Hard Shell Crabs - (LARGE)
Preparing Fresh Blue Crabs
How to Steam Live Crabs/Re-steam Crabs
When your live crabs arrive, it is important that you steam them as soon as possible. Heat a large pot with approximately 2 inches of water on the bottom. Place a rack or steaming basket in the pot to keep the crabs out of the water. Wait until steam is apparent before placing the crabs in the pot.
Sprinkle crab seasoning on the crabs to your liking, and then cover them with a lid. Let the crabs steam for 5 to 10 minutes after the steam pushes out from under the lid. The crabs will turn a shade of orange when cooked throughout. Follow the same steps as above but for less time. Please look at the chart below for recommended steam times.
HHC Crab Seasoning Ingredients — Salt, Spices, and Paprika
HHC Crab Seasoning Ingredients - Salt, Spices and Paprika
Grading (Sizing) of Crabs
There is no industry standard for sizing crabs — a large male crab at one place might be a medium at another. Here at Harbour House Crabs, we hand-size every crab by measuring the top shell from point to point so that customers can have an exact measurement when buying Maryland crabs online. This is the most accurate way to measure hard shells, and we take great pride in the accuracy of what we sell and the quality of our crabs. Our male jimmy size chart is shown below:
Heavyweights 7 Plus inches
Jumbos 6½-7 inches
Large 6-6½ inches
Medium 5½-6 inches
#2 5-5½- inches
Order Blue Crabs Online From Harbour House Crabs
Looking for a place to buy blue crabs online that promises fast shipping, restaurant quality, and the most amazing flavor around? You've found the best seafood retailer in the business here at Harbour House Crabs! We're proud to be a supplier of fresh blue crab from the Chesapeake Bay for families who want to prepare something special for their upcoming gathering, holiday celebration, or special dinner. We ship both pre-steamed and raw crabs, so you can prepare them however you like — whether you enjoy them sprinkled with salt and Old Bay seasoning, coated with warm melted butter, or steamed with white wine vinegar and Italian spices. When you order blue crabs online from Harbour House Crabs, you can always expect one thing above all else: seafood of the highest quality.
Large Hard Shell Blue Crabs – Fresh from the Chesapeake Bay
When you order from Harbour House Crabs, you’re not just buying crabs — you’re bringing home a Maryland tradition. Our large hard shell blue crabs are sourced straight from the Chesapeake Bay and shipped fresh, so you can enjoy that iconic sweet, delicate flavor that makes Maryland crabs famous. Whether you’re planning a backyard crab feast, a family gathering, or a special dinner, our crabs arrive ready to impress.
Why Choose Harbour House Crabs?
- Over 25 Years of Experience: We’ve been shipping crabs nationwide for decades — we know how to ensure they arrive fresh and flavorful.
- Freshness Guarantee: Our crabs are packed with care and shipped quickly to maintain their quality.
- Options for Everyone: Choose from a variety of sizes and types — #2 jimmy, medium, large, jumbo, heavyweight, or female crabs — and mix and match to create your perfect feast.
- Nationwide Delivery: We’re located near a major shipping hub, which means you get your crabs fast — even for last-minute celebrations.
How We Ship Our Crabs
Your crabs are carefully packed and shipped to arrive in top condition. A few things to note:
- A bushel typically contains 5 to 6 dozen crabs, depending on the size but you can order by the dozen if you need a specific count.
- We stand by our quality guarantee and will work with you if your order doesn’t meet expectations.
- When shipping frozen items with freshly steamed crabs, temperature changes can cause minor freezing or thawing. This does not affect quality or taste.
Make It a True Maryland Feast
A crab dinner is best enjoyed with all the fixings! Pair your order with:
- Crab seasoning (we carry Baltimore’s famous Obrycki’s blend).
- Crab mallets & accessories for easy cracking.
- Side dishes and extras like jumbo gulf shrimp, oysters, clams
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many crabs should I order per person?
A good rule of thumb is 6–8 large crabs per adult for a full meal, especially if crabs are the main course.
Q: Can I choose my preferred seasoning?
Yes! Our pre-steamed crabs can be seasoned with Old Bay, our house blend, or left unseasoned if you’d like to add your own.
Q: How should I store my crabs if I’m not eating them right away?
Pre-steamed crabs can be refrigerated and reheated gently with steam for the best flavor.
Ready to Feast?
Order your large hard shell crabs today and see why families across the country choose Harbour House Crabs for their Chesapeake Bay favorites. Whether it’s your first time trying Maryland crabs or your hundredth feast, we promise an experience you’ll savor.