Re-heating Crabs

Re-heating and preparation instructions for Mid-Atlantic Steamed Blue Crabs

Important: Seafood is very perishable. It is recommended that someone be available to receive shipments from Mid-Atlantic Crab Co. upon delivery or shortly thereafter. If you are sending a gift to someone, please notify them when to expect delivery. If no one is available, and the package is left unattended for an extended period (especially in hot weather), we cannot guarantee that the seafood will remain in good condition.
If no one is available at time of delivery, package will be left with no signature required, unless otherwise specified.
If you have any questions regarding preparation or your order please call us toll free at 1-866-930-2722.

Steamed Blue Crabs:
Upon delivery remove crabs (and other seafood) immediately from the shipping container and remove gel packs. Discard shipping container and gell packs. Place in refrigerator with paper towels or newspaper underneath.

If eating cold:
Remove steamed crabs from plastic bag and unwrap paper. Let stand , room temperature, approximately 15 minutes for the full flavor of the crab to develop.
Make sure to cover your table with heavy brown craft paper or newspaper. Crabs can be served with warm butter, vinegar and extra seasoning for dipping. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy.

To Re-Heat:
In a large cooking pot place a raised rack in the bottom, minimum of 2 inches, so that the crabs do not touch the liquid. Add equal parts water, vinegar or beer, or all three depending on your tastes, just up to the bottom of the rack, have at least 1 inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot. Place pot on stove or grill cover and bring to a full boil. Carefully layer Mid-Atlantic hand selected crabs into the pot, if desired add additional seasoning to each layer. Put top on pot and let steam for approximately 6-8 minutes. To test, pull out a claw and crack it open, if the meat is hot the crabs are done. If not hot, continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes. Cooking any longer may dry out the crab meat.
Make sure to cover your table with heavy brown craft paper or newspaper. Crabs can be served with warm butter, vinegar and extra seasoning for dipping. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy.

Leftovers?:
Once steamed for a second time, crabs should not be re-heated. However you can pick the leftovers and fresh crabmeat can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3-5 days. Use on salads and for crab cakes.