The best way to steam river crabs is for about 15 minutes.

If it is a big river crab, above 2 taels in size, it is best to steam it for about 15 minutes; if it is a smaller river crab, between 1-2 taels in size, it is best to steam it for about 12 minutes; if it is about 2 minutes more for every additional 2 taels, the steaming time will be increased by about 2 minutes. Overall, it is best to steam for about 7 minutes per 500 grams.

Additionally, if you are not sure whether the hairy crabs have been steamed or not, you can break the back cover of the hairy crabs during the steaming process, and if you see that the crab meat inside the cover has solidified, then it means that it has been steamed. Or open the lid of the hairy crab, if the crab yolk has solidified, then it means that the hairy crab has been steamed. It is important to note that when steaming river crabs, you should turn the crab over and place it on its side, so as to prevent the crab yolk and crab paste from flowing out.

River crab buying tips

1, look at the appearance: fresh river crabs should be brightly colored, limbs intact, not broken or missing. At the same time, the abdomen should be full, and the crab shell should be smooth and shiny, without spots or water damage.

2. Look at the vigor: fresh river crabs should be lively, strong and responsive. You can gently touch its eyes or crab pincers with your fingers to observe its reaction. If it reacts quickly, it means the river crab is fresh.

3, look at the weight: the same size of the river crab, the heavier the weight indicates that the meat is fuller. Therefore, you can use your hands to weigh the weight of the crab and choose the heavier one.

4, look at the place of origin: the taste and quality of river crabs from different places of origin are also different, generally speaking, the river crabs from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai and other places have a better taste and are more delicious.