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Beer - National Bohemian or "Natty Bo" is traditional in Baltimore, but any basic light beer is ideal.Avoid balsamic or anything with a lot of flavor. Plain white vinegar is all you need here, but if you don't have any, white or red wine vinegar is fine. Vinegar - Vinegar adds amazing flavor to the crabs, but it also helps soften the shells and make them easier to pick.In Maryland, it's common to see homemade Old Bay seasoning or Old Bay that's been doctored up with added sea salt, mustard powder and red chili flakes.
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It's a mixture of celery seed, cayenne pepper and other spices that give the crabs that iconic Chesapeake flavor. Old Bay Seasoning - Aside from the crabs, Old Bay is the most essential ingredient for making Maryland Style crabs.Crabs - Blue Crabs are traditional, as that's the species local to Maryland, but this technique can be applied to any type of crab.Jimmies aka large male blue claw crabs in Maryland Essential Ingredients Any type of crab or crab legs can be steamed Maryland style.
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The addition of vinegar helps to soften the crab shells which makes them easier to pick.Steamed in a mixture of beer, vinegar and Old Bay for incredible flavor.A simple, beginner friendly recipe that anyone can make!.While it's more popular to boil crabs in Louisiana and other southern states, Maryland style crabs are typically steamed with lots of Maryland crab seasoning aka Old Bay. My dad lives on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, and this is our favorite way to enjoy freshly caught blue claw crabs at home (with crab cakes as a very close second!). These steamed crabs are prepared Maryland style with lots of Old Bay and a few family secrets to make them extra delicious.