Where to Buy Live King Crab: A Guide to Finding Fresh, High-Quality Crabs

King crab is one of the most delicious and sought-after seafood delicacies. With its sweet, briny flavor and tender meat, it’s no wonder why people are willing to splurge on fresh king crab. However, finding a reliable source to buy high-quality, live king crab can be a challenge.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying live king crab. We’ll look at:

• An overview of the different king crab species
• Why you should buy king crab live
• What to look for in fresh, live king crab
• The best places to buy live king crab online
• Tips for buying live king crab locally

Let’s dive in!

There are a few different species of king crab found around the world. The most common varieties are:

• Red king crab – Found in the Bering Sea near Alaska, these are the largest and meatiest king crab species. Their legs can span 5 feet tip to tip.

• Blue king crab – A smaller species than red kings, but still very large. They have a slightly sweeter taste Found in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.

• Golden king crab – Similar to red king crab but with a golden shell. They have longer, thinner legs and a bit more gelatinous meat.

• Snow crab – Not technically a “true” king crab, but often lumped in. Much smaller but still very tasty. Found in waters off Alaska, Russia, and Japan.

No matter the type, king crab is prized for its succulent texture and rich, ocean-fresh flavor when eaten fresh.

Why Buy King Crab Live

Buying and cooking live king crab is the best way to enjoy this premium seafood at its peak freshness and flavor. There are a few reasons why live is best:

• Ultimate freshness – Live king crab is as fresh as it gets. The crab is still alive immediately before cooking, ensuring you get the freshest taste and texture.

• No preservatives – Live crab hasn’t been treated with any preservatives, chemicals, or freezing that may degrade quality over time.

• Pick your size – Buying live crab allows you to hand select the exact size you want. Get a massive 10-pounder for an impressive centerpiece!

• Better meat texture – Live crab cooks up with firmer, juicier meat compared to previously frozen. The meat doesn’t stick to the shell as much either.

• Superior flavor – Live king crab simply tastes better than anything that’s been frozen or pre-cooked. The sweetness is more pronounced and you get a true ocean-to-table experience.

While live crab does mean a narrower window for shipping, the unparalleled freshness and quality is well worth it.

What to Look for When Buying Live King Crab

If you want the best tasting king crab possible, it pays to know what to look for when buying it live. Here are a few signs of high-quality, fresh crab:

• Active movement – Live crabs should be actively moving and waving their legs. Stay away from sluggish or motionless crabs.

• Clear eyes – Their eyes should be clear and not cloudy or sunken.

• Firm shell – The shell should feel hard and rigid, not soft or mushy.

• Solid weight – Heft the crab and make sure it feels heavy for its size. Light crabs may have lost water weight.

• Intact legs – Look for crabs free of any cracked or missing legs, which impact meat yield.

• Good odor – Give it a sniff – you want a mild, briny sea smell, not a strong fishy odor.

Buying from a reputable source ensures you get healthy, robust crabs that meet this checklist. Never buy crab that seems limp or questionable.

Where to Buy Live King Crab Online

One of the best ways to source fresh live king crab is by purchasing it online through a premium seafood provider. Here are two great options that ship live crab overnight right to your door.

Regalis Foods

Regalis Foods has a wide selection of live king crab available, including red and blue king varieties.

• Sizing – Offered in 6lb, 8lb, and 10lb sizes, so you can pick your perfect king crab.

• Sourcing – Regalis brings in live king crab from cold, pristine waters like Norway and Alaska.

• Overnight shipping – They package the crabs for safe transport and ship overnight to ensure the freshest product.

• Competitive pricing – Considering the ultra fresh sourcing and overnight shipping fees, their pricing is very reasonable compared to local sources.

• Quality focus – Regalis is selective about the suppliers they work with and all seafood undergoes quality checks before shipping. You can trust you’ll get an excellent product.

For a no-hassle way to get live king crab delivered straight to your home, Regalis Foods is a superb choice.

Alaskan King Crab Company

True to its name, Alaskan King Crab Company specializes in fresh wild king crab from Alaska’s cold waters.

• Selection – They carry red, blue, and golden king crab options in an array of sizes.

• Free overnight shipping – Alaska King Crab offers free FedEx overnight shipping on orders over $300, so your crab arrives ASAP.

• Same-day processing – The crab are cooked, cleaned, and flash frozen within hours at their facility to lock in freshness before overnight transport.

• Leg and cluster meat – You can order king crab legs or sections of leg meat broken down into clusters for easier eating.

• Meal bundles – Their combo packages make it easy to order prepared seafood meals all in one box.

For Alaskan king crab fans, this merchant has an extensive selection and overnight delivery on lock. Their loyalty program offers discounted pricing for repeat buyers too.

How to Buy Live King Crab Locally

If you prefer buying your seafood in person, it is possible to source live king crab from local fish markets or restaurants in select coastal areas like Seattle, Alaska, Maine, and Boston. Here are some tips:

• Call ahead – Live crab is highly perishable so supplies are limited. Call to confirm availability and place an order.

• Check the tank – Inspect the live crab tank in person before purchasing. Look for active, healthy crabs.

• Buy from busy places – The busier the fish market, the more turnover they have to ensure the freshest live inventory.

• Pick carefully – Take time selecting and don’t hesitate to pick through the options. Get the liveliest, hardest-shelled crabs.

• Cook ASAP – Plan to cook the crab the same day for optimal freshness. Cook within 2 days max.

• Consider BYO – Some restaurants will let you pick a live crab from their tank to have them prepare for you. Call ahead to ask.

Getting live king crab locally requires a bit more effort but can be worth it for the extremely fresh meat. Be picky at the seafood counter and cook it up quickly!

Live King Crab: A Special Occasion Luxury