Stone Crab season for 2009-10 opens October 15. As we only deal in fresh stone crab claws, never frozen, we are looking forward to ramping up our production and shipping fresh claws, directly from the boat to our customers anywhere in the U.S.A.

Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Melted Butter

Stone crab claws are usually served chilled, but they're also excellent steamed and eaten with melted butter, like lobster. Remember, they are already fully cooked, you are only warming them up. Don't overcook them.

• 1/2 stick butter (more or less depending on how many claws.)
• Large stone crab claws, chilled, 6 to 8 per person.
• (optional) 1 lemon, cut into wedges

1. Put uncracked claws into a steamer basket and set over steamer pot of boiling water over high heat. Cover and steam until heated through, about 5 minutes.

2. In the meantime, melt butter in a small pan, being careful not to brown it. Remove from heat. Transfer to small serving bowl.

3. Remove claws from steamer, crack shells, and serve with melted butter (and lemon if you like).

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