Description

This recipe is for Maryland-style steamed crabs, a popular dish in the state of Maryland. The crabs are steamed with a special seasoning and served with potatoes, corn, sausage, shrimp, and onions.


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup JO#2 crab seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
  • 12 live blue crabs
  • 6 potatoes, quartered
  • 6 ears of corn, cut in half
  • 2 onions, coarsely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 pound of sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Seasonings, to taste (optional)
  • Liquid butter (optional)
  • Cocktail sauce (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (optional)
  • White vinegar (optional)

Method

  1. In a large pot, add water, vinegar, and beer to create a steaming liquid. The liquid should be about 2 inches deep.
  2. Generously apply the JO#2 crab seasoning or a mixture of JO#2 and Old Bay to the live crabs.
  3. Layer the potatoes, corn, crabs, onions, garlic, sausage, and shrimp in the pot. Start with the potatoes and end with the shrimp.
  4. Steam the crabs for about 30 minutes, or until they turn bright red and the meat is cooked through. The shrimp will take the least amount of time to cook.