Crab is a crustacean with delicate, flavoursome meat that is highly prized in Portuguese cooking. One of the most popular ways to enjoy it is in a tasty crab filling, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Before you begin, choose a fresh, good-quality crab to achieve the best possible flavour and texture.
How to choose fresh crab
Buy from trusted suppliers:
Choose crab from reputable fishmongers, markets, supermarkets or shellfish suppliers known for the quality of their seafood.
Check its appearance:
Look for crabs with glossy shells and no cracks. Avoid any with dark marks, as these may suggest that they are not fresh.
Movement:
Whenever possible, inspect the crab while it is alive or just cooked. A fresh crab should show some movement in its legs, indicating that it is alive. Limp, motionless legs may mean that the crab has been dead for some time.
Smell:
Fresh crab should have a pleasant sea-fresh aroma, without any unpleasant odour. If it smells strong or off-putting, it is best not to buy it.
Weight:
A fresh crab should feel satisfyingly heavy for its size. Avoid those that seem light or hollow.
Eyes:
If you can, examine the crab’s eyes. They should be prominent, glossy and black. Dull or sunken eyes can indicate that it is no longer fresh.
Legs and claws:
The legs and claws should be whole, with no visible damage or breaks.
Pitada tip
Add a citrusy note! A little lemon juice or lemon zest, for instance, can lift the flavour of the filling and bring a refreshing touch.
Now that you have these tips, get ready to enjoy the ultimate homemade crab filling, packed with flavour.
Crab filling
Course: Main course
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Discover this delicious crab filling, ideal for putting an excellent snack on the table!
Ingredients
- 1 crab
- 75 ml beer
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 3 tablespoons chopped pickles
- 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs
- Breadcrumbs or crushed melba toasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- Start by cooking the crab in boiling salted water. Cook for 18/20 minutes. Remove it and leave to cool, preferably on ice.
- Once cooled, separate the crab’s legs and open the shell. Remove the meat from inside, transferring every part to a bowl.
- Add the chopped eggs, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, breadcrumbs and beer to the bowl.
- Mix everything thoroughly, season with salt and pepper, then serve with bread, toast or melba toasts.
Watch the step-by-step guide for this crab filling on our YouTube channel. While you are there, subscribe and turn on notifications so that you do not miss a pinch!
The best pairings for summer snacks
There is nothing better than making the most of sunny days with delicious snacks. If you are looking for fresh, tasty ideas to serve at gatherings or during relaxing moments, you are in the right place! 🙂
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