Boiling blue crabs in Gulf Shores

Easy as that? Should I throw in mushrooms, corn, potatoes, and sausage too?

ETA: I use celery, lemons, garlic, hot sauce, and a combination of dry and liquid boil for my crawfish. Should I up this a little bit for the crabs?

Add what you want. Season the same way you like your crawfish. Chilling the crabs before boiling is a good tip.

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Put in ice water for how long?

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not water, just ice. At least for an hour so they go dormant and dont drop their claws in defense once you start boiling them.

eta: I'm boiling 2 dozen on Saturday. Good luck

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Season the pot like you like your crawfish, bring to a boil, add the crabs, bring back to a boil for about five minutes, cut the fire, cool, soak for 20 to 30 minutes

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Crabs need less pepper and more salt, but otherwise, this is correct.

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Put in ice water for how long?

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Don't put them in ice water. Put a layer of ice in an ice chest, place crabs on top, and put another thin layer of ice on top. Tilt the ice chest and keep the plug open. The crabs will go dormant and won't throw their claws when you put them in.

Also what is the equivalent of a 5 lbs serving of crawfish in crabs?

I always do 1/2 dozen per person, though I know there will be leftovers. I use those for gumbo crabs. You're staying in gulf shores, so Im sure you dont want leftovers in the fridge. Go 4 crabs per person, since you're planning all the extras added in the boil.

We used to do this all the time...we would catch our own crabs in net/ 2 ring traps to make it easy and fun.

1.Pick a night where you arnt going to FloraBama.
2. buy at least 8-2 ring traps (or just string)
3. buy 8-10 turkey necks
4. pack an ice chest full of beer and whiskey
5. get some girls
6. go to the nearest boat docks where a lot of fishing is done...If there is a gate guard, tell them that yall are a boat crew for the Florida Starchaser (be creative)
7. set traps and walk around looking at the yachts and boats drinking beer, meeting people who are staying on the boats, and checking your strings every five minutes.
8. load up your ice chest and bring back to the rent house to boil in front of everyone who doubted you.

I would tell you my go-to spots, but some things must be left sacred.

These are some of my best memories of College Spring Break.