Boiled VS Steamed Blue Crabs | Head To Head Comparison

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Watch me without ads on your TV! Amazon Fire TV Link - bit.ly/Delish_FireTV LG Store TV Link - bit.ly/Delish_LG

[@SeekerKnight]

My mom always taught us that if someone invites you for crabs, there is only one comment that is appropriate regarding said crabs, and that is THANK YOU!

[@beekind6267]

Amen mom!!! 🤗🤤🤤

[@bishoppettylevert4224]

I'm born and raised in North Florida, I have been eating blue crabs for over 30 years. I had steamed blue crabs for the first time about a year ago, I love both steamed and boiled. Both are great

[@schaefer_hund]

I've never tried boiled crabs but in the end I think as long as there's a bunch of crabs, a bunch of beer, and a bunch of friends around to share, those are the real necessary elements for a good blue crab meal.

[@ronaldmyj]

The Forrest Gump bit with the wiping of the pot was freakin' hilarious! Thanks! lol

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

For my favorite cooking tools and utensils, visit my Amazon Store here: www.amazon.com/shop/smokyribsbbqsoutherncuisine

[@1saxyone]

Most people are used to just eating crab legs (King, Dungeness, etc.). It takes a real crab lover, with knowledge, to appreciate how to cook and properly eat Blue Crabs. 'The End'

[@stevenkelly9731]

True either boiled...or the best way steamed.

[@mrupsingod]

I gotta have some boiled beer soup outta the shell, yessir

[@jamaalahamilton4202]

Love blue crabs

[@yumyum408]

♡♡♡♡ blue claw...poured out on a picnic table covered with newspaper..with some cold beer, and good friends.

[@jincjin8700]

So true, eating crabs will get messy, and thats the only way to do it, suck them dry !!!!

[@twincams350]

I'm in Oregon and we have great dungeness crab here. My preferred method is steaming, with cooking wine and ginger. Steaming keeps more of the crab juices inside the crab, while boiling pulls out a lot of the juice into the soup, while also driving in your soup seasonings. So it's up to you. If you want to taste more seasoning, then boil. If you want more of the crab's natural flavor, then steam.

[@MrBryant240sx]

Sounds about right. We steam blues with seasoning dumped on the crabs, most of the seasoning flavor coming off your fingers from handling the crabs. I also collect some off the top shell to use as I like.

[@brittnyhawk8633]

That's good point on steam vs boil.

[@hs2ktc]

Marylander here. Cover in Old bay then steam with 1/3 Coors light 1/3 Apple cider vinegar 1/3 water Trust me.

[@kweefsweat5628]

Down in pg we use mickeys malt liquor

[@Harpfrmhel]

You could probably use any lager beer.

[@Reignunlimited]

Why water ??.. 50 ACV 50 CL

[@sophiasmith5949]

water?

[@Ellis_Dee25]

Coors Light is 1/3 apple cider vinegar 1/3 water

[@HarmonHeat]

I live in Baltimore and have been catching and cooking my crabs for a couple decades. I have never actually seen anyone boil crabs. I know people do it but never saw it done! We cook ours exactly like you did with beer and vinegar. The boiled crabs looked just as good, I have to try that. Great vid!

[@matthewkrislow3442]

I boil. I literally just got home with crabs. New Jersey

[@Petitedelight87K]

Yes, I’m from Louisiana and I only know how to boil them. I’m going to how to steam crabs…

[@raybates3119]

When I was a kid in the 70's, my aunt and uncle lived on a creek off of the Chesapeake in Annapolis. I spent a few summers there and would go out on the dock and catch crabs all day and we would steam them for dinner with Old Bay. I have lived here on the MS coast for the last 40 years and still think about those Annapolis days every time I taste Old Bay.

[@suew4609]

My uncle took me out of his 45 ft. sailboat on the Chesapeake, fed us liverwurst sandwiches, and I vomited most of the way home! True story! I love Annapolis and Maryland, though not sailboats! I did the same thing on a catamaran in Hawaii, oh well🤷🏻‍♀️

[@joycecomegys5835]

I'm a Marylander, I don't care how you cook 'em, just cook 'em!!!

[@NoHippieBBQCooking]

Forest Gump mode..lol

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

LOL, my wife said, no don't do it lol!

[@Slaegar]

Took me a second. I love it.

[@fucklove3291]

Lmfao

[@hidereplies1425]

Cook Forrest, cook! 😂

[@hidereplies1425]

lol

[@rustywood752]

They both look great. I'm of the opinion that when you are home you cook and eat them like you were taught. When you travel, you try something new and eat them how they are prepared locally. That is the whole point of exploring new areas. I wouldn't push away from either one of those tables till they were all gone!

[@mikesmith2416]

From the eastern shore of Maryland. Steamed is the only way we do it. Beer in the steamer topped with old bay

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I’m beginning to see that there are different variations from one person to the next on what they steam their crabs with. I see where some use white vinegar and beer and some use apple cider vinegar with beer as I did here and some use equal parts of vinegar beer and water, and now there is beer only. Have you ever used the J.O. Seasoning? I see where that is popular in that area as well

[@mikesmith2416]

Not I haven't. Honestly never heard of it but I'll keep that in mind if I ever run across it

[@mikesmith2416]

By the way I love you videos. Keep em rolling

[@SeekerKnight]

We use JO and/or Old Bay. Old bay is the standard, but you can order your JO as almost a custom blend. Choose with salt or no salt, with ground mustard or extra hot. I think that is the main difference. The standard JO is a bit hotter than Old Bay and has a bit more dry mustard.

[@billharvey5162]

Smoky Ribs BBQ & Southern Cuisine jo number 5. Killer and a little spicy 👍🏽

[@destinmattressnow5172]

I am a native of the Eastern shore of MD, moved to FL in my late 20"s. I have had both and the flavor is great either way, only up side I see are the boiled veggies that the southern people get with the crab boil. But I still steam them. Made a trip up to MD in just and brought back 25 lbs of JO spice back with me. Old bay is ok but JO is the way to go. And I know people are crazy for the "She crab soup" but if they would not harvest females for 5 or six years the population would explode again up north.

[@snaggedyu9748]

Grow up in Maryland my whole life in a family of huge crab eaters but we never used old bay. Old bay kinda overrated

[@LordCowbxyRDR]

@@snaggedyu9748 old bay of for people who live in the city and eat crabs 3 times a year, JO is for the locals to the bay

[@vanaukentim]

If I understand from the last time I was in maryland a few years back, you can not keep females, only males.

[@sailorjohnboy]

My family in Annapolis turned me onto JO #1 and I never looked back. Florida Gulf Coast blue crabs with JO #1 is the way to go. We don’t mess with females around here.

[@slayaworld]

@@sailorjohnboy Wait until you try J.O. #2 because that's their crab seasoning. #1 is more similar to Old Bay.

[@airecraft1]

That was interesting, A few improvements to the steamed crabs 60/40 water and white vinegar then use 50/50 JO Spice with pretzel salt ,dry mustard ,celery seed and pickling spice . Let them rest after steaming but keep them hot . Loved it

[@stevenkelly9731]

Mix sugar , viniger, J.O. mustard together...dip steamed crabs in.it.

[@chipunderwood9206]

When I did my boil for pre cleaned crabs shrimp and crawfish the only liquid in the pot was straight beer lemons quart ofTexas pete and 2 lbs of butter with spices also. Lip smackin good.

[@MrKennyanders]

Boil all I am from New Orleans area, crayfish are the best of all flavor wise

[@lagunn327]

WE use crab seasoning on crabs and old bay on shrimp in Maryland. We have the sweetest crabs, I always steam my crabs, but I like your boiling technique, well done! Usually when I get a boil, they are a lil mushy and way too wet, but not yours!

[@KingBranBDM]

Our two cultures, Maryland and Louisiana represents the finest Seafood in the world. We should host a seafood event that would bring folks all across the world and help generate local economy for both the local wetlands and the metro economies. Dammit it must been done. We are AMERICAN!!! Let's Eat! The Chesapeake Bay vs The Gulf The Mighty Mississippi River vs The Legendary Potamac River. Maryland vs Lousiana New Orleans vs. Baltimore & Washington, DC Louis Armstrong Airport vs. BWI The Chesapeake Bay Bridge vs. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway We both have Well known BBQ Cousins North Caroina & Texas! Let's invite them folks as well. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!

[@curtispetit986]

I agree.

[@thenatureboybh9148]

I support this idea. I live an hour from New Orleans, one of my best friends lives in Maryland. Grew up with boiled crab, learned to love steamed crab. There's a good healthy debate to be had over how to do crab. But ultimately I think the best answer is just "yes" to either way.

[@sammerritt4272]

Naw ever been to the west coast

[@youngspecial64]

You ready for spider-man miles morales on the ps5?

[@youngspecial64]

@@curtispetit986 you ready for Spider-Man miles morales on the ps5?

[@camilleyelverton171]

Cameron's is the best. I live in Philadelphia and they have three stores here, and the lines are always out the door. All of their Seafood is very fresh and you can really taste the difference between them and other seafood stores in our area. Thumbs up Cameron's

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I was super excited when they contacted me about doing a video using their crabs! That was a instant yes, because even though we have blue crabs here in the Gulf of Mexico, Maryland crabs are so much meatier and have a really great buttery taste due to all the extra fat stores they have. Best I've ever eaten, and I have eaten them all my life. Thumbs up to Cameron's for sure!!

[@camilleyelverton171]

Smoky Ribs BBQ & Southern Cuisine exactly. My family has a total of 37 birthdays between July and August so we eat a lot of crabs all summer long and Cameron's is the place to go. Great prices great food, can't mess up with that.

[@MinglewithMiMi]

I live in Philly as well...where are they located camille??

[@camilleyelverton171]

MiMi Gravley there's one in North Philly near Broad and Girard, II think it's the 900 block, the other two are in Southwest on Woodland Avenue. one at 62nd and the other at Island Avenue. Hope that helps

[@vamonossportfishing8335]

Camille Yelverton /

[@tracylitsinger]

My grandma lived right on the bay.. and that was our thanksgiving every year.. duck and crab... OMG.. I miss those days...

[@CookingWithRy]

Just a great video. Clear instructions with every step demonstrated. And I love your comment about the wet mess. I remember being at a crab restaurant where they just dumped EVERYTHING on the table and by the time we were finished it looked like a murder scene, but man was it incredible.

[@oren5230]

Dirty Nellies in Miami, Fl has great crabs on the table. BTDT got the T-Shirt.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Ry, I have been planning this video for 5 months and finally got it done. Yeah that wet mess is some mighty fine eating lol! Thanks for watching Ry, I appreciate it!

[@jonathanwilliams8985]

Born and raised in Louisiana, but have lived in the DMV for almost 20 years now and have had this debate with several friends and coworkers. I honestly prefer boiled, but steamed is great!

[@madcrabber1113]

It's a matter of where you grew up usually. After that it's a matter of what spices you use but that usually also has to do with where you grew up. If you've never had blue crabs then try cooking both methods and use Louisiana style seasonings both ways and then use Maryland style seasonings such as JO Seafood Seasoning or Old Bay both ways. I've done this along with various cooking times. One thing that can also make a difference is how big the crabs are and how hard (how long they've had their hard shell) they are which effects their density. If possible keep crabs close to the same size and hardness for most consistent results. I have used straight water and also water/vinegar mixture and also water/vinegar/ beer mixture for both cooking methods. You be the judge. I can only say that my preference reflected where I grew up and the water/vinegar/beer various mixtures made no difference to me anyway. Can also make vinegar based dipping sauces for both methods but that also is a matter of upbringing and individual taste preference.

[@MrBryant240sx]

Same. if steaming I haven't been able to notice a difference between beer, vinegar, or just water.

[@tgrice601]

When he was calling out all the different 🦀 🦀 dishes all I started 🤔 🤔 bout was Bubba on Forest Gump when he was talking all the different 🍤 🍤

[@mawmawvee]

I love blue crabs any way I can get them! Boiled, steamed, soft shell fried, or hard shells. Now my mouth is watering so much I need to go get my bib so I don't short out the keyboard.

[@youngspecial64]

You ready for Spider-Man miles morales on the ps5?

[@eldenl1]

I'm a 57 displaced Baltimorean living in South Carolina and I remember getting up at 4am to go crabbing when I was as young as 4 years old! Best memories...but the best was helping prep the crabs. Mom always mixed half old bay and half salt...no hot pepper though. We layered crabs and seasoning until the pot was full, then onto the bottom pot that was already boiling with water and cider vinegar. The anticipation was almost torture...they would cook them and then put them onto trays to cool. We never ate them hot. We wouldn't eat them until at least 5 o'clock at night ...torture but oh so worth the wait! Haven't had a crab in years and this video reminds me how much I miss them. They both looked delicious! Thanks for bringing back great memories.

[@soapzuds4542]

Growing up we also went to the warf in DC and they had special crab seasoning they sold. It was. better than old bay.

[@soapzuds4542]

Thanks for an honest opion... I'm from Virginia and was raised on streamed in the Maryland crab houses

[@tweety23301]

Lmaooo!!! I love the Forest Gump scene! Everything looks so good! I just had some blue Crab boiled yesterday! Great video!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Lol and thank you! Nothing quite as good as sitting down to a bunch of delicious blue crabs. I love most all seafood but to me crabs are the best

[@byrdsdoityourselfgarage7330]

I live in Delaware. Been steaming them all my life. I'm going to try boiling next time :) I've had plenty of Louisiana crabs, and they're delicious. Chesapeake crabs tho, are my absolute favorite! Even above the ones right in my own area waters.

[@MrBryant240sx]

We crab the Gunpowder river on the Chesapeake recreationally. I have also crabbed Indian River bay while on vacation and of course bought the crabs shipped in from down south. I can't tell a difference. Maybe if I ate them back to back, prepared the same, with the intent to find a difference.

[@dirtymotovation]

I just started crabbing here in delaware too

[@ILoVeTheLioNKinG1]

Ive never heard of crabs being steamed until today. I live in Florida we boil ours down here

[@mikem8661]

Jacksonville Florida yes we do

[@bentleyd100]

You must be from the Gulf part of FL. On the east coast from Jacksonville to Melbourne , we steam with beer and Old Bay!!!

[@fredstone3875]

You're doing it wrong

[@ILoVeTheLioNKinG1]

@@fredstone3875 lol

[@youngspecial64]

Anyone ready for Spider-Man miles morales on the ps5?

[@lyfesajurney]

I'm from Maryland currently living in China and this made me so homesick but also happy that you were able to enjoy those crabs. Doesn't matter how you cook them just get a group of people and enjoy!

[@Vercetti-b1i]

Louisiana here. We're the KING of Seafood point blank period.#BigFacts

[@DelawareOutdoor]

Here in Delaware my dad and I do a Chesepeake boil. Mostly same seasoning as a traditional steamed crab, but with some personal touch, and I can tell you that boiling doesn't change the meat for every crab. Every crab is different as those who eat them often know, some have less dense and mushy meat and others are packed full and strong, both caught in the same time and place.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@deanlhouston]

I know you're trying to keep your viewer count up and being a good southern gentleman by not taking sides... But I lived in the Washington DC area for 7 years, took many trips into Maryland (and VA) along the Chesapeake and visited many, MANY Maryland crab shacks while up there. Now I live in Texas, and while Maryland does serves up some great crab - and crabcakes too for that matter (hint: MD puts way more emphasis on the crab than the cake!) the entire east coast's seafood can't even touch Louisiana's seafood style. Man, it's not even close really. It's nice to try something different and try the east coast seafood if you've never had it, but I've had plenty of both, and if you're gonna force me to pick which one is best, it's Louisiana's seafood all the way. So keep on boiling away, whether it's crawfish, crabs, or shrimp, it's Louisiana Gold!

[@sdcofer52]

So how are the Louisiana Chesapeake Blue Crab?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Gulf of Mexico blue crab, and they are delicious!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

One of my favorite past time hobby is catching them

[@KrissaG85]

Thank you so much for the video! I hear this argument all the time and agree that both methods are great, just depends on what mood you're in.... I'm originally from Southern New Jersey, and my grandmother used the vinegar method; however, we actually used to boil our crabs in the mix (recipe below) with the top shell and guts removed. (I now live in Northern Virginia, and prefer to leave the shells on--both methods are used here). The recipe is a bit different than what you used in your video, so I've put the gist of it below. If you ever get the chance to cook em' up again, feel free to try it or use in your video. Blue Crab Pot Boil Ingredients: 1 large bottle Apple Cider Vinegar (gallon--the size in your video) 2 bottles of water (use the apple cider vinegar bottle) Fresh Parsley 3-4 heads of garlic 4-5 onions Old Bay (or your preferred seasoning) 2-3 Bay leaves a few tablespoons of oil Directions: Chop onion, garlic, and parsley (not too fine). Add oil to your large boil pot and head over medium flame. Add the onions, garlic, and parsley and saute until just barely translucent. Turn flame to high and pour in 1 gallon of apple cider vinegar. Cook until most of the vinegar 'tang' has left the mix--a little vinegar bite is ok, too much vinegar will over tenderize the crab). Use the same jug to add in two more bottles of water. Once the pot comes to a rolling boil, leave boil for a few minutes and add your seasoning (the more the merrier in our house). Stir well, drop in your crab basket, cook for about 5-7 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before serving. Note: Some people also add a dry white wine to the mix, but it's all preference. Note 2: the onion and parsley stuck to the outside of the crab, with the seasoning... mmmmm mmm! Finger lickin' good! Delicious on a slice of italian bread too! Thanks again for the great video!

[@LAY9706]

I'm Maryland born and raised, never had a boiled crab. Steamed all the way for me, but this video is making me want to try boiling some because that juice sitting in the shell had my mouth watering lol

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I hope you do give it a try. I'm pretty sure you will be pleasantly surprised, but you can't go wrong with boiled or steamed. Thanks for watching!

[@romishafranks]

A good boil will change your life.

[@miamiwax5504]

@@romishafranks Are you single tho? 😍

[@monicasojka2738]

Kill me if I eat a boiled crab

[@kikide9399]

When steaming crabs at home, the crabs at the bottom of the pot where the water is are the best and the juiciest! All of that Oldbay gets up in the shell and and the meat just soaks it right up. Even better, when you crack a claw and the juice just comes running out...Whoo don't get me started! However, I still haven't had the heart to do a full on boil.

[@radrockitpsyence6739]

variety is the spice of life. You did yourself proud to show both worlds. I am a mid city, New Orleanian, raised on Zataraines. But play with your food, and open your taste buds. Great video Who Dat ~rad~

[@madcrabber1113]

Flavor is also affected by individual bodies of water that they were caught in and how long they lived in that water. In Maryland my favorite is the Tred Avon for flavor and then the Chester and then the Wye and Miles rivers. Also salinity levels affect how often a crab sheds it's shell therfore it's size. A mid salinity level is best for more frequent shedding.

[@jamesbreeden3061]

You are so right, Way too many people over cook crabs and other seafood. You definitely know what you are doing.

[@jesuschristmelvin]

I live about 2 min from the bay in SOMD and have steamed them all my life. I’m gonna go out next weekend on my skiff and catch a few just to boil them the way you did. That looked amazing.

[@bbrinser]

I have been eating boiled blue crabs my entire life and I never knew you could crack a crab shell open with all that juice and been able to set it down. The world could be ending behind me and all I care about in that moment is that "liquid gold!" So good!!

[@USNVA11]

Chesapeake, Virginia here and we’ve steamed our crabs with beer and dusted with Old Bay as long as I can remember. Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs are the bomb ! Make sure you have plenty of cold beer to wash down all that delicious blue crab goodness too !

[@billwarrick1475]

the crabs from the chesapeake bay in my opinion are sweeter than gulf crabs

[@richardg646]

Glad to see an honest comparison and the verdict was correct by all means. Boiled vs steamed both are just as good and just because we may be from different regions doesn’t mean we do it better. Glad to be a Marylander and see a true comparison. Thank you for doing this and crabs are in…. Let’s eat!!

[@ricdwe]

This 'How To Video' was really going great! And I was learning a lot, until the last few minutes, when he started to taste the crabs. I couldn't smell all that seasoning and taste all the favors he was experiencing, eating those delicious crabs. WHY DID YOU PUNISH ME SO? Oh well, guess I have to follow his advice and teaching to prepare my own delicious crabs.

[@Ellis_Dee25]

Both are good. For seasoning, I like 50% Old Bay 50% black pepper.

[@smackjabber]

Born and Raised in Lake Charles Louisiana and that boil looks legit! Alot of people outside of where im from don't have season worth a damn in their boils but you look like you season it right. I prefer RICHARDS (if you don't say it as Ree-shard stay out of this) seasoning or Tony Chacheres but Zatablands will do if you season it like you did. Boil on man!

[@romishafranks]

I said the same but I stopped using a store boil. Create my own now. Yea that boil looks legit though! FL over here

[@pwill5601]

Such an informative video. I live in nyc, but my mom is from SC and it’s boiled most of the time. Living in NYC, a lot of the cooked crab you buy are steamed.

[@tangomcphearson74]

No contest - there will NEVER be a better way of cooking crabs than the Maryland Crab way! (LOL) NO ONE loves their crabs as much as true-born Marylanders

[@shawntesaforeman3484]

Because all you need is Old bay and maybe beer. All that other stuff he added to the boil...we dont need alldat

[@CMCguitars1]

You can keep Maryland style crabs. South Jersey Blue Claw crabs cooked Italian style is the only way we do it. We clean the crabs and we boil them in garlic, olive oil and spices. Then we cook the spaghetti in the crab water after we cook the crab. I will put my 100 year old recipe against any Maryland recipe.

[@unclepunclep7978]

@@CMCguitars1 we literally would toss your crabs back into the ocean 😩 😫 😳 😭 😐

[@sneakeey1]

Rus, you just proved it. Both methods are fantastic. You don't have to choose; just enjoy! Thanks for sharing this!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Phil, I really appreciate the comment and for watching! Cheers brother 👍

[@Abom79]

Making me hungry Russ! Good thing I have a crock pot full of seafood cooking now! Good to see you using that Swamp Fire too. Enjoyed!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Hey Adam, thanks for watching! Wish you could have joined me for these awesome crabs brother! Glad to hear your having seafood, and Swamp Fire has always been one of my goto boil mixes. Great flavor and available pretty much anywhere around here.

[@kimiwaffles]

loved the list of crab dishes segment

[@shaunadenette5321]

Love this video ... I am from Baltimore Steamed is all I know. But this makes me want to try boiled.

[@sgtreynolds3946]

Born & raised in Baltimore Md here, apple cider vinegar, Budweiser & loads of Old Bay.

[@NgaiOlaudah]

THANK YOU, SIR... I AM A MARYLANDER, BORN AND BRED! STEAMED OR BOILED DON'T MAKE NO DIFFERENCE... YOU GOT ME SO HONGRY FOR A TASTE OF HOME! Arthur...

[@katherinepoindexter4380]

I am from Va and my family is from NC. I grew up on stewed hard crabs. I love blue crabs either way.. but my favorite is the stewed. regardless of how you cook them they are wonderful.. and the blues are my favorite.

[@candyapplelipz]

I'm from Maryland, and when steaming crabs we use, White vinegar, colt 45 beer and oldbay seasoning ( you can add corn or pototoes) truly love your videos tho💜

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I’ve read where some use white vinegar and others prefer apple cider vinegar. Thanks for the tip on using Colt 45. I can see where that would be a good beer to use. Glad you enjoy the videos and thank you!

[@candyapplelipz]

Smoky Ribs BBQ & Southern Cuisine , Thank you , for providing such wonderful content. If you ever have the pleasure to come to Baltimore Maryland. Try Blake's steamed crabs one of the best alongside Cameron's. Enjoy your day

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thank you, and I sure will if I'm ever up that way again. It's been almost 8 years since I was on the east coast, and I was not that for away from Maryland. Wish now, I would have made the drive over there.

[@kikide9399]

Yaaassss! That Colt 45 works every time. It gives crabs the best flavor.

[@bmoregraphic9215]

No, no, no... apple cider vinigar, natty bo beer and JO seasoning. The seasoning should be so thick its caked on the shell. That way it gets on your fingers and on the meat as your cracking. Born in ocean city, Maryland and resident of Baltimore

[@rosedevault9301]

J.O is another Crab Seasoning used to Steam Crabs here in Maryland. It's the Seasoning of choice for most Crab Houses in Baltimore City. It's a Spice and Rock Salt blend. I use Some of each Old Bay and J.O. when steaming crabs.

[@dandaddavi]

Very honest and noble review. You sir just gained a new sub from Maryland. Shout outs to Bmore and PG county.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@rolandbullock6444]

dandaddavi maryland all day.....now in miami 👍

[@semperfi1042]

Shout out from Bowie

[@davidfusick782]

@@semperfi1042 BHS class of 87 here!

[@semperfi1042]

@@davidfusick782 Class of 92 brother. Alpha Co. Parris Island

[@swaskiel790]

Good job. I've always leaned steamed as i have had mushy boiled crabs. But you got me wanting to try them your way. Love blue crabs.

[@fucklove3291]

Who else was helpin them count how many crabs they put in that boil lol

[@christiandamore4284]

Grilled Crabs will always be the unsung hero

[@gdc615]

Never had it

[@msdraea68]

Wow, I live in MD, but grew up in Beaufort, South Carolina. I’ve been here since 1992 and still believe the crabs are bigger and prepared better in SC. I love traveling home to get some.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

The only east coast crabs I've had before this video was off of Hampton VA at the mouth of the Chesapeake and they were good, but not as meaty and fat likes these Maryland crabs. These were really amazing with the amount of meat in them, including the smaller ones.

[@barbram8001]

msdraea68...I grew up in Savannah, Ga. Boil crabs don't get any better, than South Carolina, Ga, and Daufuski Island, they're known for seafood, oh I forgot, Hilton Head Island.

[@foxwolf5628]

Getting ready to leave Friday night to pawleys island sc. Definitely gonna catch me some blue grab. Some I have tried. Love some south Carolina blue crabs

[@playafly63]

I'm from Charleston SC , all we do is eat grabs only the Chinese restaurants steam crabs.. gotta boiled them with meat and potatoes

[@stevenkelly9731]

Bye...

[@leahlockettharris4579]

Great review!!! This was fun to watch. I'm from Philly so we eat Maryland style crabs here but this review made me want to try boiled crabs as well. Thank you.

[@RidingWithDave]

I'm on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, only ever ate them boiled!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I’m in Biloxi and Boiled is the way I’ve had them all my life

[@RidingWithDave]

@@SmokyRibsBBQ Ahh me too, good to see another KZbinr living here. Had no clue. Keep up the good work.

[@kevtanjohnson]

Your missing out big time

[@kevtanjohnson]

@Ian Besos if that’s coming from a Cajun it doesn’t mean much. 🤣🤣🤣 you stick to Crawfish we will handle the crabs and the boys up north will take care of the lobsters. ✌🏻

[@kevtanjohnson]

@Ian Besos that’s what I hear.

[@m33k28]

I'm so happy he kept it real! They are both equally great! Thank you!

[@jrideout6249]

Rus, first off I am a big fan and loved the video! I can’t help but wonder, how would a hybrid of the two techniques play out.. your basket can adjust. So place the bottom slightly higher than your liquid but add all the onions, lemons, garlic, celery etc. I wonder how that would taste. Hope all is well and keep making great videos. I enjoy trying to recreate your recipes at home. Take care!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I suppose a certain amount of that flavor could transfer from the steam but nothing like the crabs absorbing it into their bodies through boiling and soaking

[@jimagliata2991]

I like that you could not take a side. Thanks. Personally, I like them cleaned first then cooked in a shallow backing dish or large sautee pan with oilive oil, lots of fresh garlic, S&P. lemon, - and what knot. The juices go over angel hair pasta. Please do try it! Thanks for video.

[@donkeyhands8809]

Wonderful video. I was looking up info on blue crabs and the best ways to cook them, and this is the best I've seen so far. Subscribed :)

[@rudezurc1]

Hey New Yorker with Puerto Rican Parent. In my hometown of Humacao Puerto Rico which is a coastal city I remember crabbing over 2 bushels of blue crabs every time we went. I prefer them like Maryland boil with some Budweiser, vinegar, salt, and we add fresh jalapeno cilantro and culantro. Enjoyed this video. Thanks

[@radforduniversity6424]

Man, I had no idea that they could ship crabs like that! I've only ever had em at restaurants, but now I'm curious if ordering the crabs may give a better tasting crab, since they're live crabs

[@johnschone2185]

So - I did the same with Shrimp - I am from Baltimore but live in the south. So on the camp fire I boil shrimp with Old bay and Tony Creole and Vinegar in a cast Iron skillet - Very Good, The other way is to Steam them, I use an electric steamer - So Exactly as your steam crabs - Vinegar, Beer, water - Here is the catch when seasoning with old bay also use Mustard seed - Slice a onion and layer on the top of the shrimp then add the seasoning. Stir mid way thru steam cycle - Best part is the onion steamed with the seasoning. Try it! Everyone agrees Shrimp are great but the onion is the catch.

[@JosephACostello]

nice channel, crabs look so good

[@kevinberry3940]

I'm in Maryland and I love seafood. When I steam crabs I add kosher salt and crushed red pepper in order 1cup,1/4cup, 1/8cup. I also use 1 part vinnegar to 3 parts water or beer... anyway now I'm hungry... love the video!

[@jjm6187]

You should have a Midwesterner taste test the two for a neutral opinion. Ya’ll are used to what you’re used to haha. Great vid though Russ, much appreciated as always!

[@D2Kprime]

The fire sound is so soothing.

[@juanmanuelvelasquez8320]

Forest Gump's great grandson. I'v been subscribed to a movie star this whole time?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

😂🤣

[@fatimakinsey4292]

😂😂

[@FormerlyKnownAs_Stan]

I tell you what, they both look amazing and have my mouth watering! Love from, MD

[@firstlast9813]

The Forrest Gump reference was A1 👌🏾😂 I live in MD and I'm going crabbing today. Gonna pull a good 50 or so before I go home. You sir, know how to cook well. I throw them in fighting though 😂

[@outdoorfreedom9778]

Question. Im on the west coast and we catch both Dungeness and Rock crab. The Rofks are like your Blues. We gudt boil them then vacuum bag and freeze. When its time to eat we thaw and steam. My question: are your crabs all alive at time of cooking, including the steamed crab? Once cooked can the be bagged and frozen for later consumption? We also remove the crab and submerge in ice water to stop the vooking process.

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Yes, crabs are alive but usually iced down to make them go into a dormant state prior to boiling or steaming, and yes many times I have boiled blue crabs just like I did here. Let them cool down, vacuum pack and freeze. When I want to eat them, I thaw, and steam to reheat. Can’t tell they were ever frozen, but on the other hand, if you freeze before cooking, and then thaw and cook, the meat gets very mealy and isn’t no where as good as the first method

[@NoHippieBBQCooking]

They both looked good to me. All things being equal, it looks like steamed may be easier

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Yeah, they were so close in flavor and texture, but the one thing that is normally done in a boil which I didn't do here is the fact you can add in potatoes, corn, mushrooms, sausage ect. plus shrimp and crawfish all staged at the right time to go in, which is all done in the one big pot. I wanted to just focus on crabs only for this taste comparison.

[@beersn0b]

I was thinking that, too. And far fewer ingredients, so probably cheaper.

[@gvc56100]

Another great job Russ..had me droolin' at the boil...LOL

[@sparkyjones560]

I'd say steaming is an easier and simpler method. also BUT I'd also say that vinegar vapor coming off that pot didn't look too enjoyable to me. Probably both tastes really good but I think the boil was a more enjoyable cooking time vs. Steamed.

[@Sparkman61]

Add a layer of seasoned corn on the cob (pull back the husk, dust with old bay, put the husk back) on top of the crabs in the steamer. Then all you need is a sunny September afternoon and a shade tree. :-)

[@mommaheather666]

Marylander born & bred...one thing you missed was the more crabs you eat, the more spices get on your hands which means more flavor on the meat!! However you will also know every cut or hangnail on your hands & whatever you do, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR EYES!!!! Steamed all the way!!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

mommaheather I figured that was common knowledge about getting the flavor from your fingers instead of the meat, and figured it was common sense not to rub your eyes, so that’s why I didn’t mention it .

[@corettejones]

YES! I’m from the DMV. We love Crab Feasts steamed Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs. That’s why they ask you how much extra spice you want when you go to RuffnReady PG. My mother not spicy would just rinse the spice off her’s and keep it moving. Eating crabs with family and friends was summer fun.🥰

[@TheWolfePit]

Great review comparison Rus!!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Thanks Larry! I know you love blue crabs brother! Wish you could have been here to help me eat them. Cheers brother 🍻

[@brinkee7674]

You tell him Larry.

[@pleasureperez127]

Finally someone who knows how to clean a crab..... Everyone pulls all the legs ogf and they just don't know how to do it _ you eat them the way I was raised [we steam them Maryland style because thats where my dad is from] ....I just want to thank you for cleaning them the right way

[@E-A-Z-Y]

The Forrest Gump ode, love it.

[@emilioortega9068]

Nate yeahhhh

[@janicekociol7702]

Fantastic video! I am from Maryland. We steam our crabs because they have so much sweet flavor we don't need all that seasoning inside. I've had crabs from the South many times, and they just don't have the same flavor. As the video said, the cold water makes Maryland crabs fatter. They are buttery sweet. I just want to add that it's a myth that Marylanders use Old Bay. That's just advertising. We use JO #2 or similar blends. Old Bay is good for crab cakes and shrimp, but it doesn't stay on steamed crabs very well. It gets a muddy color when cooked and tastes a little bitter. JO stays on the crab shell and turns a bright orange. It's spicey and delicious. Thank you for the video.

[@cscratchy5126]

Stir fry with black bean and garlic sauce. They love their crab cakes in Baltimore too. I have had some nice crab at an inner harbour restaurant in Baltimore/

[@billwarrick1475]

phillips crab house

[@rhey81]

I love the fact you entertain many avenues to figure out the best flavor and in the end everything was good..

[@scottking5555]

Yeah, our crab population has really rebounded, like to a crazy degree. I’m glad that you can see the difference between Louisiana and Maryland blue crab. But I’m from the DMV, you probably won’t convince me boiling is better just cause of one fact alone, probably more like one opinion alone... I’m a meat purist. I love the flavor of the meat as opposed to covering it up with all this spices. Spices should compliment not cover up... it’s why I don’t really marinade my meats, and I especially NEVER EVER EVER use steak sauce on my damned beef. All that being said... it’s really hard to mess up our blue crab so I will totally give YOUR type of boil a try, it looks legit and like it won’t make mush out of that beautiful meat. Actually can’t wait to try it!!!

[@shug1356]

Don’t forget the crab pretzel 🥨 Maryland girl here!!!! 🥰🥰🥰 love your channel

[@astaboy]

Baltimore guy here. 1/3 each of cider vinegar, beer and water. Also, as well as a healthy dose of Old Bay, add a handful of coarse black pepper & kosher salt to each layer of crabs. Also, those boiled crabs look deeeeeeeeeelicious. Gonna give it a try.

[@rustyvale]

Queso Grande, you need to get Louisiana crab boil liquid and dry seasoning if you’re going to boil.

[@scottymsu6063]

100% love for flash back to "Forest Gump" parody. Love it!!! 5 Stars

[@amandagaskill7609]

I'm from Maryland and we're the Kings of steamed blue crabs.

[@enginemaster01]

Most of your blue crabs are shipped in from south Louisiana

[@jallendylan211]

@@enginemaster01 so

[@enginemaster01]

Most of the crabs yall get in Maryland are from Louisiana we catch them all year long

[@jimmymack6938]

Also the king of no flavor

[@lanakane7325]

Yon Cheramie Yes. We’re working on saving the bay. But I think y’all have to add all that crap to boil because they wouldn’t have flavor otherwise. Maryland blues are flavorful all by themselves. Basically y’all make soup and throw in some crab.

[@jbers2035]

My Dad grew up in Orange TX which is not too far from the coast on the Texas and Louisiana border. He moved to Maryland for about 25 years and moved back to Orange in '97. I was just talking to him the other day and he said he really misses steamed crabs and silver queen corn.

[@shawnmccardell7906]

Only one flaw. What most Marylander's don't know is that 99% of crab houses in Maryland don't use Old Bay. They actually use J.O. Spice #2. It has a higher salt content which is needed when steaming crabs properly...

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

Yeah I’ve had quite a few comments on this video telling me that. I guess it’s time to see if I can order J.O. and see how it compares to old bay. I can buy old bay down here in Mississippi but not the J.O. Thanks for watching

[@tylersummy6769]

As a Marylander I can say that's false everyone knows J.O. is used not old Bay

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

So your telling me "NO" Marylanders use Old Bay? Have they ever? I'm asking because I have never steamed crabs prior to this video, and two Marylander friends that also have a KZbin channel, taught me how do it Maryland style, which includes Old Bay. Not a problem, but hard for me to believe that no one in Maryland uses Old Bay when I have so many comments on this video that says other wise.

[@tylersummy6769]

Smoky Ribs BBQ & Southern Cuisine Old Bay is used more on food like crab cakes, fries etc.. true Marylanders always use J.O. on the crabs before steaming them .. old Bay is what's used on everything J.O. is mainly only for crabs

[@shug1356]

I'm from MD n we use OLD BAY!!! I've never ever heard of Jo. I wanna try it now but 99.999999% of MD folks us old Bay.

[@davidfusick782]

Who from MD has ever heard of Cameron's seafood? Steaming is the best b/c MD is the world's leader in everything blue crab!

[@kathrynmyers772]

Cameron's sucks.

[@seanbrown9111]

Boil is better hands down. Zatarans not old Bay had both ways steamed also. Boiled are more juicy

[@enginemaster01]

Yeah you right

[@sdcofer52]

I live in Annapolis and have been steaming blue crab for 50 years (maybe longer, I'm 70) and I never, ever steam a dead crab. I know you said they were cold and thus not very lively but most, if not all, weren't moving at all and I must assume they were hanging out warming up while you were boiling the first batch. What is your protocol with dead crabs?

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I don't cook dead crabs. I'm 63 and was raised catching, cooking and eating blue crabs. The crabs went straight from the ice to the pot. No time to warm up. Believe what you want. I was there!