Do blue crabs have to be alive when you cook them?

Online Answer
Steaming is a classic way to cook blue crab. ... If you are cooking fresh crabs, they must be alive. We also want to cook our live crabs in the most humane way possible. Before cooking your live crabs, immerse them with tongs (preferably really long BBQ tongs) in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes..
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First of all, the vinegar will reduce the boiling point of the water present in your steaming pot, thus helping you to steam your crabs quickly. It will allow you to serve the crabs in a better way whenever you are in a hurry.
5.) Once the water has started to boil again, reduce the heat and simmer for the required time. The cras shell should turn a bright orange when done..