Whether you prefer lobster, crawfish, or mussels, shellfish is a delicious treat that can be messy to eat. The right techniques will help you get the most meat out of your seafood without the hassle.

Lobster

Cracking into a whole lobster can be a daunting task, but the rewards are certainly worth it. Start by twisting off the claws at the joint. Restaurants carry either lobster crackers or nutcrackers, which you can use to snap the claw. Dig out the meat with a lobster pick. Twist off the tail, then press your thumb against the flipper end to push out the meat. Although they’re small, the legs also contain meat, so twist them free and suck out the contents.

Mussels & Clams

Mussels and clams are typically served the same way—slightly cracked open and ready to eat. Some choose to pry the shells open by hand, but that can result in a mess. Instead, use an empty shell to pinch the mussels out and tip them into your mouth. You can also use a fork to scrape out the contents.

Crabs

As with lobsters, it takes time to get to the juicy meat of a crab. Pick off the claws and legs first, and suck the meat from the legs. Turn the crab over to find the apron, which you can peel away to reveal the body. Carefully pull the top and bottom halves apart. With the meat remaining in the bottom half, you can pick up your fork and enjoy! Finish off by gently snapping the claws and knuckles open with a cracker.

Crawfish

Seafood establishments tend to serve crawfish intact, so you’ll need to break into them. Grasp the crawfish between your thumbs and index fingers and carefully twist off the head. Peel away the first three segments of the shell, which should give fairly easily. Next, you’ll want to bend the end of the tail upwards, towards the crawfish’s back. The meat should then be loose enough to suck out. Don’t forget that the head carries some tasty meat as well!

Test your new shellfish-cracking skills at Cajun King in Aiea, HI. This locally owned family restaurant combines delicious Cajun flavors with fresh seafood to bring you mouthwatering customizable dishes. You choose your seafood, seasoning, and spice level to create the ultimate meal. They also offer combos and Asian Style Specials, like Ginger & Onion Oysters and Salt & Pepper Shrimp. Take a look at the website to view their full menu. To inquire about today’s available seafood, call (808) 484-2221.