Steamed Crabs in Maryland What to Expect at Your Local Maryland Crab House

A Guide to Steamed Crabs in Maryland

Of all the mouth-watering meals in Maryland, steamed crabs are the most popular. People pack the backyards and crab houses all across Baltimore and the state to consume the local treasure and eat the blue crabs, seasoned and cooked to perfection, in union. Happiness and extreme satisfaction are the staples of this cultural phenomenon, and it is all attainable by just packing in the people, getting the fresh crab from the water, and preparing it. Each gathering is a convenience of his union to the food created. The essence lies in the culture and is wrapped in tradition. To a newcomer, this experience could be an intensely exciting event or a form of leisure, stepping into one of the crab houses. Thankfully, there is a guide to walk you through every detail of how to properly enjoy the crabs. Get prepared to steam the crabs for a feast and enjoy. This is a guide to your first feast.

Maryland’s Love for Steamed Crabs

The Maryland blue crab, or Callinectes sapidus, is famous for its sweet, tender meat. While these crabs are found along the Atlantic coast, they are most closely associated with the Chesapeake Bay. The bay’s unique environment provides the ideal conditions for blue crabs to thrive, making them a plentiful and delicious local resource.

What makes Maryland crabs truly special is the way they’re prepared. They are steamed, not boiled, which helps lock in their natural flavor and moisture. This cooking method, combined with a generous coating of a zesty seasoning blend (most famously J.O. Spice or Old Bay), creates a flavor that is uniquely Maryland. Sharing a pile of these hot, seasoned crabs with friends and family is a social ritual that defines summer in the state.

What to Expect at a True Maryland Crab House

A genuine steamed crab house in Maryland is an experience in itself. Forget white tablecloths and fancy decor; these establishments are all about casual, communal fun. When you walk in, you’ll likely see tables covered in brown paper, with wooden mallets, knives, and rolls of paper towels at the ready. The atmosphere is lively and relaxed. The main event is the pile of bright red, freshly steamed crabs dumped directly onto the center of your table. The process is hands-on and wonderfully messy. You’ll use a mallet to crack the claws and a knife to pry open the shell to get to the succulent meat inside. Don’t worry if you’re a first-timer; part of the fun is learning the technique, and friendly staff or neighboring tables are usually happy to offer a quick tutorial. It’s a place to roll up your sleeves and enjoy a truly authentic meal.

How Maryland Crab Houses Steam Their Crabs

The authentic Maryland method for preparing steamed crabs is a time-honored process that prioritizes flavor. It’s a simple yet precise technique that makes all the difference.

First, live blue crabs are layered in a large steamer pot. Each layer is generously dusted with a coarse, savory seasoning blend. This seasoning, typically a mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, and other spices, is what gives Maryland crabs their signature kick. A mixture of water and often beer or vinegar is added to the bottom of the pot. As the liquid boils, it creates a flavorful steam that cooks the crabs through. This steaming process takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size and quantity of the crabs. The result is perfectly cooked, juicy crab meat infused with that iconic spicy seasoning. This method ensures the crabs aren’t waterlogged, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through.

Understanding Crab Sizes Before You Order

When you’re looking for the “best crab near me in Baltimore,” you’ll notice that crabs are sold by size, and prices vary accordingly. Here’s a quick guide to what the different sizes mean, though exact measurements can vary slightly between crab houses:

• Regular (or Small): Up to 5.5 inches. These are the smallest and most affordable options, great for a light meal or when you want a larger quantity.
• Medium: 5.5 to 6 inches. A popular choice, offering a good balance of meat and price.
• Large: 6 to 6.5 inches. These crabs have more meat and are a bit easier to pick. They’re a satisfying option for most appetites.
• X-Large (or Jumbo): 6.5 to 7 inches. These are hefty crabs with plenty of sweet, chunky meat, especially in the claws.
• Jumbo (or Colossal): 7 inches and up. The largest of the bunch, these are a true treat. They offer the most meat and are perfect for a special occasion.

Most crab houses sell crabs by the half-dozen or dozen, allowing you to mix and match sizes to fit your group’s hunger and budget.

Popular Dishes Served with Steamed Crabs

While steamed crabs are the star of the show, a true Maryland crab feast includes a variety of delicious sides. These dishes complement the main course and complete the meal. Some popular choices you’ll find at a local crab house include:

• Steamed Corn: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is a classic pairing that provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy seasoning on the crabs.
• Steamed Shrimp: Often prepared with the same seasoning as the crabs, steamed shrimp are another seafood favorite.
• Crab Cakes: Maryland is famous for its crab cakes, made with lump crab meat and minimal filler. It’s a great way to enjoy crab without the work.
• Maryland Crab Soup: A tomato-based vegetable soup filled with crab meat, offering a hearty and flavorful start to your meal.
• Cream of Crab Soup: A rich, creamy alternative that’s packed with delicate crab flavor.
• Hush Puppies or Coleslaw: These classic Southern-style sides are perfect for balancing out the savory seafood.

Visit Cravin’ Crabs Today

Ready to experience an authentic Maryland crab feast for yourself? At Cravin’ Crabs, we honor the traditions that make Baltimore crabs so special. As a family-owned crab house, we’ve perfected our steaming process over generations, using the freshest blue crabs and a perfect blend of seasoning. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, we invite you to gather your friends and family and enjoy the best steamed crabs Baltimore has to offer.

Come by and pick up a dozen (or two) and discover why this messy, delicious meal is a Maryland institution.