How To Cook And Clean Live Crab  August 12, 2008  I was asked
the other night how long you are supposed to cook crab. Good
question! I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and have cooked and
cleaned plenty of crab, yet I had never considered that it could
be a daunting task for many. Silly, since I had no idea how to
cook and clean a lobster when I visited my friend on Nantucket.
Many people get squirmy at the thought of plopping a live
creature in boiling water. Personally, it's not my favorite
thing either, but according to my trusted fishmonger at Pike
Place Market, there is no scientific evidence that crustaceans
feel pain. That "screaming" you hear when you drop them in the
water? That's actually just air escaping their bodies.   Bring a
large pot of heavily-salted or seasoned water to boil. Add the
crabs and bring back to a full boil. Once back to a boil start
your timer.  For crabs up to 1 1/4 pound, cook for 15 minutes.
For crabs up to 2 pounds, cook for 20 minutes. For crabs up to 3
1/4 pounds, cook fo