Everything it’s crucial that you know about the South’s most-craved crustacean.
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Southerners love crabsand we have plenty of delicious crab recipes to prove it.
Fromcrab cakesto claws to legs tosalad, we can’t get enough of this delicate, luxurious seafood.
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But when it comes to cooking with crab, there are some important things you gotta know.
Here’s everything it’s crucial that you know about cooking with fresh or frozen crab.
Here’s a rundown of the most common varieties of crab you’ll find out there.
Jumbo lump crab meat is the best to use for crab cakes.Credit:Getty Images
Once cooked, however, the shells turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
They’re available fresh from spring to early summer, and frozen year-round.
Can I Substitute Different Kinds Of Crab In A Recipe?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
The claw and leg meat will have a more intense flavor than large body pieces.
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What’s The Best Kind Of Crab Meat?
Lump meat is made of slightly smaller white pieces and is good for pasta dishes or crab cakes.
How Long Does Crab Last In The Refrigerator?
Crabmeat is quickly perishable.
Use it within two or three days.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
Can Crab Be Frozen?
Without the protection of the shell or other ingredients, frozen crabmeat loses its tender texture and becomes stringy.
Cook whole crab before freezing, and never thaw and then refreeze.
What’s The Best Way To Thaw And Heat Crab Legs?
Thaw the legsovernight in the refrigerator for best texture.
