How to make crabs spit sand
Crab is one of many people's favorite seafood, but before cooking, how to make the crab spit sand is a key step. The sand in the crab's body affects the taste and may even make you feel uncomfortable. This article will introduce in detail several effective methods to help you completely spit out the crab before cooking to ensure a delicious taste when eating.
1. Why are crabs spitting sand?

Crabs live in mud and sand, and there will inevitably be residual sand in their bodies. If not cleaned, sand particles will remain in the crab meat after cooking, affecting the taste and eating experience. Therefore, spitting sand is an essential step before cooking.
2. Common methods of spitting sand
The following are several common methods of making crabs spit sand. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and you can choose according to the actual situation:
| method | Operation steps | time | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water soaking method | Put the crabs into clean water until the water level covers the crabs, and let it sit for 2-3 hours. | 2-3 hours | The effect is average and suitable for situations where you have plenty of time. |
| Salt water soaking method | Add an appropriate amount of salt (concentration of about 3%) to the water and soak the crabs in the salt water for 1-2 hours. | 1-2 hours | The effect is better, the salt can stimulate the crab to spit out sand. |
| Liquor stimulation method | Pour a small amount of white wine (about 50ml) into the water and soak the crabs for 30 minutes. | 30 minutes | The effect is remarkable, white wine can quickly stimulate crabs to spit out sand. |
| Running water flushing method | Rinse the crabs under running water and lightly brush the crab shells with a brush. | 10-15 minutes | The effect is average and suitable for situations where time is tight. |
3. Operation precautions
1.water temperature control: The water temperature should not be too high when soaking, otherwise the crab may die and affect the sand spitting effect. It is recommended to use water at room temperature or slightly lower than room temperature.
2.avoid overstimulation: When using liquor or salt water, the concentration should not be too high, otherwise the crab may die.
3.Quiet environment: Crabs are more likely to spit sand in a quiet environment, so it is best to place the container in a cool and dark place.
4.Change water in time: If the soaking time is long, it is recommended to change the water every 1 hour to keep the water clean.
4. Treatment after spitting out sand
After the sand spitting is completed, the crabs need to be further processed:
1.Scrub crab shells: Use a brush to gently scrub crab shells and legs to remove residual sediment and impurities.
2.Rinse clean: Rinse the crabs thoroughly with clean water, making sure no sand remains.
3.Check before cooking: Before cooking, you can break open the crab shell and check whether there is any residual sand to make sure it is completely clean.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for crabs to spit out sand?
A: It usually takes 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the method used and the type of crab.
Q: Can crabs survive after spitting out sand?
A: If done correctly, crabs can still survive after spitting out sand. However, using white wine or highly concentrated salt water may cause the crabs to die.
Q: Can I cook directly after spitting the sand?
A: Yes, you can cook directly after spitting the sand, but it is recommended to brush and rinse it first.
6. Summary
Letting crabs spit out sand is an important step before cooking. Choosing the right method can effectively remove sand and enhance the eating experience. The water immersion method is simple but time-consuming. The salt water immersion method and the liquor stimulation method are more effective but the concentration needs to be paid attention to. The running water rinsing method is suitable for situations where time is tight. No matter which method you choose, pay attention to the water temperature and environment to ensure that the crabs can spit sand smoothly.
I hope this article can help you easily solve the problem of crab spitting and enjoy a delicious seafood feast!
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