If you're looking for a delicious and healthy seafood option, steamed hard shell crab is a great choice. At 114 calories per serving, it's a low-calorie protein source that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you're eating it on its own, served as part of a larger meal, or in a salad, steamed hard shell crab is a tasty and nutritious option.

In addition to being low in calories, steamed hard shell crab is packed with protein. Just one serving contains around 23 grams of protein, making it a filling and satisfying option. It's also low in fat, with less than 2 grams of fat per serving, and contains no carbohydrates. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is looking to reduce their calorie or carbohydrate intake.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of steamed hard shell crab, as well as some tips for cooking and serving it. We'll also discuss the potential health benefits of eating steamed hard shell crab, and offer some precautions to keep in mind before consuming it.

Calories in Steamed Hard Shell Crab

As mentioned earlier, steamed hard shell crab contains just 114 calories per serving. This makes it a great option for anyone who is looking to reduce their calorie intake, without sacrificing taste or nutrition. It's important to note, however, that the calorie count can vary depending on the size of the serving, as well as any sauces or accompaniments that are used.

Weight of Steamed Hard Shell Crab

The weight of a serving of steamed hard shell crab can also vary, depending on the size of the crab itself. Typically, a 1 lb live weight crab will yield around 4-6 ounces of meat, once it's been steamed and the shell has been removed. It's worth noting that this yield can also vary depending on personal preference, as some people may choose to leave more meat on the crab than others.

Cooking Method for Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Steaming is the most common method for cooking hard shell crab. To steam crab, simply fill a large pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the crabs into the pot and cover it tightly with a lid. Steam the crabs for around 10-12 minutes, or until they turn bright orange and the shell becomes slightly softer to the touch. Once the crabs are steamed, remove them from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes before removing the shell.

Shell Removal for Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Removing the shell from steamed hard shell crab can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice it's fairly easy to do. Start by removing the claws from the crab, and then use a small fork or a crab cracker to crack open the body of the crab. Next, use your fingers to gently pull the meat away from the shell, being careful not to break the meat into small pieces. Once you've removed all the meat, discard the shell and any other parts of the crab that you don't want to eat.

Protein Content in Steamed Hard Shell Crab

As mentioned earlier, steamed hard shell crab is a great source of protein. One serving contains around 23 grams of protein, making it a filling and satisfying option. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, and is also important for maintaining healthy bones, skin, and hair.

Fat Content in Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Steamed hard shell crab is also low in fat, with less than 2 grams of fat per serving. This makes it a great option for anyone who is looking to reduce their overall fat intake. It's important to note that not all fats are bad for you. In fact, some types of fat, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can be very beneficial for your health.

Carbohydrate Content in Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Steamed hard shell crab contains no carbohydrates, making it a great option for anyone who is following a low-carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for your body, but eating too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and other health problems. By choosing foods that are low in carbohydrates, such as steamed hard shell crab, you can help keep your body healthy and energized.

Vitamins and Minerals in Steamed Hard Shell Crab

Steamed hard shell crab is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining healthy nerve and blood cells, while selenium and zinc play a role in supporting a healthy immune system and promoting healthy growth and development.

Health Benefits of Steamed Hard Shell Crab

In addition to being tasty and nutritious, steamed hard shell crab has a number of potential health benefits. For example, it's low in calories and fat, making it a great option for anyone who is looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. It's also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are all important for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, some research suggests that consuming seafood like steamed hard shell crab may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Precautions While Consuming Steamed Hard Shell Crab

While steamed hard shell crab is generally safe for most people to consume, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. For example, anyone with a shellfish allergy should avoid eating it, as it can cause a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It's also important to always cook crab thoroughly, as eating raw or undercooked shellfish can increase your risk of foodborne illness. Finally, be sure to choose high-quality and sustainable seafood whenever possible, to help support healthy ecosystems and protect the planet.