Every year during the autumn and winter seasons, Chinese mitten crab becomes the highlight on dining tables. Its rich roe and tender meat offer a unique flavour. Chinese mitten crabs are high in protein, vitamins, and trace elements, providing various health benefits, but it's important to consume them in moderation, especially for those with a colder body constitution or specific health conditions. This article will cover everything from selecting Chinese mitten crabs to steaming methods, making it easy for readers to master the cooking techniques.

How to Choose Male and Female Chinese Mitten Crabs?

Best Tasting Season:

The ideal tasting period for Chinese mitten crabs is from the lunar month of August to October, which corresponds to the Gregorian months of October to December.

• Lunar September (around mid-October) is the best time to enjoy female crabs, as the roe is full and flavourful
• Lunar October (around mid-November) is the best time for male crabs, which have a milky white and soft roe

Differences Between Male and Female Crabs:

• Crab Belly Button: female crabs have a round belly button, while male crabs have a sharper one
• Roe Colour: female crab roe is orange-red and dense, while male crab roe is milky white and jelly-like, with a fragrant taste

Shopping Tips: When selecting, gently press the crab's belly button; a firm and full feel is preferred. Chinese mitten crabs with strong limb activity are usually fresher.

Chinese Mitten Crab Steaming Time and Steps

Steaming Time:

• Under 6 taels: steam for about 20 minutes
• 7 to 9 taels: steam for about 25 minutes to ensure it's fully cooked without losing roe

Ingredients:

• Spices: green onions, ginger slices, perilla leaves
• Deodorizing and Flavouring: beer (to enhance aroma), rice wine (to eliminate fishy smell), based on personal preference
• Other Seasonings: salt, pepper, etc., added to taste

Steaming Steps:

1. Clean the Chinese Mitten Crab: Thoroughly wash the crab's surface and ensure the ropes on its body are tight to prevent them from coming loose during cooking.
2. Prepare the Steamer: Add cold water to the steamer or steaming pot and place a steaming plate on top.
3. Seasoning Treatment: You can add beer to the steaming water or drizzle a bit of rice wine over the crab to remove the fishy smell and enhance flavour.
4. Lay Perilla Leaves: Place perilla leaves at the bottom of the steamer or steaming plate, positioning the crab belly side up to keep the roe from leaking out.
5. Add Ginger and Green Onions: Evenly place ginger slices and green onion pieces on top of the crab and steaming plate.
6. Steaming Method: Cover with a lid and start steaming with cold water. After about 8 minutes on high heat, switch to medium heat, maintaining a steady temperature. Avoid opening the lid during the process.
7. Let It Rest for Three Minutes: After steaming, turn off the heat and let it rest for 3 minutes to enhance the flavour.

How to Prepare Dipping Vinegar

Vinegar Ingredients Ratio:

• 1 part red vinegar
• 1 part aromatic vinegar
• 1 part soy sauce

Mixing Steps:

Mix the red vinegar, aromatic vinegar, and soy sauce evenly and stir lightly. This simple dipping sauce can fully bring out the fresh sweetness of Chinese mitten crab.

Tips for Perfectly Steamed Chinese Mitten Crab

• Control Cooking Time: adjust steaming time and heat based on the size of the crab
• Prevent Roe Loss: always place the crab belly side up before steaming and add perilla leaves to avoid spilling the roe
• Enhance Freshness: beer and rice wine effectively eliminate fishy odours and add fragrance to the crab

Recommended Steam Microwave Oven for Chinese Mitten Crab

Product	Features
FORTRESS FMGS26L24 4 -in-1 Inverter Steam Microwave Oven	26L capacity food-grade stainless steel liner knob-type controller microwave, steaming, hot air air frying external water tank to refill water hidden grilling tube no water accumulation after steaming
TOSHIBA MS3-STQ20SC 20L Smart Control Steam Oven	3 Pure Steam Modes Convection (100-230°C, 2hours) Combi. (Convection with Steam) (100-230°C, 2hours) Fermentation, Auto Menu 33 (30-45°C, 24 hours) 1.2L Extra-Large External Water Tank 5 Cleaning Modes: Tableware Disinfection, Milk Bottle Disinfection, Cavity Cleaning, Cavity Deodorization & Steam System Cleaning
TOSHIBA MX1TH23SCWH 23L Steam Oven with Microwave function	[Fortress Exclusive] Pure Steam (50-100°C, 90mins) Roast (100-230°C, 90mins) inverter microwave power (95 minutes) 41 Auto Menu (38 recipes and 3 cleaning functions) 3 cleaning functions: Cavity Cleaning, Steam System Cleaning, Tableware Disinfection 0.55L External Water Tank
GEMINI GSO20 20L Combi Steam Oven	5 cooking program selection (Steam / Convection /Steam+Convection/ Ferment /Defrost) double-layer glass door, has a good heat insulation temperature range: 30-230°C
SHARP AX-1250R 3-in-1 slim 25-liter steam oven	thin body and only 39cm depth 25L capacity and oven cavity has 387mm width, which is enough for a 28cm diameter circular stew pot 3 cleaning modes: cleaning, descaling, and deodorizing

Perfect Steps for Eating Chinese Mitten Crab

1. Cut off the crab legs and claws
2. Remove the crab shell and belly button hard shell
3. Clean the gills
4. Split the crab body in half, removing the crab heart and stomach
5. Use the tips of the crab legs to push out the crab meat

Eating Restrictions and Precautions for Chinese Mitten Crab

• Foods to Avoid Pairing With: strong tea, alcohol, persimmons, and cold fruits to prevent digestive issues or exacerbating cold conditions
• Inedible Parts: avoid eating the gills, intestines, stomach, and heart of the cra
• Caution for Certain Individuals: people with a cold constitution, high cholesterol, gout, or kidney issues should consume in moderation

Although Chinese mitten crab is delicious, it is very cold in nature, so it is advisable to eat in moderation and avoid pairing with cold foods. Drinking ginger tea after consuming Chinese mitten crab can help drive away cold and promote digestion, allowing you to enjoy the crab while also taking care of your health.