Crab Boil

Method

• Step-by-Step Method for Crab Boil
• Fill a large stockpot halfway with water
• Add beer to the pot with water
• Place the pot over high heat
• Add crab boil seasoning to the water
• Add bay leaves to the pot
• Add whole peppercorns to the pot
• Add mustard seeds to the pot
• Slice celery, onions, and garlic
• Add sliced celery, onions, and garlic to the pot
• Slice lemons into wedges
• Add half the lemon wedges to the pot (reserve the rest for serving)
• Add cayenne pepper to the pot for heat, to desired level
• Bring the seasoned broth to a rolling boil
• While broth heats, clean live crabs under cold running water
• Once boiling, carefully add live crabs to the pot using tongs
• Cover the pot and return to a boil
• Boil crabs for 10–15 minutes, until shells turn bright red and crab meat is cooked
• Using tongs, remove crabs and vegetables from the pot
• Drain well and transfer to a large platter or serving tray
• Arrange cooked crabs and vegetables, garnish with reserved lemon wedges
• Serve hot, optionally with extra boiled broth as dipping sauce
• Suggest accompaniments: crusty bread, simple salad, chilled beer or light white wine