Here’s a little secret pros know: crabs keep cooking after you pull them out. So under-boil by a minute, then let them rest. Overcooked crab turns tough and stringy—a total party foul. You want meat that flakes like a happy cloud, not rubber bands.
Rinse them in cold water right after to stop the cooking. It sounds counterintuitive, but your taste buds will thank you. Trust the process.