MUD CRABS

Stock status overview

Distribution

Catch trend

Fishing gear

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Overview

The mud crab is one of the best shellfish you could wish for. Its moist meat, mostly found in the body and claws, has a marvellous distinct and sweet flavour. The mud crab is one of the best seafoods for presentation, with graceful legs and ornate claws that can be kept whole and used as a garnish. A crab claw protruding from a bowl of hearty mud crab bisque can be very appealing to the eye. One of the best cooking methods is to steam, boil or poach mud crabs in salted water (25 g of salt per litre), then season with lemon, black pepper, garlic and onion. The crab can be finished off for the final dish by a variety of methods including barbecuing or pan-frying. Be careful not to overcook the crab in the initial stages, when adding a little vinegar will make the meat easier to remove. Mud crab is delicious in soups and bisques, or as a filling for seafood tortellini. In a salad, dress with light vinaigrettes using flavoured oils such as walnut, and cascade the flesh over a mound of curly endive with a selection of citrus fruits. Mud crab can also be served whole on a platter, often feeding a number of people.Never put live crabs directly into boiling water or the meat will toughen and the legs or claws may fall off. If buying live Mud Crabs please follow humane practices before cooking (see Killing seafood section).