Go Back
–+ servings
How To Clean Fresh Crab

How To Clean Fresh Crabs

Do you know how to clean fresh crabs like a pro? Let this post tell you everything about handling and cleaning live crabs.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Cuisine: Multiple
Keyword: How To Clean Fresh Crabs
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 1 servings

Equipment

  • Chopping Board
  • Scissors
  • Knife

Ingredients

  • Fresh crab

Instructions 

  • Put the crab in the freezer or an ice bath for about 30 to 45 minutes. Flip the crab and place it on a chopping board.
    Use the sharp end of a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to pierce through the apron.
    Pierce The Crabs Apron
  • Untie the crab.
    Stick the scissors into the crab's mouth. Then, open the scissors, and the carapace will come apart.
    Clean The Inside Of The Crab
  • Cut off the gills (also called crab lungs), viscera, waste, and teeth on the body and carapace. Remove the apron.
    Cut Off The Gills
  • Chop the crab body into halves or quarters.
    Hit the claws using the back of the knife to crack them slightly.
    Cut The Crab Into Pieces
  • Rinse the crab pieces.
    Rinse The Crab Pieces

Video

Notes

  • The total time mentioned above is for cleaning 1 live crab.
  • It's possible to clean the crab while it's still alive, but you'll need to be quick.
  • Placing the crab in the freezer for about 45 minutes will put it to sleep, making the cleaning process easier.