Crabs, Man, Crabs! A Guide to Clawing Your Way to Fresh Seafood in Eureka
Eureka, California: the land of redwoods, breathtaking coastlines, and, surprisingly, a crab lover's paradise. If you're itching to get your hands on some succulent, fresh-caught crab, you've come to the right place. Let's dive in (pun intended)!
Where the Crabs Be At
Now, you might think catching your own crab is the way to go, but let's be real, not everyone has the patience (or the sea legs) for that. Luckily, Eureka has a thriving seafood scene. Here are a few of your best bets:
- Fish Markets and Seafood Stores: These are your classic, no-frills options. They'll have a good selection of fresh crab, and you can usually ask the staff for tips on preparation. Just be prepared to get a little fishy.
- Farmers Markets: If you're lucky enough to be in Eureka during the right season, the farmers market is a great place to find local crab. You'll often find fishermen selling their catch directly, and it doesn't get much fresher than that.
- Restaurants: Want someone else to do the hard work? Many Eureka restaurants offer delicious crab dishes. From classic crab cakes to whole Dungeness, there's something for every crab craving.
Tips for Buying Crab
- Timing is Everything: Crab season varies, so do your research before you go. No one wants to show up and find out there's a crab shortage.
- Ask Questions: Don't be shy about asking the fishmonger about the crab. Where was it caught? How fresh is it? The more you know, the better.
- Size Matters: If you're buying a whole crab, size does matter. A larger crab generally means more meat, but it'll also be more expensive.
Cooking Your Crab: A Quick Guide
Alright, so you've got your crab. Now what? Don't worry, we've got you covered. While there are countless ways to cook crab, here's a simple method to get you started:
- Clean the crab: Remove the apron (the triangular flap on the underside) and the gills.
- Steam it: Place the crab in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for about 15-20 minutes, or until the shell turns a bright red.
- Crack and Enjoy: Let the crab cool slightly before cracking open the shell and digging in.
And remember, crab is messy business. So don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!
How-To FAQs
- How to select a fresh crab: Look for bright, clear eyes and a firm shell. The crab should smell fresh, not fishy.
- How to store fresh crab: If you can't cook your crab right away, store it in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels.
- How to cook Dungeness crab: Steaming is a popular method, but you can also boil, bake, or grill crab.
- How to remove crab meat: Use a crab cracker to crack the shell, then carefully pry the meat out with a fork.
- How to make crab cakes: Combine cooked crab meat with breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and other seasonings. Shape into patties and pan-fry or bake.
So, there you have it! With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy the delicious taste of fresh Eureka crab. Happy eating!
