There are a number of tools designed to crack crab shells.
Crab is found around the world, but primarily in the waters around China, Japan and the United States. Whether you like your crab in a rangoon, steamed and drizzled with butter or breaded with vegetables and cracker crumbs, you must first extract the crab meat. The crab is a formidable crustacean, so you'll need tools to remove the meat without destroying it.
Crab Mallet
The crab mallet cracks the hard outer shell of the body and legs, allowing access to the prized meat inside. Mallets are made of wood, aluminum or even pewter. Generally, a gentle pound of the crab mallet is all that is needed to crack the shell, saving as much meat as possible. At parties, some prefer the amusing sound of several people simultaneously pounding their dinner.
Crab Knife
A crab knife closely resembles a paring knife. In fact, any small paring or butter knife will suffice for picking the delicate crab meat out of the shell. Experienced crab connoisseurs also know thoroughly crack a crab and extract the crab meat with only their hands and a plastic knife; but if you haven't mastered this art, then an old-fashioned paring knife or butter knife will be your best friend.
Seafood Pick
If you're adamant about getting all your money's worth, then invest in a seafood pick that is designed to extract all the meat from the hard-to-reach places of the shell or legs. If you don't wish to invest in this tool, then search your kitchen drawers for a cocktail fork, cocktail spoon or fondue fork as they work equally well.
Claw Cracker
For those who don't want to get crab meat or shell under their fingernails, the claw cracker is a handy tool. This device looks a lot like the pincer of a lobster claw. The cracker goes around the crab claw and is then gently squeezed until the claw cracks and you can pick out the meat.
Old Newspapers
Cracking crabs is a messy business. Even if you are able to deftly remove the shell and meat, bits of crab will surround your work area. Spread old newspapers, craft paper or layers of papers towels so cleanup is as easy as gathering the edges of the paper, pulling the corners and edges together and tossing the detritus.
Tags: crab meat, butter knife, butter knife will, claw cracker, crab mallet, crab meat shell
