Florida State Dish (Recipe)

Steamed Stone Crab Claws (Unofficial Main Dish) Steamed Stone Crab Claws Stone crab, only available in Florida, is a particular favorite. The crabs have the ability to re-grow their claws, so stone-crab fisheries carefully harvest only one claw before returning the crabs to the water. Stone crab cakes, fried patties made of claw meat mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and other seasonings and binders, are usually served with a flavored mayonnaise sauce and are a local favorite. It’s even more common to serve them steamed with butter and lemon or lime—the state’s signature dish, described below—though they are sometimes marinated in citrus or served with other fruit sauces. Recipe Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 48 whole stone crab claws 1/3 cup (80 ml) butter 3 lemons, quartered INSTRUCTIONS Put water in the bottom of a steamer pot, taking care not to add so much that it will boil up into the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. When water boils, transfer claws to steamer basket and place over boiling water. Steam for about 5 minutes. While crab steams, melt the butter separately and divide between six small serving dishes. Remove claws from steamer basket and crack with a hammer before bringing to the table. Serve with the melted butter and lemon quarters. -World Trade Press