Step by Step Guide on How to Eat Hairy Crabs

It’s the hairy crab (大闸蟹) season!

The most famous of hairy crabs come from the lakes south of the Yangtze River, where the crabs are usually harvested. And in particular, the crabs from Yangcheng Lake are considered to be the most premium of the lot.

Hairy crab is an annual culinary obsession for many foodies around the world. As the season only lasts for about three months, fans of this seasonal delicacy indulge as much as they can as their favourite seafood comes around for just a short period each year.

The crustacean craze can definitely be felt in Singapore. A great number of restaurants curate menus dedicated to the magnificent hairy crab. The most traditional way of eating it is simple and straightforward: simply steam the crab and serve with a dipping sauce of ginger and vinegar. Fresh seafood is best enjoyed in the most no-frills manner, as is the case for hairy crabs!

8 Crabs is now also offering hairy crabs from Yang Cheng Lake. All hairy crabs are caught in the Yang Cheng Lake and shipped to them live, before they prepare and deliver them to you in the comfort of your home. The best thing is, they steam the crabs for you, so all you have to do is to open them up and makan!

Being a seafood specialist with a wealth of experience, 8 Crabs knows just how to pick a good hairy crab and how best to prepare it. Their cooking techniques highlight the natural flavours of the crabs and allow them to shine in all their glory, making them exceptionally enjoyable, and arguably, second to none.

Of course, these hairy crabs aren’t huge. Each weighs about 200 to 250 grams, and is no bigger than the palm of a human. However, those caught in the Yang Cheng Lake are the most prized, due to their size and quality of roe (in females) and milt (in males).

Eating the crab whole admittedly takes some skill and patience. Here’s a guide on how to get the most out of them!

Tools required : scissors, spoon and chopsticks.

1. Snip crab legs off with a pair of scissors. Dig into the flesh in the legs first as they get cold the quickest. Use chopsticks to push meat out if necessary.

2. Lift flap on the underside of the crab. Remove and discard the gills and heart, which is the white hexagon-shaped section between the gills.
3. Remove the top shell and spoon out the bright orange roe. Savour the liquid gold!

4. Break the body in half. Eat the roe and flesh.

5. Remove pincer from crab and cut along its side to remove most of the shell, revealing its plump meat. Enjoy!

8 Crabs is offering different bundles to cater to your needs. Save the most when you purchase their most sought after Bundle of 8!

Single Hairy Crab Order – $55.00

Bundle of 2 – $94.90

Bundle of 4 – $187.90

Bundle of 8 – $368.90

*Kindly note only female hairy crabs are available in the month of October. The season for male hairy crabs reaches its peak in November, so male hairy crabs will only be available for purchase in November.

Visit https://www.8crabs.com/ to purchase 8 Crabs’ famed hairy crabs today and enjoy delivery under one hour!

Note: their hairy crabs are so fresh that there is extremely high demand for it. Currently, the male hairy crabs are all sold out, but they still have premium female hairy crabs available. Hairy crabs will be back every year, so look out for them from October onwards!

This post is brought to you by 8 Crabs.