Sand Crab

Sand Crabs have a pink shell and 2 identifiable dark red or purple-coloured spots. They tend to have softer meat than Blue Swimmer Crabs.

Cooking Sand Crab

Texture
Medium to firm

Flavour
Sweet subtle flavour

Storing
Ice or refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Best consumed immediately.

Cooking
Boiled, cook by steaming, grill or BBQ.

Wine pairing
Sparkling white wine or Riesling

Catching Sand Crab

Habitat
Sand Crabs are found in sandy silty areas including along surf beaches.

Catch
When using nets to catch crabs (e.g. hoop or drop nets) in marine waters from a jetty or boat, fish can be used to entice the crabs into the net.

Seasonality
All year round

Bait
Fish or fish-based products.

Size
A Sand Crab size must be 10 cm across the carapace.

Gear
Drop net or hoop net.

Handling
Sand Crabs have sharp claws and should be handled using gloves, tongs, or pliers.

Sand Crab recipes

Sand Crab omelette with green chilli and soy by Paul Baker

"An omelette is the simplest of dishes to prepare but what takes it from a good dish to a great dish is the quality of the ingredients. Free range eggs and fresh, sweet sand crab will make this your go to brunch dish for many years to come".
- Paul Baker

Try cooking Paul's recipe
Page last reviewed: 08 Jul 2020

 


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