How to Reheat Cooked Crabs
One of our most frequently asked questions is ‘How do I reheat my cooked blue crabs?’ A fantastic question (keep them coming!) that deserves a clarifying answer. In this article, we’ll address this inquiry as well as provide you with oodles of reheating options!
Do I need to reheat my blue crabs?
The awesome thing about all of Cameron’s Maryland Blue Crabs is that they come fully cooked, ready-to-eat, and already seasoned. The crabs are caught, steamed, cooled, and shipped the very same day, ensuring the freshest (and bestest) quality. Reheating crabs is more of a matter of preference, whether you prefer eating them either hot or chilled.
For those that like their crabs hot and toasty, here are 4 of our preferred ways to reheat.
Steaming Method
Steaming is the most common method of reheating blue crabs. As for equipment, you’ll need a large pot outfitted with a steamer tray or basket. Add water to the bottom of the pot, filling to just below the basket, and bring to a boil. Once ample steam is visible, carefully add the crabs to the basket. Only stack the crabs about 2-3 high (depending on the size of your steamer), working in batches if necessary, and leaving ample room for the steam to circulate around the crabs. Be careful not to submerge the crabs in the water as well. If the boiling water is up and over the basket, remove a few ladle-fulls before adding the crabs. Steam for 10 minutes or until hot.
Microwave Method
This is a handy method for reheating a few crabs, if you happen to have 2-3 leftover from your original crab feast. Place crabs on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel (this will help maintain moisture). Microwave on high for 1-1 1/2 minutes or until hot.
Oven Method
This is a great way to reheat a large batch of crabs, 12+, as it will ensure the whole batch will be reheated at the same time (as opposed to just 2-3 with microwaving and, possibly, 6+ with steaming). Preheat oven to 350-375°F. Place a wire rack inside a large roasting pan and fill with water to just under the rack (approx. 1-inch). Place crabs on top of the wire rack, shingled or lightly stacked if necessary. Loosely tent the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the crabs are hot.
Grilling Method
If you’re camping or feeling cramped in your kitchen, the grilling method is pretty convenient. Aside from the standard grill tools (tongs, especially), you will need a heat-proof metal pan to act as our water-tray. Preheat one side of a gas grill to medium heat. If working with a charcoal grill, prep coals, and, once the coals are hot, push them over to one side of the grill. The side with the coals or the side with the flame will be our ‘direct heat’ side and the side opposite that will be our ‘in-direct heat’. Place a pan, filling half-full with water, on the direct heat side of the grill. Cover the grill and wait for the water to steam. Once steaming, place the crabs (working in batches if necessary) on the in-direct side of the grill. Close the lid once more and cook for 10-15 minutes or until hot. Depending on your grill, you may need to rotate the crabs halfway through the reheat, those that may be closest to the direct heat side might warm faster than those further away.
Ready for the Crab Feast?
Say goodbye to the hassle of dealing with fake, undersized, and overpriced blue crabs! You deserve the best crabs in the world, delivered right to your door. We have oodles of blue crab options available on our website, from jumbo to standard. Click the link here to explore more!
About the author
Patterson Watkins is a professional chef with over 17 years of experience. With a robust career in restaurants, contract dining and catering (including 4 Summer Olympic posts preparing food for the athletes!) Patterson joined the Cameron’s Seafood team at the end of 2018 to concoct some delicious recipes with our premium seafood items as the centerpiece.
