Boiling crabs & shrimp

[kurtmiller]

What is the best product to put in your boiling salt water for crabs and shrimp... Old Bay or something else?

[Chef Patrick]

I'm a fan of Old Bay, and using half water, half beer.

You also may want to consider steaming over boiling. Boiling water cools down a lot when the shellfish is added. Steam isn't affected so much when you add in the crabs/shrimp. Plus it allows you to concentrate the seasoning more.

Patrick

[kurtmiller]

Thanks for the reply... heard Nelly say something about Johnny's at a seminar and couldn't figure out which of the many Johnny's products he was referring to. I have used Old Bay in the past, always looking to upgrade. Also half beer is an interesting concept... is that with salted water or plain?

[Chef Patrick]

If you are using Old Bay, Johnny's, or other such pre-mixed spice blends, there is usually already plenty of salt in them.

Patrick

[salmonhunter1]

Yep I put Old Bay in all my boils. And when I'm camping on hood canal I'll also use that fresh clean salt water

[Robbo]

Fresh clean saltwater. I want my crab to taste like crab. Not a big fan of adding seasonings to the water.

[Jeff Nance]

sounds like we need a crab cook off. LOL....for the shrimp...wrapped in bacon and roasted on a charcoal bbq