Spider (Sheep) Crab

Available at ‘Crabby’ Steve’s Locker

Available all year.

These long-legged crab are an uncommon treat. Connoisseurs say the delicate flavor and firm texture of spider crabs’ plentiful leg and body meat surpasses that of snow crab. Spider crab are sometimes called California King crab.

How do I clean a spider crab?

Rinse the crab to remove any excess protein, allow the crab to cool. Remove the legs and claws and set aside. Pull the body and shell apart, scrape all of the brown meat out of the shell into a bowl. Remove the pointed gills from the central part of the body and discard, cut the body in half.

How do I cook a spider crab?

Cook the spider crab in a large pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes (12 minutes per kilo). Remove the claws and open them with a nutcracker, removing the meat and placing it in a bowl. Using a knife and a pair of scissors, open the shell of the crab, starting with the underside. Keep the stock to make a fish stew or a paella.