Wondering what goes with stone crabs? There are lots of tasty side dishes, from classic mustard sauce to Cuban tostones, to make your meal memorable!
The best sides for stone crabs are classic mustard sauce, French Fries, roasted red potatoes, clam chowder, lobster bisque, Caesar salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, grilled vegetables, fruit salad, corn on the cob, tostones, maduros, rice and black beans.
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Key West Stone Crabs
Florida is the primary supplier of stone crabs in the United States, with these delicious crustaceans being a well-known culinary treasure throughout the state, from the Keys to the Gulf Coast.
Stone crab season runs from mid-October through May when the crabs are at their peak freshness and flavor.
Stone crab meat is flaky, white, and sweet. The claws are cooked immediately after harvesting, so when you buy them, there's very little work required.
Although fresh stone crabs can be pricey, their distinct sweet flavor and succulent meat are worth it, drawing people to Florida from all over to experience this renowned delicacy.
Joe's Stone Crab in Miami is famous for its upscale dining experience and higher prices. In Key Largo, we keep it more relaxed—stone crabs are available at most local restaurants, often without the white tablecloth.
How Many Crabs Per Person?
Like shrimp, stone crab claws vary by size. Plan on purchasing one pound per person.
- Medium, 6 to 8 per pound
- Large, 4 to 5 per pound
- Jumbo, 3 per pound
- Colossal, 1 per pound
There could be a $60.00 per pound difference in price between Medium and Collasal, which makes the large claws much more attractive to many people.
How To Crack The Claws
Stone crabs have very hard shells so we have this manual "cracker" that makes cracking the shells a breeze.
You should make sure all three knuckles are gently cracked to easily access the meat.
Of course, you can always use a nutcracker or lobster cracker. A wooden mallet might be available or gifted to you when you purchase your crabs.
If you don't have a cracker, mallet, or nutcracker, place the crabs on a solid surface, cover them with a few sheets of plastic wrap so you can see them, and, one by one, crack the knuckles with a hammer.
If you have a lot of fresh stone crab claws in your future, the right cracking apparatus is worth the investment. You can get one where you get your crab claws.
What To Serve with Stone Crabs?
Here are some popular options for the best side dish to serve with stone crabs.
- Mustard Sauce is the classic accompaniment for stone crab claws, especially in Florida, where stone crabs are a delicacy. This creamy, tangy sauce complements the sweet, tender meat of the crab claws perfectly.
- Melted butter should always be near the claws.
- Cocktail Sauce is good for people who don't like mayonnaise.
- Hot French Fries, Roasted Tiny Red Potatoes, or Oven Roasted Russet Potatoes.
- Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque.
- A classic Caesar Salad or a green salad with a simple vinaigrette would be a great side dish.
- Crisp and creamy coleslaw.
- Roasted vegetables or grilled vegetables are the perfect side.
- Fresh fruit salad would be perfect alongside the crabs. Fresh Mango with Chili Lime Salt, cut-up pineapple, or sliced watermelon would also be refreshing.
- Corn on the Cob is a popular side
- For a taste of Havana, put out some Cuban Tostones, Maduros, or Rice and Black Beans.
- A Shrimp Cocktail with Key West pink shrimp would be a great side dish!
- Pair the claws with a variety of chilled beverages, including sparkling champagne!
Stone Crab Serving Suggestions
- Wash the cooked crabs with cold water before eating them.
- Before serving them, an adult should crack the crab claws.
- To serve informally, you can put out a tray of crab claws on crushed ice with lemon wedges and a bowl of mustard dipping sauce.
- For a more formal setting, the cracked claws can be plated with lemon wedges and individual bowls of mustard dipping sauce and melted butter. Cocktail forks would also be very helpful.
Try Some More Keys Recipes
Peel and Eat Shrimp is a great appetizer you can serve with stone crabs.
Yellowtail is a mild-tasting snapper that is abundant here in South Florida. You can try Roasted Snapper, Pan Fried Yellowtail, or Panko Crusted Yellowtail.
Mahi Mahi is another fish that we catch in the Keys. Try Oven Roasted Mahi, Crispy Pan Fried Mahi, and Seared Mahi with Lemon Basil Butter Sauce.
Popular Florida Seafood Recipes
- Baked Snapper with Key Lime Butter
- Pan Seared Mangrove Snapper with Mango Coleslaw
- Broiled Yellowtail Snapper with Blackened Seasoning
- Blackened Fish Tacos
- Shrimp Salad
- Tripletail with Garlic Butter Sauce
And dont forget the Key Lime Pie for dessert!
Summary
Florida Stone Crab Claws are versatile enough to shine at both Michelin-starred restaurants and casual backyard cookouts. Their sweet, briny flavor, complemented by a tangy mustard sauce, makes them a sought-after treat.
Whether for special occasions or a relaxed Sunday dinner, stone crabs are always a welcome addition. Enjoy them alongside our favorite sides!
South Florida is also renowned for Key West Pink Shrimp, Mahi Mahi, Yellowtail Snapper, Hogfish, and more.
FAQ
Yes, stone crabs are 100% gluten-free.
If you cook your claws or buy them right after they're steamed, you'll get three days in the fridge. As the claws age, they start to get slimy. They have an off-taste like ammonia when they are no longer edible.
Stone crab season runs from October 15th to May 15th in the state of Florida. During this time, it is legal to harvest and catch stone crabs. Harvesting stone crabs must be done by size and possession limits to ensure sustainability and the preservation of the species.
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