How do I extract the crab claw meat clinging to, and covered by, the shells?
I defrosted these Snow Crab claws, but the meat still clings to the shell. I can't yank all the claw meat out of the shell intact and in one go, because the meat keeps splitting and sundering at the blue line! How do I extract the meat still fastened inside the shell?
I bought a pair of chopsticks. But each claw takes 5 minutes to pluck out remaining meat with ONE chopstick! This is too unproductive!
Best Answer
Cut the shell lengthwise (best with a pair of kitchen scissors), open it up, and pull or scrape the meat out.
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Why does stone crab meat stick to the shell?
The stone crab can regenerate its claws three to four times. Freezing or icing raw stone crab claws causes the meat to stick to the inside of the shell. To prevent this problem they are cooked immediately after harvest.How do you get crab meat out?
Hold the claw in the palm of your hand, using a hand towel to protect your hand. Using the back of a metal spoon, strike the back or rounded side of the two 'knuckles' and the claw with a quick snapping motion, with approximately the force used on a soft-boiled egg. Peel off the shell and gently remove the meat.How to Remove Meat from a Crab | Chef School
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