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MARYLAND

OLD BAY STEAMED BLUE CRABS

INGREDIENTS:

• 36 live blue crabs
• ½ cup seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
• ½ cup salt
• 3 cups beer
• 3 cups distilled white vinegar
• ¼ cup seafood seasoning

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine ½ cup seafood seasoning, salt, beer, and vinegar in a large stockpot over high heat. Bring to a strong simmer.
2. Right before cooking, carefully place each crab upside down and stick a knife through the shell, just behind the mouth.
3. Fit a screen over the beer mixture and layer the crabs on the screen. Be sure that the crabs are above the simmering liquid. Cover.
4. Steam crabs until they turn bright orange and all the blue/green color is gone, 20 – 30 minutes.  Sprinkle with remaining ¼ cup seafood seasoning before serving.