The question of if it is safe to eat raw marinated blue crab is something we all have wondered about, especially if you are someone who loves cooking and eating seafood, like the Korean dish “gejang".
So is it really safe?
Like with any raw seafood, there are risks you need to think about before going for going for it.
Raw crabs can carry harmful bacteria or parasite it not handled properly, and marinating alone doesn’t kill those.
In this post, I’ll explain the potential risks and what you need to know if you are thinking about trying raw marinated blue crab.
So lets take a closer look at what you should watch out for, and how to make sure you’re staying safe.
Is Eating Raw Marinated Blue Crab Safe?
The answer to this question isn’t exactly straightforward, because it is possible to eat raw marinated blue crabs, however like with all seafood, there are a couple of things to watch out for so you can be certain you are on the safe side.
1. Understanding the Risks
When it comes to raw blue crab, the biggest concern is foodborne illness.
Crabs can carry harmful bacteria like Vibrio (learn more), which can make you really sick if eaten raw.
I have always been cautious with raw seafood, and crabs are no exception.
While marinating adds flavor, it doesn’t kill bacteria or parasites.
So, if you are not careful, you could end up with more than just a tasty dish on your plate.
2. Sourcing Matters
If you are set on trying raw marinated blue crab, where you get your crabs from is very important.
I always make sure to buy from suppliers with good reputation who follow proper handling and storage practices.
Wild caught crabs from clean, regulated waters are the safest bet.
It’s also important to make sure the crabs are as fresh as possible.
Personally, I go for live crabs when I can, just to be sure they are fresh before marinating.
3. Freezing for Safety
One trick I have learned to minimize the risk is freezing the crabs first.
Freezing at a certain temperature can kill some of the harmful parasites found in raw seafood.
While it doesn’t get rid of all risks, it’s one step you can take to make the crabs a little safer to eat.
Just make sure to freeze them properly before marinating.
I usually pop them in the freezer for at least a couple of days before prepping them.
4. Consulting Experts
Whenever I’m unsure about eating raw seafood, I check out sources like the CDC or FDA for safety guidelines.
They recommend cooking crabs thoroughly to avoid illness.
But if you are set on eating them raw, it’s always best to be informed.
Personally, I find peace of mind in doing some research beforehand, just to know what I’m getting into.
5. Consider Alternatives
If the risks feel too high, you can always enjoy marinated blue crab in a safer way, by lightly steaming or boiling the crabs first.
I have tried this myself, and you still get that delicious flavor without the worry.
You can marinate the cooked crab after it’s cooled, and the result is just as tasty as the raw marinated ones, but the best part is this one comes with much less risk involved.
Helpful Products To Handle & Prepare Blue Crabs
Here are a few products I have found helpful when handling and preparing blue crabs, especially if you are thinking about trying raw marinated crab.
These products make the process a lot safer and smoother.
1. Nantucket Seafood Knife
When preparing blue crab, especially if you are planning to serve it raw, having the right tools is a must.
I like using Nantucket's Seafood Knife because they are sharp and precise, which makes cleaning and prepping the crabs much easier.
These knives help me get into all the tough spots without damaging the crab meat, which is important for keeping everything proper for marinating.
2. Euhomy Compact Freezer
To reduce the risks of eating unsafe crab, I always freeze my crabs for a couple of days before preparing them.
The EUHOMY Upright freezer is the perfect size for keeping seafood fresh and safe to eat.
It’s small enough to fit in tight spaces but still has plenty of room for a bunch of crabs.
I have found it super useful when I need to quickly freeze crabs without taking up all the space in my main freezer.
3. OXO Good Grips Seafood Scissors
For handling blue crabs, I have also found that OXO Good Grips Seafood Scissors can be very useful.
They are designed to easily cut through crab shells, making it simple to clean and prepare crabs for marinating.
These scissors are strong, and the grip is comfortable, so you don’t struggle when dealing with tough shells.
They are a small but helpful addition to my crab preparation routine.
Conclusion
In the end, whether or not you choose to eat raw marinated blue crab comes down to understanding the risks and taking proper prevention.
Personally, I prefer to freeze the crabs first and make sure I’m getting them from a trusted supplier.
It gives me peace of mind while still enjoying the unique flavors of marinated crab.
If you aren’t too sure about the raw marinated blue crab, lightly cooking the crab is always a safer option that still delivers on taste.
Whatever you decide, being informed and prepared makes all the difference when it comes to safety and enjoying your meal.
So yes, you can eat raw marinated blue crab but it’s not without risks.
There are ways to prepare the crab so if can be safe to eat, once you follow the proper preparation and prevention, then you can eat all the raw marinated blue crabs you want.
