Crab is a delicious and popular seafood treat that many people love to indulge in. If you’re a crab fan, you may be wondering if you can purchase fresh crab meat or whole crabs from your local Costco warehouse. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of crab available for purchase at Costco and provide some tips for selecting the best quality crab.
An Overview of Crab Offerings at Costco
Costco offers a selection of fresh and frozen crab products at many of its warehouse locations. The specific offerings may vary by region and season but here is an overview of the types of crab you can expect to find
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Whole cooked Dungeness crab – This is a popular seasonal item available at select Costco stores, particularly on the West Coast where Dungeness crab is abundant. Whole cooked crabs are a great option for special occasions or crab feeds
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Cracked Dungeness crab – The crab shell has been cracked open so it’s easy to access the meat. It’s lightly pre-cooked so just needs a quick reheat.
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King crab legs – Frozen legs from the ultra-sweet and indulgent king crab. Available year-round.
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Snow crab legs – Frozen cluster sections of snow crab legs, also available year-round.
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Crab cakes – Pre-formed crab cakes made with a mix of crab meat, breadcrumbs and seasonings. Offered frozen or fresh refrigerated
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Crab meat – Packaged containers of pre-picked crab meat from various crab varieties like blue crab, snow crab and king crab. Sold fresh or frozen.
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Imitation crab – Surimi-based “krab” products like crab sticks and flakes. A budget-friendly alternative to real crab.
Buying Fresh vs. Frozen Crab
When purchasing seafood at Costco, you’ll typically be choosing between fresh and frozen options. Here are some of the key differences:
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Fresh crab – This has never been frozen and is raw. It will have the firmest texture and freshest taste. However, it has a shorter shelf life and needs to be cooked soon after purchasing.
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Frozen crab – Flash freezing helps lock in flavor and texture. Frozen crab like legs and meat can keep for longer periods. Thaw according to package directions before cooking.
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Pre-cooked fresh crab – Some fresh crab like Dungeness are lightly pre-cooked. This extends the shelf life slightly over raw crab. Just reheat and serve.
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Imitation crab – Made from fish that is pulverized and shaped into crab texture. Much lower cost but lacks the true flavor, texture and nutritional value of real crab.
If you want the absolute best taste and texture, fresh raw crab is ideal. But for convenience and budget, frozen crab can be a satisfactory alternative. Pre-cooked fresh crab offers a compromise between fresh and frozen.
Selecting Top Quality Crab at Costco
To help you pick the best crab for your needs, here are some buying tips:
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Whole live crabs – Choose crabs that are moving actively and have all their legs. Make sure the shell looks intact, not cracked or damaged.
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Cooked crab – Opt for crab with a bright orange shell and meat that has a sweet aroma. Meat should be securely packed in the shell segments. Avoid crab with an ammonia-like or fishy odor.
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Crab legs – Select legs that are tightly closed with no separating or gaps. Avoid any with blackened spots or dry, stringy meat showing. Legs should be icy, not soggy or freezer burned.
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Crab meat – Meat should have a fresh seafood scent, no sour or fishy aroma. Color should be white for most crab meat with a tinge of red or pink. Pick containers with large, intact chunks of meat.
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Frozen crab – Ensure frozen products are solidly frozen with no signs of thawing and re-freezing. Select packages without excessive ice crystals or frost which indicates improper freezing.
Checking freshness indicators like sell-by dates, keeping crab cold until ready to cook, and using frozen crab soon after thawing will also help ensure you get the highest quality crab for your dish.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Costco Crab
Once you’ve selected some fabulous crab from Costco, here are some handy tips to make the most of your seafood purchase:
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Allow thawed crab to come to room temperature before cooking for even heating.
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Preheat your oven, grill or steamer before cooking to avoid overcooking.
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Season simply with lemon, garlic, butter and herbs to highlight the natural sweetness.
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Cook crab legs and clusters just until the meat opaque and warmed through, about 5-8 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
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When reheating pre-cooked crab, go low and slow in a 325°F oven or steamer. Take care not to dry it out.
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Turn crab cakes gently halfway through baking so both sides heat evenly.
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Add crab meat at the very end when making soups, pastas or rice dishes to prevent it becoming rubbery.
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Refrigerate any uneaten fresh crab within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Freeze other leftovers for longer storage.
With this guide, you’ll be ready to capitalize on the fresh crab offerings at your local Costco. Enjoy this delicacy in endless recipes from simple crab boils to impressive seafood platters. Delight your family and guests with the special treat of succulent crab sourced right from your favorite warehouse store.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costco Crab
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about purchasing crab at Costco:
Does Costco sell live crabs?
Most Costco locations do not sell live crabs. The exceptions are some stores on the coasts like California where live Dungeness crab is a popular seasonal item. Check with your local warehouse to see if they carry live crab.
Are Costco crabs fresh or frozen?
Costco sells both fresh and frozen crab. Whole cooked crabs are usually fresh, as is the refrigerated crab meat. The king, snow and Dungeness crab legs are usually previously frozen.
What types of crab does Costco carry?
Common varieties found at Costco are Dungeness, king, snow, and blue crab. They may carry dungeeness crab cakes, crab claws, or chunks of leg/body meat from these crabs as well. Less commonly, you may find stone crab claws.
Does Costco sell soft shell crabs?
Soft shell crabs can sometimes be found seasonally at Costcos with large seafood departments. But it is not a regular offering like Dungeness and other hardshell crab. Check with your store for availability.
What is a good price for crab at Costco?
Pricing can vary by item, but as some examples, cooked Dungeness crab is often $4.99/lb, snow crab clusters around $9.99/lb, king crab legs from $14.99-$19.99/lb, and containers of premium lump crab meat from $14.99-$19.99/lb when in stock.
How should I store and thaw Costco crab?
It’s best to cook or freeze fresh crab on the same day as purchasing. Frozen products should be thawed overnight in the fridge or using a cold water method before cooking. Avoid thawing crab at room temperature.
Can I re-freeze crab that was purchased frozen at Costco?
Previously frozen raw crab like legs, clusters and meat can be safely refrozen. However, the texture may become more watery. It’s best to only freeze fully cooked crab once.
Crab Recipes Using Costco Crab
Once you have your Costco crab, you’ll want delicious ways to serve it up. Here are some stellar recipes that feature crab:
Baked Dungeness Crab Legs – Thaw and bake seasoned legs in the oven until hot and flaky. Easy peel and eat.
Crab Cakes – Pan sear lump crab cakes, topped with remoulade sauce for an appetizer.
Crab Salad – Toss crab meat with veggies, citrus, avocado and sauce for a simple salad.
Seafood Casserole – Bake a creamy casserole with crab meat, shrimp, cheese and breadcrumbs.
Crab Boil – Cook potatoes, corn and sausage with Old Bay seasoning and crab legs for a feast.
Crab Dip – Combine lump crab with cheese, herbs and green onion, bake and serve with crackers.
Crab Frittata – Make a brunch-worthy frittata packed with crab, eggs, veggies and cheese.
Linguine & Crab – Toss
