Where to Buy Fresh Dungeness Crab Near Me

Dungeness crab is a sweet, tasty shellfish that many seafood lovers crave. If you are looking for places to buy fresh Dungeness crab near you, this guide will help you find and choose high-quality crab.

Check Local Seafood Markets

An excellent option for fresh Dungeness crab is your local specialty seafood market or fishmonger. Look for a reputable market known for fresh catches and knowledgeable staff. Many carry whole cooked Dungeness crab when in season. You can also request raw crab to cook yourself.

Ask questions about where their Dungeness crab is sourced from and when it was caught In peak season, you want crab that was caught very recently to ensure optimal freshness and flavor Markets with good sourcing and high turnover will provide the best product.

Look for Dungeness Crab at Large Grocery Stores

Well-stocked grocery stores, especially those with fresh seafood counters, are another place you can check for Dungeness crab availability. Stores like Costco, Safeway Albertsons and Kroger may carry it when it’s in season.

Make sure to thoroughly inspect the crab for quality. Look for crab that is cold, smells fresh with no ammonia odor, and has a natural shell color. Legs should be intact, not cracked or broken. Avoid crab with yellowed or faded shell coloring.

Order Fresh Dungeness Crab Online

Online seafood retailers allow you to order fresh Dungeness crab for overnight delivery right to your door. Companies like Honolulu Catch, Sea to Table, and Seattle Fish Company ship raw or cooked Dungeness crab packed in ice.

Check the harvest date and overnight shipping options when ordering online. Key benefits of ordering crab online include accessing seasonal catches and choosing overnight delivery to ensure optimal freshness.

What to Look for When Buying Dungeness Crab

To pick quality Dungeness crab, here are some tips on what to look for:

• Hard, full shell with no cracks or dents

• Legs and claws are intact

• Shell has natural reddish-brown hue, not yellow or faded

• Cold temperature; should be refrigerated or packed in ice

• Fresh, mild scent, no strong fishy or ammonia odor

• Meat fills out the shell cavity fully when cooked

• Raw crab has translucent white meat when cooked

How to Store Dungeness Crab

Once you have sourced high-quality fresh or cooked Dungeness crab, proper storage is key. Follow these guidelines:

• Keep live crab damp and chilled at 33-40°F if storing over 24 hours before cooking

• Cooked crab should be kept cold at 32-34°F

• Place cooked crab on ice or refrigerate; do not freeze previously cooked crab

• Store cooked crab no longer than 3-5 days before eating

• Wrap cooked crab in plastic wrap or place in airtight container

• Discard crab if it develops a fishy or ammonia odor during storage

How to Prepare and Eat Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab can be prepared in many delicious ways. Here are some recommendations:

• Cook live crab by boiling or steaming until opaque and flaky

• For whole cooked crab, simply reheat gently 4-5 minutes by steaming

• Twist and crack the body and legs to access tender meat

• Try crab in pastas, salads, chowders, crab cakes, or by itself with lemon and drawn butter

• Refrigerate leftover crab meat up to 3 days and discard if it takes on a fishy odor