Safe food preparation and simplicity are key to enjoying raw crab
Time is of the essence when it comes to properly preparing raw seafood, says Michael Morales. "It's important to always keep the crab cold, work quickly, and be thorough in sanitizing tools and surfaces," he recommends. You have a few different options when it comes to preparing your raw crab, and Morales says it's smart to consider your audience as you choose a recipe. If your guests have never tried raw crab, Morales says to let the crab meat be the star of the show, recommending "citrus, light acidity, or subtle umami flavors that bring out its natural sweetness." He also recommends serving familiar sides, such as "crispy vegetables, rice, or a light vinaigrette" to make the dish "approachable" to your guests.
While it's always important to keep a clean kitchen — especially when working with animal protein — raw crab requires super-close food safety attention since it can be especially likely to cause foodborne illnesses. "Raw crab needs extra care because it's more prone to bacteria and parasites than a lot of other seafood," says Morales. While this may seem a little unnerving, taking the time to prepare raw crab with care can make all the difference. "No raw seafood is ever 100% risk-free," says Morales, "But when sourced and handled correctly, the risk is minimized significantly."