What Are Stone Crab Claws?
Stone crab claws are a favorite delicacy for many. These hors d’oeuvres are most popular in coastal areas like the Florida Keys, Sarasota, and the Gulf of Mexico. All it takes are the right ingredients and the right recipe and stone crab claws can be created within minutes.
Here’s an interesting fact about stone crabs: They aren’t hurt when they lose their claws. In fact, there is one thing that these creatures share with the starfish, and that is that they can regenerate their claws when pulled. The claws of a stone crab can grow back up to 4 times within a single lifespan, so removing them for food isn’t harmful.
Should the Crab Claws Be Cracked?
Any recipe for stone crab claws must include cracking open the claws to get to the meat. This process can be a challenge for most at first. But, with a little practice, anyone can become perfect in getting the meat out of each claw without much effort.
For easier prep, it’s best to steam the crab claws first. Steaming helps make it easier to crack them open. Once done, it’s a good idea to drain them and allow them to cool.
To prepare the claws. wrap them in a dish towel and grab a metal spoon. Take the back of the spoon and hit each claw hard until the shell cracks. From there, it should be easy to pull out the meat for dipping.
When cracking the claws, one should be cautious not to include any part of the shell in the meat. Simply inspect the meat closely and pull any noticeable shards out. These tiny pieces can be a choking hazard and are therefore best when avoided.
How Are Stone Crab Claws Cooked?
There are several ways to start a recipe for stone crab claws. They can be grilled, baked, or steamed. Most people typically enjoy a boiled version, as it ensures that the outer claw shell can be peeled away from the meat without a lot of trouble. Plus, the hot water can use some of the ingredients to help flavor the meat.
The most important thing is that most who live in Florida know that a good recipe for stone crab claws calls for them to be steamed for taste and texture. Plus, good steaming may help retain a lot of the essential vitamins along with the flavor.
Below are a few simple Florida stone crab claws recipes that everyone can enjoy for all occasions. Each recipe can be an inspiration for anyone to create their own appetizer with this popular treat.
Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Melted Butter
Most diehard seafood fans can agree that butter sauce is the way to go with any catch. A good Florida stone crab claws recipe is always more delicious when served with hot butter as a dipping sauce. One simple recipe that comes to mind involves only three ingredients, and that are the claws themselves, the sauce, and fresh lemon wedges.
Ingredients
- 32 large stone crab claws, chilled
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 1 lemon, sliced
Put the claws into a large steamer full of boiling water. Cover and steam claws for about 5 minutes on high or until thoroughly cooked. Set aside when done.
For the butter sauce, simply melt into a pan and set aside. Be careful not to brown the butter so that the flavor can be preserved. Set the butter sauce aside. Slice your lemon into wedges and put on a plate with the butter sauce.
Pull the claws from the steamer and allow them to cool for about 5-10 minutes. Carefully crack each claw and set aside on a plate or bowl and serve with the butter sauce and lemon wedges.
This recipe for stone crab claws is simple and only takes minute to prepare. It can be enjoyed alone or with a group of friends at a party. This Florida stone crab claws recipe is delicious and saves one time and money to prepare.
Florida Stone Crab Claws With Cilantro Butter
Anyone who wishes to add a little variety to their dipping sauce may do so at any time. Melted butter is an excellent condiment that can hold almost any flavoring for any food or snack. It can go both ways, either for something sweet or not. For a Florida stone crab claws recipe, butter sauce calls for creativity and inspiration for many.
Ingredients:
- 8 stone crab claws
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter, unsalted
- 2 fresh bay leaves
- 1 garlic clove
- garlic powder for flavor
- ice
- salt
- ground black pepper
Start by heating water in a pan. Add the bay leaves, the garlic clove, and the Old Bay seasoning. Next, flavor the mixture with a dash of the ground black pepper and salt for taste. Turn the heat to high and add in the crab claws. Bring to a boil.
Next, set the heat to a lower setting and cook the crab claws for 8 minutes if fresh. Cook for 5 minutes if the claws are frozen. Fill a separate bowl or pan with cold water, add in the ice, and set the cooked crab claws in to chill for about 5 minutes. Next, drain them and set aside for cracking and peeling.
Next, use a knife blade to gently break and pry open each crab claw. This can be done by turning the claw over and tapping it softly against the knife blade, then cracking each open with ease. Set aside while preparing the butter sauce.
Preparing the Butter Sauce
Any Florida stone crab claws recipe calls for melted butter, so this next step should be done with the utmost care. Simply add the butter in a nonstick pan along with the garlic powder and add in salt and pepper to taste.
Next, throw in the Old Bay seasoning and add the chopped cilantro. Blend well, then add in the crab meat and saute for about 7 minutes without stirring. Extra salt and pepper can be added as needed along with the Old Bay seasoning for more zest.
Once the crab claw meat is cooked thoroughly, it can be divided to serve two or more. It’s best to continue to drizzle this delicacy with the cilantro butter and serve it fresh off the grill.
Recipe for Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter Sauce
Another Florida stone crab claws recipe inspiration involves the use of garlic butter. Both condiments pair well together to bring forth a zesty taste of seasoned butter. Seafood in general does well with melted butter, and some of the best recipes for stone crab claws call for this.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of stone crab claws, about 7.05oz
- 1 bulb of fresh garlic or 3 cloves
- 1/2 stick of butter
- 1 batch of fresh parsley
Start preparing by chopping up the parsley and the garlic. Set each aside separately. Next, add 1/2 stick of butter to a pan and heat at a medium temperature without browning it. Slowly add the chopped, fresh garlic and blend it over the heat. Next, add in the stone crab claws and stir until thoroughly cooked. Throw in the chopped parsley and cover each claw with it.
Once the crab meat is cooked thoroughly, serve them with the garlic butter over them. Can be eaten as an hors d’oeuvre or a snack.
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