A crab boil in oven is a part of classic Southern cuisine just like a seafood boil in oven. People cook it outdoors over an open flame in a big pot. However, only a few people have the facility of an outdoor setting. Therefore, we will bring the flavors of a crab boil in oven into your kitchen today. This is the perfect cooking method for people who just prefer utilizing their oven for convenience. Or, the ones who live in homes or apartments without an outdoor space, can use this method. Hence, in this article, we’ll tell you everything from buying the right crabs to the tips and tricks of crab boil in oven.

How to Buy Crabs to Cook a Crab Boil in an Oven?

Here are a few tips for purchasing crabs so you may cook a delicious crab boil in oven.

Select the Right Kind of Crab:

When purchasing crabs for a crab boil, you should select a variety that is ideal for this cooking method. For example, Blue crabs, Snow crabs, Dungeness crabs, etc. If we talk about Blue crabs, they are a favorite because of their succulent, sweet meat at crab boils. As an alternative, snow or Dungeness crabs are also excellent choices for a crab boil. To get the finest flavor and texture, choose crabs that are alive or that are just steam-cooked.

Purchase the Right Crab Quantity:

The quantity of crabs required for your crab boil will vary based on the number of diners or the appetite. As a general rule, purchase at least 1-2 crabs per person. Moreover, you are always welcome to cook extra crabs so the meal is not insufficient at dining time. If there are leftovers, then you may prepare a delicious crab salad the next day.

Ensure Freshness

Make sure the crabs are healthy and fresh before purchasing them. Seek vibrant, alive crabs with sparkling shells. They must show no symptoms of discoloration or unbearable smells. Stay away from the ones with broken shells or the ones that appear dull. They might not be as tasty or safe to consume.

Ask for Suggestions

If you're not sure which crabs to buy or where to find them, contact your local fishmonger for ideas. They may offer advice on how to prepare the crabs for cooking. Moreover, they’ll assist you in choosing the best crabs for your crab boil in oven.

Consider Using Frozen Crabs

Frozen crabs are another option if fresh crabs aren't readily available where you live. Frozen crabs can be a practical option because they are usually pre-cleaned and ready to cook. Just make sure to fully defrost them before adding them into your crab boil in oven.

Ingredients Required for Crab Boil in Oven

·         Small red potatoes, one pound

·         Two corn ears, cut in half

·         One pound of smoked sausage, cut in round slices

·         One pound of big, shell-on shrimp

·         1 pound of clean, halved blue crab

·         One lemon, thinly sliced

·         Old Bay seasoning, ¼ cup

·         ¼ cup of melted butter

·         Salt and pepper, as per taste

Step-by-Step Procedure of Cooking Crab Boil in Oven

1.       First of all, set the oven’s temperature to 400°F that is 200°C.

2.       Then prepare a big baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup.

3.       Mix the melted butter and Old Bay seasoning in a big bowl with the potatoes, corn, smoked sausage, shrimp, and blue crab. Make sure everything coats well. Add the seasonings salt and pepper as you prefer.

4.       Evenly distribute the mixture onto the ready baking sheet. Make sure that everything is set through in a single layer.

5.       Bake for 25 to 30 minutes after placing the baking sheet in the oven. The potatoes should become soft, and the shrimp should be pink.

6.       After taking the baking sheet out of the oven, let the crab boil in oven cool a little. Then drizzle some lemon juice on top.

7.       For added flavor, serve your crab boil in oven hot. Also, serve lemon wedges and more Old Bay seasoning as a side.

Tips to Improve the Flavor of Oven-Baked Crab Boil

1.       Use more seasonings, such as paprika, red pepper flakes, or Cajun seasoning, to add even more flavor.

2.       Before you pour the butter mixture over the seafood, add some hot sauce or chopped jalapenos for a little heat.

3.       Serve the oven-baked crab boil with extra salt, lemon wedges, and melted butter on the side for dipping.

Red Crab Juicy Seafood Restaurant and Bar

If you want to visit a top seafood near me restaurant, then Red Crab is the place for you. This wonderful seafood restaurant has a wide seafood menu. You may savor any of the seafood dish of your choice. The special dish of Red Crab is a delicious seafood boil in oven. Moreover, the good thing about it is that their seafood boil is customizable. That means, you may choose the seafood, sauce, and spices as you wish. Just follow three simple steps to create one. First, pick your catch, secondly, throw in the sauce, and then select the level of spice.

Apart from the food, the ambiance of Red Crab is also worth noticing. It has a laid-back vibe, and you’ll feel comfortable in its neat ambiance. Furthermore, the services of Red Crab are quite efficient and quick. The staff there never let any customer down. They make sure that every customer visits there is happy and leaves content.

Conclusion

An excellent and simple substitute for the normal stovetop or outdoor crab boil is crab boil in oven. First buy the correct crabs for the crab boil in oven. After buying your crabs, it's time to start preparing! Cook it as per the above guide. Also, follow the tips and tricks to end up cooking delicious crab boil.

Other than that, if you want to savor a seafood boil in oven, then visit Red Crab. There you’ll have a wonderful dining experience.