This is something I grew up with as a kid. Mom would at least once a year load up on in-season, cheap Dungeness crabs to steam. About six of us would always be at the dinner table, and there would always be a lot of crab. The next day, we’d eat it again.
We always kept it simple with lemon, salt and pepper. Of course there was always cheap American lager on ice (gramps and his buddies’ favorite). No need for butter, sauces, or anything fancy. The crab was the star of the show, and that’s all we needed.
Even after I moved out, I’ve held an annual crab boil with my family and friends to celebrate crab season for many, many years in a row. As a result, I’ve tested plenty of ways to cook and eat Dungeness crab over the years. Find out where to get the best deals on live crab, how to pick it, the best way to cook it, and how to break it up.
Dungeness crab is a delicious and popular type of crab found along the West Coast of North America. Prized for its sweet, tender meat, Dungeness crab can be prepared in many mouthwatering ways. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cooking Dungeness crab, from shopping and storage tips to steaming, boiling, and eating instructions.
Buying Dungeness Crab
The first step is selecting fresh, high-quality Dungeness crab. Check your local supermarket or fish market during crab season, which generally runs from November through June. Look for crab that are still alive and kicking vigorously – this indicates freshness. The crab should feel heavy for its size, which means it has a high meat to shell ratio. Each crab should be about 1.5 to 2 pounds. Avoid any with cracked shells or an unpleasant odor.
When possible, buy directly from the fish counter instead of pre-cooked packaged crab. This will maximize freshness and allow you to control the cooking process. Place live crabs in a cooler with ice for the trip home. They can survive out of water for several hours if kept cold.
Storing Dungeness Crab
Once home place live crabs in a large bowl or sink filled with cold water and store in the refrigerator. Change the water every 30 minutes until ready to cook up to 24 hours. This keeps them alive and happy. Don’t store live crabs at room temperature or they will perish quickly.
Cooked Dungeness crab can be refrigerated up to 3 days. Break down the body by removing the top shell, gills, and innards first Then separate the legs and body into sections for easier eating later Store pieces in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Crab also freezes well for 1-2 months – just make sure it is airtight.
Cleaning Dungeness Crab
Before cooking, thoroughly rinse live crab under cold running water while brushing with a stiff brush. Use tongs to grip the crab firmly when rinsing. Focus on the underside and leg joints where dirt collects. This removes any debris and impurities from the holding tanks. Pat the crab dry completely with paper towels.
Cooking Methods
Steaming and boiling are the most common cooking methods. Both result in tender, juicy meat when done properly. Here are the steps for each technique:
Steaming
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Place a steamer basket in a large pot filled with 2 inches of water Bring to a boil over high heat,
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Place crab in the basket in a single layer, about 2 per basket. Cover and steam for 18-20 minutes.
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Check doneness by looking for a bright orange shell and opaque, white meat. Insert a knife tip into a leg joint and it should slide in smoothly when fully cooked.
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Transfer cooked crab to a sheet pan and refrigerate for 10 minutes before eating. This makes handling easier.
Boiling
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Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon salt per quart of water.
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Gently lower live crab into the pot and cover. Once the water returns to a boil, start timing. Boil for 18-20 minutes per 1.5 pounds.
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Use the same doneness tests as steaming. Drain and transfer to a sheet pan to cool slightly before eating.
No matter which technique you use, resist the urge to cook too long. Overcooking makes the meat dry and rubbery. err on the side of slightly underdone. Crab continues to cook a bit after removing from the heat source.
Serving Suggestions
Dungeness crab tastes fantastic simply cracked open and enjoyed with your hands. Just have some napkins, picks, and a bowl for the shells ready. To fancy it up, make a compound butter by mixing softened butter with herbs, citrus, or garlic.
For a more elegant presentation, remove the meat from the shells and serve in dishes like:
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Crab cakes – pan fry crab patties mixed with breadcrumbs and seasonings
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Stuffed crab shells – fill the back shells with a rich crab and cream cheese mixture
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Crab Louis – tossed over lettuce with avocado and a light dressing
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Cioppino – seafood stew with tomatoes, white wine, and mixed seafood
Leftover picked crab meat also shines in bisques, sandwiches, pasta dishes and more. Simply replace cooked lobster or shrimp in your favorite recipes. The sweet flavor of Dungeness stands out!
With this handy guide, you can master cooking Dungeness crab like a pro. From purchasing and prepping to steaming and serving, feel confident handling this decadent shellfish. Impress family and friends with a crab feast, or incorporate crab into elegant entrees. No matter how you enjoy it, Dungeness crab is a delicious addition to any meal.
Cooking Dungeness Crab Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Dungeness crab every time:
Step 1: Purchase
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Select live, active crab about 1.5-2 lbs each
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Look for an intact, bright shell with no cracks
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Should feel heavy for size
Step 2: Clean
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Rinse well under cold water while scrubbing
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Focus on leg joints and underside
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Pat completely dry
Step 3: Cook
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Steam 18-20 minutes until shell turns orange
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Boil 18-20 minutes per 1.5 lbs
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Do not overcook!
Step 4: Cool
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Transfer to sheet pan
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Let sit 10 minutes before eating
Step 5: Crack and Enjoy!
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Use mallet or crackers to break legs
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Carefully remove meat with picks
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Serve with melted butter, if desired
Follow this simple process and you’ll be a Dungeness pro in no time!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional pointers for success with Dungeness crab:
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Buy during peak season from November through June for best price and quality
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Look for lively, dry crabs with an intact shell when purchasing
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Use tongs and gloves to safely handle live crab before cooking
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Steaming tends to yield moister meat compared to boiling
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Resist peeking while cooking – this releases steam and slows the process
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Check for doneness after 18 minutes; cook longer if needed
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Allow crab to rest 10 minutes before eating for easier handling
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Serve simply with lemon wedges, melted butter or Old Bay seasoning
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Refrigerate cooked meat up to 3 days or freeze for 1-2 months in airtight bags
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Substitute for lobster in salads, pasta, soups, and more dishes
With practice, you’ll be an expert in preparing succulent Dungeness crab in no time! Enjoy this Pacific Northwest delicacy at its finest. Let us know your favorite ways to serve this tasty crab!
What months are crab season?
For different kinds of crab, the best time to buy fresh crab is anywhere from late fall to early spring or even early summer. Dungeness crabs from California are best available from December-April (sometimes it can last longer depending on the season).
During crab season, I’ve purchased live Dungeness crabs on sale for as low as $5. 99 per pound (and my mom in San Jose has even gotten them for lower!). A good average price is about $8. 99 per pound when it’s not marked down significantly. I stay clear of anything over $10 per pound.
How to tell when crab is done cooking
You might not be able to tell when the whole crab is done when you’re steaming or boiling it. When the Dungeness crab’s shell turns from dark brown to bright orange is the best sign that it’s done. You may also see yellow-white, opaque solidified fat coming out of the crab when they’re finished. And once you open it, the meat should be tender and opaque (while raw meat is more translucent). The tomalley is also a bright mustard color.
How to cook and clean a Dungeness crab
FAQ
What is the best way to cook Dungeness crab?
Is it better to steam or boil Dungeness crab?
Do you clean Dungeness crab before cooking?
How long to steam 2 lb Dungeness crab?
What to do with leftover Dungeness crab?
So, before you toss your leftover dungeness crab into the trash, take a look at our list of amazing leftover crab recipes that will help you get the most out of your crab meat. Leftover Dungeness crab can be used in a variety of ways. Some of the most common ways include crab cakes, crab salad, crab soup, and crab casserole.
How do you cook whole Dungeness crabs?
Whole Dungeness crabs are the simplest way to create a festive meal that looks totally elegant but is actually deceptively easy to prepare. Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil, season with 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Once the water comes to a boil, remove from heat.
Can you freeze Dungeness crab meat?
King and Dungeness Crab Meat. It is recommended that blue crab meat be frozen instead of canned for best quality. Crab meat canned according to the following procedure may have a distinctly acidic flavor and freezing is the preferred method of preservation at this time. Procedure: Keep live crabs on ice until ready to can.