Can You Freeze Crab? Ways to Freeze Crabs
Crab is a crustacean delicacy and is quite an expensive purchase that you will ever make. Thus, if you are a fan of sea-foods, here’s how you can store and freeze crab. This blog will enlighten you on different ways to store crab.
Crabs are often misunderstood in terms of their nutritional value. Many think that these crustaceans are merely culinary delicacies that will satisfy your taste buds only. But, crabs do a lot of advantages to your health as well. Thus, do not disregard the importance of having crabs in your meal plans.
They are an extensive source of protein and a known fact is that you get enough amount of protein in a single crab than you would get in a 100g meat serving. Thus, imagine the number of nutritious benefits you can absorb by eating them.
Another reason why we would recommend you eat crabs is that they are a potent source of long-chain fatty acids also proclaimed as omega-3 fatty acids. These molecules are good for your heart and cardiovascular health.
Considering these advantages it leaves us with an obvious condition which is to freeze crabs for future use!
Steps to Freeze Leftover Crab Meat in Shell
By far, freezing crab in its shell is the best way to preserve its original texture and flavor. All it takes is to follow these three basic steps to freeze a crab in its shell. First, take a clean cling film and wrap individual crab shells in it.
Do not stack more than one crab in a cling film. Wrap them individually for the best results upon thawing. Once you are ready with wrapped crab shells, it is time to give them a second layer of protection. This layer would be an aluminum foil to prevent any air molecules to get into the crab shell.
So take clean aluminum foil and tightly wrap the crab shell in it. Place these wrapped crabs in freezer-safe bags and drop them in the freezer. Freeze them and use them in your recipes later on.
Can You Freeze Crab? Tips to Freeze Crab Dips
To freeze crab dips, first, you should start by preparing one effectively! Here’s a quick recipe to guide you through. First of all, start preparing your cream mix by whipping cream cheese in a bowl.
Then, add mayonnaise, mixed herbs, sauces, lemon juice, and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Again whisk in all the ingredients and lastly fold in crab meat. Mix all the ingredients well till you get a perfect dip-like consistency.
At this stage, you can either bake the crab dip in the oven and then freeze it. Or, you can freeze the dip uncooked and then cook it later on. If you wish to use this dip for a long time then we would recommend you freeze it uncooked.
Cooked dip will stay fresh and edible for a short time in the freezer. Therefore, take a clean airtight container and pour the crab dip into it. Tap it twice on the counter to remove any air bubbles and close the lid.
Now freeze this airtight container and use it later on as per your recipe.
Freezing Crab Sticks or Crab Meat
Crabs can be frozen in different forms in the freezer for nearly the same amount of time. So, you have an extra stock of crab sticks that you don’t want to waste? Freeze them! Freezing crab sticks takes less than 5 minutes.
First, count the number of crabs sticks you have to store and segregate them into bunches of four. Now, take cling films and cut them into sufficiently large sections to wrap these crab stick bunches. Wrap crab sticks in groups of four only for effective freezing.
Once you tightly cover the crab sticks in cling film you can shift them into zip-lock bags or freezer-safe bags. Label these bags and shift them to the freeze for the final freeze.
Is it possible to Freeze Crab Cakes?
It is possible to freeze crab cakes, in their uncooked state. Freezing cooked crab cakes is not recommendable as it will drastically alter the flavor and texture of the cakes. Take a lined baking tray and place your crab cakes on it.
Freeze crab cakes for a minimum of two hours duration before final freeze. After 2 hours, remove the tray and start wrapping these frozen crab cakes in cling films tightly. Be sure to remove any excess air while wrapping.
Now, shift these wrapped crab cakes into airtight bags and pop them in the freezer. That is all it takes to freeze crab cakes efficaciously at home.
How to Freeze Crab Soup?
Crab soup or crab bisque as many restaurants might call it can be frozen as well. Crab soup is a rich delicacy and has soothing flavors, unlike any other soup. Therefore, freezing crab soup is a must when you wish to prepare it in bulk or have some leftovers.
However, one thing you must understand is that crab soups are made extra creamy by the addition of cream and butter to it. Thus, if you freeze cooked crab soup containing these dairy ingredients, there is a high chance that cream and butter would solidify.
Thus, leaving a rough texture to the soup. To avoid this from happening, it is better to freeze crab soup without the addition of cream or butter to it. You can stir these ingredients later on when you are using your soup.
To freeze crab soup there aren’t any fancy steps and takes less than 2 minutes. Take a clean airtight container and pour the soup into it. Make sure the soup is completely cool before you freeze it. Close the lid, add the label, and freeze the soup for future use.
For How Long Can You Freeze Crabs?
Crabs freeze well for three months after which they slowly start to lose their texture. If you are a regular crab eater, you might be aware of its tender texture. Thus, you can imagine that a crab with a stringy texture tastes bad.
So, if you are thinking of serving frozen crabs to your guests, then you must use them within 2-3 months. Whenever you freeze crabs for more than 3 months you will have a bad taste and texture of crabs in your recipe that can’t be altered.
Does frozen crab alter in taste?
Freezing can bring some minute texture changes in the crab. But, if you thaw crab meat properly, you can enjoy the taste of fresh crab meat from the leftover crab meat. Even though cooked crab meat will taste much better, freezing crab meat is a great idea to increase its shelf life.
Tips to Defrost and Thaw Crab Meat or Cooked Crab Meat
Freezing crab meat will create chances of freezer burn of crab meat. Thus, if that’s the case happening with you then follow these steps to defrost frozen crab meat. First of all, when you put crab meat in the freezer, make sure it’s tightly packed in plastic.
You can freeze crab meat in different recipes as well like crab legs, claws, and other parts of the same. However, ensure the packing is tight. Whenever you need crab meat, you can remove the bag of frozen crabs from the freezer and thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Do not try to finish the thawing process quickly or else you might lose the texture of your meat.
1. Whenever you freeze crabs, try to freeze them in the form of dips or soups. This way they will retain their texture for longer periods.
2. However, if you do not wish to freeze crab meals then freeze crabs in their shells. It will help to prevent their delicate texture for a long time.
3. When you have to defrost frozen crab, you must do that throughout 24 to 36 hours. It entirely depends on how large your crab serving is. If you hasten the process it will bring you no good and a stringy crab.
4. Thaw the crab in the fridge overnight and do not abruptly pop it out to room temperature. It will badly impact the texture of crabs.
Crabs are loved by many people who love to eat sea-foods. Thus, now you know easy ways to freeze crab and their respective meals. Follow these tips and suggestions to get the best results when freezing crabs.