Whole Cornish Cock Crab

A whole Cornish cock crab is a large, male edible crab known for its sweet, succulent white meat and rich brown meat, popular in British coastal cuisine, especially in Cornwall. Here's how you can prepare and serve a whole Cornish cock crab:

How to Prepare a Whole Cornish Cock Crab:

1. Cooking the Crab:

   • Boiling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole crab, ensuring it's fully submerged. Cook for about 12-15 minutes per kilogram (2.2 lbs) of crab. Once cooked, the shell will turn a vibrant orange-red colour. Allow the crab to cool before handling.
   • Steaming: Alternatively, you can steam the crab for around 15-20 minutes for a slightly different flavour and texture.

2. Preparing the Crab Meat:

   • Opening the Crab: Turn the crab over and remove the large claws. Pull apart the body from the shell, which may require a bit of strength. Discard the grey gills (dead man's fingers), but keep both the white meat (from the claws and legs) and the brown meat (from the body cavity and shell).
   • Cracking the Claws: Use a crab cracker or the back of a heavy knife to crack open the claws and extract the sweet white meat.
   • Scoop the Brown Meat: Use a spoon to scoop the rich brown meat from the main shell.

How to Serve:

1. Classic Crab Platter:

   • Arrange the white and brown meat on a serving platter.
   • Serve with lemon wedges, a side of mayonnaise or aioli, and some fresh bread or buttered new potatoes.

2. Crab Salad:

   • Mix the crab meat with a light dressing made of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Add avocado or a bed of greens for a refreshing meal.

3. Crab Sandwiches:

   • Combine the crab meat with a bit of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper. Spread it onto buttered bread or toast for a simple yet delicious crab sandwich.

4. Crab Linguine:

   • Toss the crab meat into a pasta dish with garlic, chili, lemon, and olive oil for a light yet flavorful seafood pasta.

Storing and Handling:

• Fresh crab should be cooked and consumed on the same day, but cooked crab meat can be refrigerated for 1-2 days.
• The crab can also be frozen, but it's best to eat it fresh for optimal taste and texture.

The Cornish cock crab is a prized catch due to its sweet and tender meat, making it a fantastic choice for seafood lovers looking for a wholesome and delicious meal.