Whole Dungeness crabs boiled in water are the easiest way to make a fancy dinner that is actually very simple to make.
I’m a seafood lover through and through. Crab though is definitely my favorite of all the crustaceans and fish in the sea. Some of my favorite crab recipes are on my blog. They are my steamed Alaskan King crab legs, my chilled corn and crab soup, and my crab and shrimp seafood cobb salad. I just love the sweet, tender, buttery crab meat. But I don’t want to spend all my time in the kitchen when I could be having fun with my family. Enter my plan to serve the easiest but still elegant Dungeness crab as part of our holiday feast. While some people prepare Dungeness crab legs, I actually prefer the whole crab. It may sound intimidating to you, but honestly, this is the easiest crab you’re ever going to make. The Dungeness crabs I can get have already been cooked because I live in a landlocked state. This means the crab only needs to be warmed up before it can be eaten instead of being steamed or cooked all the way through.
Dungeness crab is a Pacific Northwest treasure, prized for its sweet, succulent meat. When you’ve got freshly cooked Dungeness crab on the table, you want side dishes that do it justice The accompaniments should complement, not overwhelm, the natural flavor of the crab After cooking up cracked Dungeness crab, avoid rather than double down on seafood flavors. Instead, opt for vegetable dishes, salads, and starches that accentuate the crab’s sweetness. Read on for 12 sensational recipes for sides that pair perfectly with Dungeness crab.
1. Grilled Asparagus Spears
Asparagus is a classic pairing with seafood. The vegetal flavors complement shellfish beautifully. For crab opt for thick asparagus spears and grill them over high heat until lightly charred. Drizzle with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and just a hint of garlic. The smoky char pairs divinely with sweet crab meat.
2. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
For a filling starch accompaniment, roasted potatoes are just the thing. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior soak up butter and seasonings. Roast halved fingerlings with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. The potatoes round out the meal while showcasing the crab’s natural sweetness.
3. Creamed Corn
Sweet corn and crab combine for a delightful duet of summer flavors. Make a quick creamed corn by sautéing corn kernels in butter, adding cream and parmesan, and cooking until thickened. For even more crab-friendly flavor, add a bit of Old Bay seasoning. Every bite begs for a chunk of crab meat.
4. Leafy Green Salad
A simple green salad in a tangy vinaigrette cools things down and complements crab’s rich taste. Opt for a mix of salad greens – arugula, radicchio, Boston lettuce, frisee, and baby kale. Toss with a lemon vinaigrette, slivered shallots, and fresh dill. Crunchy, fresh, vibrant salad greens are the perfect palate cleanser between bites of crab.
5. Scalloped Potatoes
For an indulgent, creamy potato side, scalloped potatoes can’t be beat next to crab. Sliced russet potatoes baked in a rich cheese sauce are comforting yet classy. Add chopped parsley and a pinch of nutmeg to complement the crab. It’s an elegant pairing of land and sea.
6. Summer Squash medley
Highlight summer flavors by roasting or grilling an assortment of summer squashes, like zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan squash. Toss the sliced squashes with olive oil and seasonal herbs like basil, oregano, and marjoram. Roast or grill until caramelized and tender. The medley adds great color and a light touch of garden freshness.
7. Buttered Egg Noodles
For crab lovers of all ages, buttered egg noodles are an easy and foolproof pairing. Boil wide egg noodles until al dente, drain, and toss with plenty of butter, salt, and pepper. The mild egg noodles soak up melted butter and beg to be topped with sweet crab.
8. Bacon and Chive Scalloped Potatoes
For an over-the-top, luxurious take on potatoes, try scalloped potatoes with bacon and chives. Layer thinly sliced potatoes with cooked chopped bacon, cream, cheddar, chives, salt, and pepper. The bacon fat ramps up the indulgence factor. It’s a match made in buttery, crab-filled heaven.
9. Corn on the Cob
Buttery grilled corn on the cob makes for a fun, hands-on crab dinner. Leave corn in husks and simply grill until tender and slightly charred. The natural corn sugars caramelize on the grill for sweet, smoky flavor that sings alongside briny crab. Provide corn holders and let guests peel and enjoy.
10. Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes are creamy, cheesy perfection next to crab’s sweet meat. Bake potatoes, scoop out the insides, and mash the flesh with butter, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings. Add cooked bacon if desired. Put the filling back in the potato skins and bake again until golden. They’re tasty, satisfying, and pair well with the crab.
11. Roasted Beets and Greens
For an elegant vegetable duo, roast golden beets and beet greens together. Toss beet wedges and torn greens with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme. Roast at 400 F until beets are tender and greens are crispy. The contrasting textures and earthy flavors are a sophisticated match for crab’s sweet succulence.
12. Classic Coleslaw
A go-to summer favorite, classic coleslaw offers crunchy, creamy compl¬¬ement to crab. Use bagged preshredded cabbage mix for ease and toss with mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. The sweet, tangy slaw cuts through the briny richness of the crab. Serve chilled right alongside hot crab for a perfect temperature contrast.
With any of these sensational sides, the succulent flavor of Dungeness crab really shines through. Don’t overpower it with competing seafood flavors. Let the crab’s delicate brininess and incomparable tenderness take center stage and round out your meal with something fresh and bright. With these 12 pairings, you’re guaranteed crab feasts to remember.
What is Special About Dungeness Crab?
Dungeness crabs always feel so luxurious and are the perfect thing to serve for a special occasion. They’re the largest of the commercially harvested crabs in the world. And if you’re wondering which is better—Dungeness or king crab, I love both but if I had to pick a winner, it’s Dungeness crab for me. That’s because this West Coast crab is tender, meaty, sweet, and delicate, with a particularly delicious flavor thanks to the fat in its shell. It also happened to be Julia Child’s favorite, so that says it all right there.
How to Serve Dungeness Crab
For serving, I like to keep it easy with the dipping sauce. I make a super simple lemon-spiked salted butter with a bit of Old Bay Seasoning stirred in. Sometimes I also mix some ketchup and hot horseradish for a simple cocktail sauce option. I like to put the crab on a platter with fresh lemon and lime slices, parsley, dill, and dipping sauces to make it look nice. It’s definitely a showstopper.