Steamed rock crab is so delicious and fast to make. Ready in under 7 minutes, this rock crab recipe will be an amazing appetizer or a main dish, just add some sides like potatoes or grilled corn on the cob. Super easy and quick recipe that everyone can make.

Its easy to cook crab at home. At first you will need to know if you bought a fresh raw crab or already cooked. To reheat cooked rock crab you will need 10 minutes less in the steamer so its important to know if your rock crab is actually cooked or not.

How to steam rock crab

Start with preparing your steamer. It could be a large pot with steamer basket, a pressure cooker with steamer function or actually a real steamer.

Add water to the bottom of your steamer. Add old bay seasoning. This is a classic seasoning for seafood and for a good reason. The seafood smells and tastes delicious!

I like to add a pinch of cayenne too. It will not make the crab spicy but it will make it more fragrant. Place a steamer basket in to the seasoned water and place rock crab on top. Use your steamer according to manufacturer instructions.

Once done carefully pull crab out and sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for presentation.

Great way to enjoy rock crab is with potatoes (boiled or roasted), some other roasted vegetables, grilled cob on a cob, sauteed veggies. Dip crab claws into butter (with garlic and chopped parsley!), tartar sauce or try this delicious maple aioli.

Is it good to eat

This crab is delicious! You can find meat in claws and in the body under the sell. Legs are very thin and short and best used in making stocks and broths as a soup base. There are lots of recipes based on rich crab stock too, so you can use it in a variety of ways.

I like to eat rock crab claws meat. Its enough to enjoy by dipping in butter. The crab body doesn't have that much meat and it will take you some time to pull it out. But believe me it will worth it!

Where to buy rock crab

Since rock crab has to be eaten as soon as its caught, its best to buy it straight from the fishermen. If buying online, rock crabs are usually already steamed and only need to be heated through. Sometimes when you buy frozen rock crabs, packages only come full of claws only. Very convenient!

Side dishes

Oh my favorite side dishes for this recipe is corn on the cob or boiled or roasted potatoes. If you are making dinner for a group of people, prepare some coleslaw or potato salad. It always goes well with the company of people.

If its a summertime, steam some artichokes or roast or grill vegetable like zucchinis or asparagus. Don't forget about melted butter and cornbread on the side. For young children make some macaroni and cheese. All kids love that!

Leftovers

Its easy to store rock crab leftovers. Just place the crab in the fridge in the large container with the lid for up to 3 days. Seafood goes bad quickly so don't let crab sit in the fridge for too long. Do not freeze. Reheat in the steamer for one-two minutes. Don't overcook otherwise rock crab will become dry and tough.

More seafood recipes

• Air fryer frozen tilapia
• Fluke ceviche
• Baked skate wing
• Sole recipe
• Frozen stuffed clams in air fryer
• Whole striped bass
• Crab guacamole
• Air fryer crab legs

Hope you enjoy this recipe. Please rate it and let me know in comments if you have any questions.