How to Cook Dungeness Crab: A Comprehensive Guide

Dungeness crab is a delicious crustacean found along the Pacific coast that is a favorite for many seafood lovers. With its sweet, succulent meat and hearty claws Dungeness crab is a prized delicacy especially when cooked to perfection. If you want to learn how to cook this tasty crab properly at home, this comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know.

Buying Dungeness Crab

The first step is selecting high-quality, fresh Dungeness crab. Check local supermarkets or fish markets during peak crab season, which is typically November through June. Look for crabs that are alive and active, which indicates freshness. Each crab should weigh around 1.5 to 2 pounds. Avoid any with cracked shells or an unpleasant odor. If possible, purchase directly from the fish counter rather than pre-cooked crab. This maximizes freshness and allows you to control the cooking. Place any live crabs in a cooler with ice for transport home.

Storing Dungeness Crab

Once home place live crabs in a large bowl or sink filled with cold water. Refrigerate and change the water every 30 minutes until ready to cook, up to 24 hours. This keeps them alive and lively. Don’t leave live crabs at room temperature or they’ll perish quickly. Cooked Dungeness crab can be refrigerated up to 3 days when properly stored. First, remove the top shell innards, and gills. Then separate the legs and body into sections for easier eating later. Store pieces in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Crab also freezes well for 1-2 months if sealed airtight.

Cleaning Dungeness Crab

Thoroughly rinse live crabs under cold running water before cooking while scrubbing with a stiff brush. Focus on the underside and leg joints where dirt collects. This removes debris and impurities from the tanks. Pat the crabs completely dry with paper towels afterwards.

Cooking Methods

Steaming and boiling are common cooking techniques that both yield tender, juicy meat when done properly Here are the steps for each method

Steaming

• Place a steamer basket in a large pot with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
• Arrange crabs in a single layer in the basket, about 2 per basket.
• Cover and steam for 18-20 minutes. Check for bright orange shells and opaque, white meat when done.
• Cool for 10 minutes before eating by transferring to a sheet pan and refrigerating.

Boiling

• Fill a large pot with salted water (1 Tbsp salt per quart) and bring to a rolling boil.
• Gently lower live crabs into the pot, cover, and return to a boil.
• Start timing once boiling; boil 1.5 lbs crabs for 18-20 minutes.
• Use the same doneness tests as steaming. Drain and transfer to a sheet pan to cool slightly.

Avoid overcooking, which makes the meat dry and rubbery. Remove crabs just before completely done as they’ll continue cooking once out of the pot.

Serving Suggestions

• Crack open cooked crab and enjoy with your hands along with lemon wedges, melted butter, or seafood seasoning.
• For a more elegant presentation, remove meat from shells to use in:
  • Crab cakes – Form patties with crab meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings then pan fry.
  • Stuffed shells – Fill cleaned shells with a crab and cream cheese mixture.
  • Crab salad – Toss crab meat with lettuce, avocado, and a light dressing.
  • Seafood stews – Add to tomato-based stews along with fish and shrimp.
• Use leftover crab meat in bisques, sandwiches, pasta, and wherever you’d use lobster or shrimp. The sweet crab flavor really shines.

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfect Dungeness crab every time:

1. Purchase – Select lively, intact crabs around 1.5-2 lbs each.
2. Clean – Rinse well and pat completely dry.
3. Cook – Steam 18-20 minutes or boil 18-20 minutes per 1.5 lbs. Don’t overcook!
4. Cool – Let sit 10 minutes before handling.
5. Crack and Enjoy! – Use mallet or crackers to open legs and body. Carefully pick out meat with picks or fingers.

Tips and Tricks

• Buy fresh crab during peak season from November to June for best value.
• Look for active, dry crabs with unbroken shells when buying.
• Use tongs and gloves to safely handle live crabs before cooking.
• Steaming tends to yield moister meat compared to boiling.
• Don’t peek while cooking as this releases steam and slows the process.
• Allow cooked crabs to rest 10 minutes before eating for easier handling.
• Serve simply with lemon, melted butter or seafood seasoning.
• Refrigerate picked meat up to 3 days or freeze for 1-2 months.
• Substitute for lobster in recipes like salads, pastas, and chowders.

With some practice, you’ll be able to cook incredible Dungeness crab feasts in no time! The sweet, succulent meat is well worth the effort. Enjoy this Pacific Northwest specialty during peak season for a real treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook Dungeness crab?

Steaming is generally the recommended method, as it retains moisture and cooks the crab evenly without agitating it. Fill a large pot with a couple inches of water, bring to a boil, and place crabs in a steamer basket for 18-20 minutes until the shells turn orange.

How do you know when Dungeness crab is done?

Check for bright orange shells, opaque white meat, and melted yellow fat oozing out. Insert a knife into a leg joint; it should slide in smoothly when fully cooked. The meat should be tender and flaky when done.

Can you freeze cooked Dungeness crab?

Yes, crab meat freezes well for 1-2 months. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Whole cooked crabs don’t freeze as well. Pick all the meat out before freezing for best results.

What’s the best way to crack Dungeness crab?

Use a wooden mallet or crab crackers to break apart the legs, claws, and body. Twist off legs first, then carefully crack claws and body sections. Pick out meat gently with your fingers, a fork, or a crab pick. Discard empty shells.

How long does fresh Dungeness crab last?

Live crabs can be kept in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking when stored in cold water. Cooked crab meat lasts 3-4 days in the fridge when kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, pick meat and freeze for up to 2 months.

With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to purchase, store, prep, cook, and serve incredible Dungeness crab. Impress family and friends with a homemade crab feast!