Seafood Recipes: Crabs, Lobsters, and Much More

Seafood is a very broad term that includes a wide variety of dishes. Seafood recipes may vary from fish to seaweed in what the recipe calls for. Differences in culture and region will often play a large part in the differences in what the various recipes will call for, with different ingredients not being as readily available in all parts of the world. Likewise, regions not near the coast are less likely to be able to get truly fresh seafood and do not eat it as often as their coastal neighbors.

Crustaceans make up many of the favorite seafood recipes throughout the world. Some of the more famous examples of this type of seafood are lobster, shrimp and crab. Lobster is found all over the world's oceans in several different forms. The most commonly used lobster and more famous is the clawed lobster. Many seafood stores will have tanks where an individual can pick out the lobster they want.

 These are more popular because of their look with the claws before held together to prevent attacks. There are also spiny lobsters, also sometimes referred to as rock lobsters, which do not have claws. However, both have tails which can be quite delicious when prepared. Although somewhat controversial, the most common way to cook a lobster is to boil it alive.

 It is important to cook it in salty water as it will help preserve the flavor of the meat. Boiling is not the only option however as many believe that steaming it will produce an even more tasty meat. The final option is to cut the lobster open and grilling it. It is generally preferred to grill the lobster with garlic and melted butter, although it is always up to the griller.

 Shrimp, or prawn in some areas of the world, can also be boiled as well as grilled. Slightly more accessible than lobster as it can be bought frozen, shrimp can be used in a wide variety of seafood recipes. Smaller shrimp are often boiled, keep a close watch though as smaller shrimp can cook very quickly and it is important not to overcook them.

Larger shrimp such as the jumbo shrimp are often grilled. A great way to do so is to place on to a large wooden skewer prior to grilling. Many people like to brush the shrimp with olive oil and add garlic as well as salt and pepper as they cook. Finally, there is the crab. Crabs are one of the more varied oceanic creatures with different types being found all over the world.

Unlike lobster, it is generally preferred to kill the crab prior to cooking. It is believed that in doing so, the crab will absorb less water and thus making the meat more tender. Once the crab is ready to cook, remove the claws and cut open the stomach of the crab.

Use a small spoon and scoop out the brown meat from the inside. Likewise remove the white flesh from the claws and legs. Proceed to cook the meat either through boiling or over a saucepan. Seafood recipes vary throughout the world. However, people of all areas can agree that the ocean can produce some of the tastiest dishes available. Using a proper recipe will help to ensure that you get the best flavor and taste out of the meat.