Ep 1. Crustacean Nation III: Feeling Crabby

In Good Eats season 7 episode 1, titled "Crustacean Nation III: Feeling Crabby," Alton Brown returns to his love of crustaceans by spending time learning about every aspect of crabbing. He begins by discussing the history of crab and how it has become one of the most sought-after seafood options in the world. He then takes viewers through the process of finding, catching, and cooking crabs.

Alton takes to the water with his crabbing gear to harvest fresh crabs from a local pier in Maryland. He shares his expertise on selecting the right traps and bait, as well as his insights on how to deal with crab bites. With his hand-picked crabs in hand, he heads back to his kitchen to demonstrate easy ways to cook and enjoy this tasty seafood.

The episode focuses on different recipes that showcase the versatility of crab. Alton starts by making a simple crab salad that can be used in various dishes. He demonstrates how to prepare a light and fresh crab cocktail by combining crab meat with red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and avocado. He then prepares a spicy crab dip and shows how versatile it can be, from a hot appetizer for parties to a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

Alton's next recipe is crab cakes, a classic seafood dish that he deconstructs to the molecular level. He discusses the different types of crab meat and shares his tips for choosing the right one for each recipe. He breaks down the ingredients and technique for making the perfect crab cake, including how to avoid over-processing and choosing the right binding agent. He even shows a vegan variation of the recipe, making patties that mimic crab meat in texture and flavor.

The episode ends with a unique and interesting take on crab: crab ice cream. Alton demonstrates how to make a sweet and savory, crab- and corn-flavored ice cream that he pairs with a warm grilled peach. He walks viewers through each step of the process, from making the custard base to freezing the ice cream in a homemade churn. As always, Alton provides scientific explanations and helpful tips throughout the episode, teaching viewers about the history, biology, and chemistry of cooking with crab.

Throughout the episode, Alton's passion for crustaceans shines through as he shares his love for crab and teaches viewers new recipes and techniques for enjoying this flavorful seafood. His unique and scientific approach to cooking is as entertaining as it is educational, making "Crustacean Nation III: Feeling Crabby" a must-watch for seafood lovers and foodies alike.