Crabs, Man, Crabs! A Guide to Freshness in LA
So, you're craving some sweet, succulent crab meat, huh? Good choice. There's nothing quite like cracking open a fresh crab and dipping that sweet, tender meat in some melted butter. But where, oh where, can you find this crustacean delight in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles? Fear not, fellow crab aficionado, I'm here to guide you through the murky waters of the LA seafood scene.
Don't Get Crabby
First things first, let's talk about what to look for in a fresh crab. The shell should be a vibrant, deep red color. Avoid any crabs with cracked shells or that smell fishy (or worse, ammonia-like). And trust your gut – if something looks or smells off, it probably is.
Where the Crabs Are
Now, let's get down to business. Here are a few spots in LA where you're likely to find some fresh crab:
- Seafood Markets: These are your classic, no-frills options. Places like Hoi Yeung Co. and Seafood City Supermarket often have a good selection of live crabs. Just be prepared to get your hands a little dirty.
- Fish Markets: Upscale your crab game with a visit to a fish market like Los Angeles Fish Co. They usually have a wider variety of crab species and may even offer pre-cooked options.
- Farmers' Markets: If you're lucky, you might stumble upon a vendor selling fresh crab at a farmers' market. It's a bit of a gamble, but the potential reward is high.
Tips for the Crab Connoisseur
- Timing is Everything: Crab season typically runs from November to June, so your chances of finding fresh crab are better during those months.
- Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask the fishmonger about the crab's origin and how long it's been in the store.
- Cook it Right: Improperly cooked crab can be a real buzzkill. Do your research or ask for advice on how to cook your crab to perfection.
How to... Crab Questions
- How to tell if crab is cooked? The shell should be a bright red color, and the meat should be opaque and flaky.
- How to clean a crab? It's a messy job, but there are plenty of online tutorials to guide you through the process.
- How to store fresh crab? Live crabs should be kept in a cool, aerated environment. Cooked crab should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
- How to cook Dungeness crab? Steaming is a popular method, but you can also boil, grill, or bake your crab.
- How to eat crab legs? Use a crab cracker to crack the shell, then extract the meat with a crab pick.
So, there you have it! With a little knowledge and a bit of luck, you'll be enjoying delicious, fresh crab in no time. Happy crabbing!