It is correct to steam hairy crabs for about 10 to 15 minutes.

The time for steaming hairy crabs is related to the size of the hairy crabs. For example, crabs with no more than 3 taels can be steamed for 10 minutes after boiling water, crabs with 4 taels can be steamed for 12 minutes after boiling, and crabs with more than 4 taels can be steamed for 12 minutes. For crabs, it takes about 15 minutes. Generally, the time needs to be extended by 2 minutes for every one or two more crabs. If you are not sure whether the hairy crabs are steamed, you can open the back cover of the hairy crabs. If you see that the crab meat inside the cover has solidified, it means that it has been steamed thoroughly.

Hairy crabs are steamed in a pot with cold water. Because the crabs are heated slowly, the steamed crab meat will be more tender and delicious. If steamed in hot water, the crab meat will not taste good. Pay attention to this! Before steaming the crabs, add a spoonful of cooking wine and a few slices of ginger to the pot. This can remove the fishy smell of the crabs and make them more delicious.

Tips for purchasing hairy crabs

1. Appearance

Choose crabs with intact, hard and smooth shells and avoid crabs with cracks, damage or falling off.

2. Weight

Heavier crabs usually mean more meat. You can gently lift the crab with your hands to feel the weight.

3. Limbs

Observe the legs and claws of the crabs, and choose crabs with enlarged, strong limbs, which usually means the crabs are full of meat.

4. Vitality

Choose lively and energetic crabs, which usually have more delicious meat. You can gently touch the crab's legs to see if it reacts.

5. Taste

Smell the crabs with your nose. Fresh crabs should have no peculiar smell and have a light ocean fragrance.