How Long Should You Steam Dungeness Crab? The Ultimate Guide

Dungeness crab is a delicious Pacific Coast delicacy known for its sweet, succulent meat When perfectly cooked, the moist flaky flesh is absolute heaven. One of the best ways to prepare fresh Dungeness crab is by steaming The quick, intense heat seals in moisture and brings out the crab’s inherent briny sweetness.

But exactly how long should you steam Dungeness crab to achieve crab meat perfection? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about steaming times for Dungeness crab.

Why Steam Dungeness Crab?

Steaming is one of the easiest fastest ways to cook Dungeness crab while preserving maximum flavor and moisture. Here’s why it’s a top crab cooking method

• Quick cooking – Dungeness crab cooks rapidly when exposed to steam, minimizing preparation time.

• Retains moisture – Steaming cooks food through direct exposure to vapor rather than boiling liquid. This allows the crab meat to better retain its natural juices.

• Enhances flavor – Steaming draws out and concentrates the crab’s sweet brininess compared to other wet cooking methods.

• Tenderizes meat – The combination of moist heat and gentle cooking helps keep the crab meat tender.

• Versatile – Pre-cooked and shelled crab meat can be briefly steamed to reheat for eating on its own or to use in other recipes.

• Minimal cleanup – Steaming makes for an easy, relatively mess-free way to prepare crab with no oil splatters.

If you want moist, succulent Dungeness crab with unbeatable flavor, steaming is hands down one of the best approaches.

How to Steam Dungeness Crab

Steaming Dungeness crab is a simple process that only requires a steamer pot or makeshift steamer setup. Here is a quick overview:

• Fill the bottom section of a steamer pot with 1-2 inches of water. For an improvised steamer, use a skillet or wide pot with a tight fitting lid and add just 1/4 inch water.

• Bring the water to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot if using one.

• Arrange the crab pieces in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed.

• Cover and steam, regulating heat to maintain a steady steam.

• Check for doneness at the minimum recommended times, detailed next.

• Carefully remove crab from the steam when fully cooked. Enjoy immediately!

Steaming is that quick and easy. Now let’s look at the most important detail – proper steaming times for flawlessly cooked Dungeness crab.

Steaming Times for Dungeness Crab

Steaming times can vary based on a few factors:

• Whether you’re cooking a whole crab versus pieces
• If the crab is live or cooked
• If it’s thawed or frozen
• The size and density of the crab sections

With those variables in mind, here are some general guidelines for steaming times:

Whole Dungeness Crab

• Live crab – 12-18 minutes
• Thawed pre-cooked crab – 8-12 minutes
• Frozen pre-cooked crab – 10-15 minutes

Steaming a whole crab requires more time due to its larger size and density. Check for doneness early and extend steaming in 2 minute increments if the shell isn’t fully red yet or meat isn’t opaque.

Dungeness Crab Legs & Sections

• Thawed – 4-8 minutes
• Frozen – 6-10 minutes

With separated legs, shoulder sections, and other pieces, less time is needed to cook and heat through. Thinner leg segments will be done faster than thick shoulders. Pull smaller pieces first and quickly re-steam any undercooked sections.

Pre-cooked Dungeness Crab Meat

• Thawed – 45-90 seconds
• Frozen – 1-3 minutes

For pre-cooked packaged crab meat, steam just long enough to heat through without drying it out. Check thawed meat at 45 seconds first. Frozen may take a couple minutes to reheat.

Adding Flavor During Steaming

You can add complementary flavors during steaming by including aromatics in the water or placing them right in the steamer. Options include:

• Lemon, lime, or orange slices
• Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or tarragon
• Whole garlic cloves
• Peppercorns
• Bay leaves
• Old Bay or crab seasoning

The steam infuses the crab with the added flavors.

Checking Doneness of Steamed Crab

With any steaming time recommendation, it’s important to still verify doneness rather than just going by elapsed time. Here are tips for testing when your Dungeness crab is perfectly steamed:

• Shell turns bright orange-red throughout
• Meat is opaque white, not translucent
• Juices run clear when pierced or pulled apart
• Internal temperature reaches 165°F

Tap claws and legs lightly to check for doneness. Undercooked areas will feel soft and mushy. Fully cooked sections will feel firm. Pull individual pieces as they finish rather than overcooking everything.

Steamed Crab Recipes & Pairings

Once your Dungeness crab is perfectly steamed, you can enjoy it in so many ways. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Crab legs – Serve split crab legs with drawn butter, lemon wedges, garlic aioli or other dipping sauces.

• Crab cakes – Make classic crab cakes by mixing lump crab meat with bread crumbs, egg, mustard, and spices, then pan frying.

• Crab salad – Toss crab meat with mixed greens, avocado, tomato, boiled egg, and your favorite vinaigrette.

• Crab dip – Blend together crab, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and herbs. Serve with crackers or crudités.

• Crab omelet – Sauté diced peppers and onions, add crab meat, then make an omelet with the filling.

• Crab pasta – Combine crab with pasta, olive oil, tarragon, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

• Crab soup – Prepare a creamy bisque with crab meat, veggies, and seasonings.

The sweet brininess of steamed Dungeness crab complements so many flavors. Dip into that luscious meat right away or use it to elevate your favorite recipes.

Steaming Dungeness Crab to Perfection

Steaming Dungeness crab couldn’t be easier. Just fill your steamer with a small amount of water, bring to a boil, and add your crab according to the guidelines above. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have deliciously cooked crab with all its moisture and signature flavor intact.

Be sure to check for doneness visually and with a thermometer rather than just steaming for a set time. This ensures your crab is cooked through but still tender. Then crack those legs and claws open and enjoy outstanding steamed Dungeness crab on its own or incorporated into all kinds of dishes.

What are your favorite ways to prepare Dungeness crab? Share your best crab recipes and serving ideas in the comments below!