Stone Crab Claws

My husband and I enjoy may seafood recipes. His favorite is lobster while mine is crab. Stone Crab Claws top the list for me for both a seafood appetizer idea or a main dish (depending on the stone crab claw size.

My husband and I as well as my parents and siblings enjoy a variety of seafood. We are known for our Crab Fests that we have occasionally.

Favorite seafood recipes include this easy to make, always a crowd pleaser Seafood Soup as well as these Tuna Bites that I sometimes serve at gathering or make for a meal for the family. Sadly our kids are very allergic to all shellfish. Luckily they can enjoy fish!

If you have never had a stone crab claw, you will be in for a treat. I think one of the reasons so many people enjoy crabs and crab legs in general is the sweet taste of crab.

When it comes to the flavor of stone crab claws, its off the chart in my opinion.

Stone Crab Facts

• In Florida it is legal to harvest them from October 15 through May 1. Laws are in place dictating the protection of pregnant females as well as a minimum size of claw for harvest.
• 98% of stone crabs come from Florida.
• Claw sizes range from medium, large, jumbo, colossal and mega colossal. Typically the larger the pricier.
• You are only permitted to harvest one or two of the claws, not the crab itself.
• The harvested crab claw grows back in 12-18 months (speed depends on the age of the crab).
• Adult females can produce 3-6 million eggs a year.
• Learn more from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Claw Sizes

• Medium 6-7 per pound
• Large 4-5 per pound
• Jumbo 2-3 per pound
• Colossal 1-2 per pound (pictured in photos)
• Mega Colossal 1-2 per pound

What do Stone Crab Claws taste like?

• There is no real comparison for the flavor of stone crab claws. Think lobster but sweeter and flakier. Thing snow crab legs but firmer. I thinks its the literal culinary definition of succulent.
• They really are a seafood treat like non other.
• Dip in melted butter or better yet a simple mustard sauce for the best eating experience.

How to prepare Stone Crab Claws

• The beauty of these claws is that you are to enjoy them cold. They are best served cold over a bowl or tray of ice.
• Thaw for a day and night in the fridge if they have been frozen.
• If freshly delivered enjoy with a day or two of delivery for the best experience. Simply use a mallet, crack open and enjoy all of the sweet beautiful crab claw meat. There is nothing quite like it.

Where to buy

• You may see them in supermarkets, however the freshness is questionable. If you are going to treat yourself or someone else to stone crabs, I recommend George Stone Crab (shipped from Florida) or a similar purveyor that catches them sustainably, and immediately ships them to you fresh. That way you know its fresh and you are getting the best for your money.
• I have used their service and both the crab claws and their sauce is amazing. They also offer bundles of king crab, key lime pie (its good!!), caviar and claws. The shipping is excellent as well.

What goes well with Stone Crab Claws?

• Any other seafood of course will pair well. Maybe you are planning a seafood night. These fit the bill.
• If you are enjoying stone crab claws alone, start with a soup or salad or have a nice crusty loaf of bead on the side.
• Stone crab claws pair amazingly well with mustard sauce (see recipe below).

Storage

• It's best to enjoy the day of delivery / purchase or up to a few days after.
• I have frozen and enjoyed later, however for best flavor enjoy as freshly harvested as possible.
• Unused claws / claw meat should be stored in a sealed container and enjoyed within 3 days.

Hope you love these as much as I do! And give George Stone Crab in Florida a try, they deliver fast when stone crabs are in season and have other items as well. XO - Colleen

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