How to Open a Crab
Food Network Magazine put together step-by-step instructions for how to open a crab.

From:
Food Network Magazine
Related To:
Summer Crab Boil
Throw a memorable summer crab boil, and cook up this Spiced Crabs and Shrimp With Potatoes dish. Tip: If live crabs are not available in your area, you can make the same dish with 4 pounds of shrimp instead.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Crabs and Shrimp With Potatoes
How to Throw a Crab Boil
Buy live crabs (they should be active, not still) and cook them the same day.
Refrigerate crabs in a breathable container, covered with damp paper towels, as soon as you get home from the store.
Rinse under cold running water and gently scrub with a brush to remove any sand.
Boil in a large pot until bright red.
Crack the shell to eat. The yellow material, known as "mustard," and the orange roe are both edible.
What You'll Need: A large pot (at least 12 quarts), tongs, crab crackers or small mallets, and small picks or seafood forks
How to Open a Crab
Wriggle off all the legs; use a cracker or mallet to crack the claw shells.
How to Open a Crab
Turn the crab over and remove the apron (the flap on the underside).
How to Open a Crab
Pull back the top shell and remove.
How to Open a Crab
Scrape off the gray spongy-looking gills with a knife and discard.
How to Open a Crab
Split the crab down the middle, then split each half open. Remove the meat.