The steaming time for crab depends on the type and size of the crab:
- For whole live blue crabs, steam for about 20-25 minutes until the shells turn bright orange. Layers of crabs should be seasoned well and cooked in batches to avoid overcrowding. Some recommend 8-12 minutes for smaller crabs depending on size, with larger ones taking up to 12 minutes. Watch for mustard or white albumin coming out as a sign they're done.
- For crab legs, steaming time ranges from 5-12 minutes, depending on whether they are frozen or thawed. Frozen crab legs take about 10-12 minutes, while thawed crab legs steam in about 5-6 minutes.
- Steaming times can vary with crab size and pot setup, but a general guide for steaming live crabs in a basket is around 15-20 minutes, with steam temperature being 212°F (100°C).
In summary, for whole live crabs, steam approximately 20-25 minutes; for crab legs, steam 5-12 minutes depending on thawing status and size. Always ensure the crabs turn bright orange and look for signs of doneness before removing from heat.
