BLUE CRABS WITH SPICY BUTTER

Blue Crabs with Spicy Butter image

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

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One 12-ounce bottle lager-style beer
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
12 live blue crabs, preferably large males
1/2 cup Old Bay Seasoning
Spicy Butter (see recipe below)
Lemon wedges, for serving
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 small garlic clove, finely grated

Steps:

Combine the beer and vinegar with 1 cup of water in a very large pot. Add a steamer insert and bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Add the crabs and 1/4 cup of the Old Bay and cook, covered, until the crabs are bright red, 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size. Transfer the crabs to a large platter and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Old Bay.
Serve the hot crabs with the Spicy Butter and lemon wedges on the side.
Make the butter while the crabs cook: combine the butter, Old Bay, cayenne and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Pour the melted butter into a small ramekin, leaving the milk solids in the saucepan.