Crab is a seafood that can elevate any dish to the next level. However, it can also be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with the different types and sizes of crabs available.
For example, jumbo and colossal crabs are more expensive than smaller ones, so they should be reserved for special occasions. But when it comes to eating crab at home, there are several simple tips that you can follow to make sure your crab dishes turn out deliciously.
Choose Whole Crabs
Crabs are a favorite food for many people, and there are various crab dishes to choose from. When choosing crab dishes in a restaurant, it is important to ensure that the whole crabs are fresh and flavorful. Keeping the crab alive until just before cooking helps to keep the meat as fresh and flavourful as possible. It also prevents toxins from building up in the tomalley, which is located inside the crab’s digestive organ. When buying live crabs, look out for crabs that move around freely and smell fresh fish. Avoid crabs that smell of ammonia or rotting, as these will taste bad and go off quickly in the pan. Next, open the crab’s body and scrape out the crab’s lungs, which will appear as feathery cones on the side of the crab. Eating these crab lungs is unsafe, but they are not toxic and can be removed.
Choose a Location
When choosing crab dishes in a restaurant, the location can make or break the experience. You want to find a family-friendly place just like the best crab restaurant in San Francisco that has a kid’s menu and offers seating options for all your diners. The best place to start is by researching what type of crabs the restaurant uses. This will allow you to determine which dish you should try first.
You can choose from several different crabs, including claw, special and backfin. You can also customize your dish with a few other ingredients, like a dash of Worcestershire sauce, minced red bell pepper or Dijon mustard for a touch of acidity and zesty tang. Using the right ingredients will give your dish a winning flavor and a delicious finish. The best part is that your dish will only take about 30 minutes to prepare! You can even assemble the dish ahead of time to save yourself some time during busy dinner hours.
Choose a Sauce
A sauce is a great way to add flavor to your crab dish. The key is to choose a sauce that complements the sweetness of crab without overpowering it. The best way to do this is by choosing a sauce low in sodium, fat and extras like cheese or meat. The Nutrition Facts Panel will tell you this information for the sauce you’re considering. A seasoned butter sauce is the perfect pairing for steamed crab legs. You can make a basic butter sauce with a little lemon juice or spice it up with garlic and red chili flakes for an exciting twist on the classic.
Choose a Side Dish
Crab legs are a delicious meal, but if you want to make it more exciting, you need to serve some simple and tasty side dishes. If you want to keep it light and refreshing, then opt for a salad, or for a heavier meal, go for a corn cake. If you are looking for a healthier option, try roasted vegetables. They look gorgeous, taste great, and pair perfectly with crab cakes. Mashed potatoes are another delicious and easy option that complements crab. Try twice-baked garlic mashed potatoes to add even more flavor.
Choose a Dessert
A great seafood meal isn’t complete without a dessert to finish it off. Choosing the right one can make or break your experience. The best desserts to pair with crab dishes offer balance, which compliments rather than competes with the flavor of the dish you just consumed. These options include fruit-based pies, frozen desserts, gelato and sorbet. Another good option is a light salad that compliments the crab flavors while keeping the meal light. Lemon rice pilaf is also a nice choice since it is refreshing and comforting.
Choose a Drink
When deciding on a drink to pair with crab dishes, it is important to pick a drink that complements the delicate flavors of crab. Darker liquors can mask subtle tastes, so light and refreshing drinks are a good choice.
For example, both ideal choices are gin and tonic or a Tom Collins. These cocktails have a crisp and refreshing citrus flavor that compliments the delicate crab meal without overpowering it. White rum is also a popular choice. This is because a sweet white rum pairs well with tender and slightly sweet crab meat. It is also popular for spicy crab dishes like a crab boil. A semi-dry or sweet Riesling is a perfect match for this dish as it counters the heat from the red pepper flakes and hot sausage.
