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Although they are a delicious meal, crabs can be scary to tackle. Do not be alarmed! You’ll quickly become proficient at removing every last bit of sweet crab meat with a little help. This is your detailed guide:

1. Gather Your Tools:

• Crab Crackers: These specialized tools are designed to easily crack open crab shells.
• Crab Picks: These small, pointed tools are perfect for extracting meat from the crevices of the shell.
• Kitchen Shears: Useful for cutting through the legs and snipping open smaller shells.
• Mallet (optional): A mallet can be helpful for cracking particularly tough shells.
• Bowl for Shells: A designated bowl will keep your workspace clean.

2. Prepare Your Workspace:

• Protect Your Surface: Spread newspaper or a tablecloth to protect your dining table from any mess.
• Gather Your Dipping Sauces: Prepare your favorite dipping sauces, such as melted butter, lemon-garlic butter, cocktail sauce, or hot sauce.

3. Crack the Claws:

• Use your crab cracker or mallet: Gently tap the claws to crack them open.
• Remove the meat: Use your fingers, a crab pick, or a small fork to extract the meat from the claws.

4. Break Down the Body:

• Find the Apron: Locate the small, triangular flap on the underside of the crab. This is the “apron.”
• Remove the Apron: Gently pull the apron away from the crab’s body.
• Flip the Crab: Turn the crab over so the underside is facing up.
• Separate the Shells: Gently pull the top shell away from the bottom shell.
• Remove the Gills: Inside the crab’s body, you’ll see feathery gills. These are not edible. Gently remove them.
• Extract the Meat: Use your fingers, a crab pick, or a small fork to carefully extract the meat from the body.

5. Enjoy the Legs:

• Crack the Legs: Gently crack the smaller legs using your hands or a crab cracker.
• Extract the Meat: Use your fingers or a crab pick to remove the meat from the legs.

6. Don’t Forget the “Mustard”:

• Look for the Yellow Substance: Inside the crab’s body, you might find a yellowish-brown substance called “mustard.” This is the crab’s hepatopancreas, and while it’s edible, it can have a strong flavor.

7. Clean Up:

• Dispose of Shells Properly: Discard the shells in a designated container.
• Clean Up Your Workspace: Wipe down any spills and dispose of any remaining debris.

Tips for Success:

Relax and Enjoy: Eating crab is a social and enjoyable experience. Don’t be afraid to get messy and have fun!

Wear an Apron: This will help protect your clothes from any sauce splatters.

Have Plenty of Napkins on Hand: Crabs can be messy!