The crab is one crustacean that really makes us work hard to get to that tender, sweet meat. But once you crack through the shell, the flavor it offers is unparalleled!
Crabs have a mildly salty and sweet taste with a soft, buttery texture that’s flakier than a lobster — properties you can only achieve if you boil it right.
Now, if you’re new to the world of cooking crabs, we’ve got your back. Here’s a complete guide on how long to boil crab to create the perfect seafood extravaganza!
Why You Should Boil Crabs
There are many different ways to cook crabs, from boiling and steaming to baking and grilling. But boiling is arguably the simplest way to get juicy, soft, tender crab meat.
Typically, crabs are boiled alive, which seems inhumane, considering they’re sentient beings, but there’s a scientific reason behind the practice.
Crustaceans, such as crabs, have vibrio — a dangerous water-borne bacteria that causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses in the U.S. alone. When the crustaceans die, the bacteria multiply in the body and shells, releasing toxins that cause food-borne diseases. Unfortunately, we can’t get rid of this bacterial growth by cooking the crab; it has to be boiled to minimize the risk of food poisoning, which is why we cook them alive.
So, how long to boil live crab? Or, how long to boil whole crab (fresh)?
The boil time depends on the size and variety of the crab (more on this, below), but the consensus is to boil it for 10-15 minutes to bring out its flavor and get the perfect texture.
If you’re unsure, an easy tip to remember is to remove the crab once it starts to float in the water.
How Long to Boil Crab — A Comprehensive Guide
New to the art of cooking crustaceans? Don’t fret; it’s easier to master than you think!
Let’s start with the most commonly asked question — how long does it take to boil crab?
Typically, it takes approximately 5-8 mins to boil a crab in bubbling water, but the duration it takes to achieve the perfect, buttery flavor depends on the variety of the crab.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular crab varieties to give you a rough estimate.
1. Blue Crabs
The Chesapeake or Atlantic blue crab is a gorgeous crustacean with bright blue claws. It has mildly sweet and succulent meat with a buttery flavor, with soft shells that offer a crunchy texture unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.
It is also prized for the nutty flavor of the claws, but bear in mind that it requires some work to eat.
So, how long to boil blue crabs to get them cooked to perfection?
Well, 10 minutes should do the trick.
If you find yourself uncertain about how long to boil blue crabs, take them out when they start to float.
2. Dungeness Crabs
The Dungeness crab is the most commercially available crab variety. It has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that many claim is better than a king crab! This crab variety also has firm-textured meat in the legs, so there’s something for every palate.
Now, how long to boil Dungeness crabs to cook them just right? They need to be boiled a little longer than blue crabs; add to a pot with boiling water and allow them to cook covered for 14 minutes.
However, if you’ve got the crab cleaned and are wondering how long to boil cleaned Dungeness crab, you’ll need to reduce the boil time to 11 minutes.
3. King Crabs
King crabs, as you may have guessed from the name, are known for their sheer size. But there’s more to them than meets the eye (or should we say claws?). These crustaceans have white meat with red streaks and a subtle, sweet flavor.
When it comes to determining how long to boil king crab, the answer can get a bit tricky.
Different recipes suggest different boil times for this majestic beast, so it can be confusing to find the sweet point where your crab meat is cooked but not overly so.
Our tip? If you’re unsure about how long king crab takes to boil, leave the pot uncovered and remove the crab when it changes color, which could happen anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes.
4. Mud Crabs
Mud crabs, or mangrove crabs, have a distinctively sweet flavor and a medium-to-firm texture that’s loved by many. Its flesh is translucent when raw, transitioning into a gorgeous off-white once boiled.
This brings us to the question: How long to cook mud crabs in boiling water?
Once you’ve got a pot of water bubbling hot, add your mud crabs to it, cover the pot with a lid and let the crabs boil for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Snow Crabs
The snow crab has red meat that turns white upon cooking, giving it its distinctive name. This type of crab has a subtle, briny flavor and a firm but fibrous texture. When boiled right, you can crack the shell open with bare hands to get to the delicious meat inside.
So, how long to boil snow crab?
Snow crabs take 6-8 minutes to boil, allowing you to produce, in a matter of minutes, a hearty meal on hectic weeknights.
Quick Overview of Crab Boil Times:
| Crab Variety | Boil Time |
| Blue Crabs | 10 minutes |
| Dungeness Crabs | 14 minutes |
| King Crabs | 10-20 minutes |
| Mud Crabs | 10 minutes |
| Snow Crabs | 6-8 minutes |
How to Boil Crabs: The Only 101 You’ll Ever Need
Now that you’re familiar with how long it takes to boil crab, grab the freshest crabs possible, and follow this guide to cook deliciously tender crabs!
- Fill a pot of water halfway, add salt (about ½ cup per gallon of water) and bring it to a full boil. It should take somewhere around 8-10 minutes.
- Next, add the crab upside down, making sure it’s completely submerged in water. Cover the pot with a lid, and cook the crabs to their indicated boiling times. For example, if you’re cooking blue crabs, 10 minutes should do the trick.
- Once the crabs start floating in the pot, or their shells have turned red, turn the flame off and place the crabs in cold water for 5-10 minutes. This will help keep the meat from sticking to the shells.
- Finally, drain the crabs and clean them by removing the shells. Rinse the crabs in water to help flush out the waste, and you’re all set!
For best results, boil the crabs alongside corn, potatoes, sausages and your favorite spices – it’ll make the seafood much more aromatic and flavorful.
In Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand how long to boil a crab to cook it to perfection. Just remember that different crab varieties have different boil times to bring out their flavor and freshness. But, when in doubt, turn off the stove when the crab floats in the pot.
Let us know how your crustacean cooking adventure goes!
