiling water and then steamed over high heat. The steaming time depends on the size of the crab and personal taste preference.

The crabs will release water during the steaming process. To prevent the crabs from overflowing, you can make a few small holes in the lid of the steamer to allow the excess water to evaporate. During the steaming process, open the lid of the steamer at the right time to release the steam, so that too much steam will not cause the crab to become soft or taste bad.

When the crab turns red and takes on the color of parboiled, it means it has been steamed. Remove the crabs immediately to avoid the texture becoming too hard due to further steaming. After steaming is complete, seasonings such as garlic and chili can be added to enhance the flavor of the crab according to personal taste.

Notes on steaming crabs

1. Choose fresh crabs: Before steaming the crabs, make sure that you choose fresh, live crabs. The shells of the crabs should be intact and not broken or cracked.

2. Clean the crabs: Soak the crabs in water for a few moments, then gently brush the shells and abdomens with a brush or toothbrush to remove surface dirt and impurities.

3. Prepare the steamer: Choose a steamer of suitable size and put some clean water in the bottom. Don't use too much water so that it doesn't get inside the crab and affect the flavor.

4, add seasonings: add appropriate amount of ginger, scallion, cooking wine and other seasonings to the water in the steamer to enhance the fresh flavor of the crab.

5, arrange the crabs: place the cleaned crabs evenly on the steamer tray of the steamer. Try to place the crabs with their backshells facing upwards so that they will steam more evenly.

6, control the steaming time: according to the size and type of crab, control the steaming time. Generally speaking, small and medium-sized crabs can be steamed for 10-15 minutes, while large crabs may take longer.