How to Crack Tips

Hold the claw in the palm of your hand, using a kitchen towel or something similar to protect your hand.

Using the back of a large spoon, strike the back or rounded side of the two knuckles and finally the claw with a quick snapping motion. The shell should be cracked gently, so the meat stays intact and is not pierced by the shell.

Peel off the shells and gently remove the meat. Note that there is a hard center membrane inside the claw, so when eating, pull or scrape the meat off of the membrane.

Simple accompaniments can be a squeeze of lemon juice, drawn butter or mustard mayonnaise sauce.