How easy is it to cook crab and remove meat?

10 replies

maggiethecat · 16/04/2011 15:14

I like a challenge but don't want to spend too much time on this (but would rather not use tinned crab)

OP posts:

HollyBollyBooBoo · 16/04/2011 17:05

A bit of a faff in legs/claws but worth it as taste is far superior compared to tinned. If I truly can't be bothered then I buy it from the fishmonger already picked but without a dressing so I can use it in crab cakes.

Original poster

maggiethecat · 16/04/2011 20:55

Fishmonger did say he might get some dressed crab but it might be a day late.

So, all I'd need to do is boil crab in big pot of water and when cool try to extract meat from claws and legs?

I want to do a crab linguine - how many crabs (size dependent I suppose) do you think I would need for 2 persons?

OP posts:

BuntyPenfold · 16/04/2011 22:27

Please please if you must cook crabs, follow the RSPCA guidelines and freeze them first :(

Original poster

maggiethecat · 17/04/2011 00:00

Have had a look and will look to freeze then de-nerve.

OP posts:

couldtryharder · 17/04/2011 08:43

I'm pretty sure I saw a programme on TV the other day when one of the big chefs (Angela Hartnett?) was cooking with crab. She tried some crab that was cooked and vaccum packed, not tinned, and she said that it was as good as fresh. I'm pretty sure you can buy it from Waitrose/Ocado. Might be worth a try as I reckon all that picking is hard work and if you it's the first time you've done it, you might miss a fair bit.

couldtryharder · 17/04/2011 08:46

Seafood and Eat It - Hand picked white crab meat. £4.99 for 100g. I reckon that would do crab linguini for two. Just checked. Def on Ocado so would have thought that Waitrose do carry it to.

GollyHolightly · 17/04/2011 08:50

I vaguely remember my mum telling me that there is a sac of poison somewhere in a crab. Make sure you find out and remove it.

couldtryharder · 17/04/2011 08:59

Dead man's fingers and I think they are the gills.

Original poster

maggiethecat · 17/04/2011 20:05

Have been out all day but thank you all.

Couldtryharder (love your name btw) I caught the second half of Angela's programme - did not see bit about vacuum packed - but inspiration came from her linguine dish. Will check out Waitrose tomorrow.

OP posts:

Original poster

maggiethecat · 19/04/2011 22:40

Got the Seafood and eat it from Waitrose - bought 2 packs bcos we're greedy. It was very nice. Dh kept asking about where I got the crab from etc, saying it was very fresh tasting.

Thanks a mil.

OP posts:

Flip