Crabs are a delicious seafood treat that can be prepared in many different ways. From crab cakes to steamed whole crabs, there are endless options for enjoying fresh crab meat. However, finding a reliable source to purchase high-quality, live crabs can be a challenge. This guide will provide tips on where to buy fresh crab and how to select the best crabs for your needs.
Buying Directly from Local Fishermen
One of the best ways to get your hands on fresh-caught crab is to buy directly from local fishermen Many small fishing operations will sell their catch right off the docks when they return from a day out on the water, The benefit of buying straight from the source is you know exactly when and where the crabs were caught This helps ensure peak freshness and quality,
When buying directly from fishermen, it’s best to go early in the morning when they return with their haul. Be prepared to buy in bulk, as most fishermen will sell large quantities of crab. Ask questions about what type of crab they caught and when. Blue crabs and Dungeness crabs are common options. Let the fishermen know if you have a preference.
Buying from local fishermen is ideal if you live near an active crabbing port like Seattle, San Francisco, Baltimore, or Boston Check for listings of fishermen selling dockside or sign up for a community supported fishery (CSF) program to have a regular supply delivered
Visiting Local Seafood Markets
Another excellent option for buying fresh, live crab is to visit a local fish market or seafood store. Many premium seafood purveyors have live tanks where you can hand select the specific crabs you want. This is a great choice if you want a smaller quantity of crab versus buying in bulk from a fisherman.
High-end seafood markets and fishmongers like Giovanni’s Fish Market in California, All Fresh Seafood in New York, and Legal Sea Foods on the east coast frequently carry a variety of live crab species. Call ahead to check availability and pricing. Be prepared to pay a higher per pound price than buying directly from fishermen. However, you’ll be able to purchase the exact amount of crab you need.
Ask questions at the seafood counter about where the crabs are from and when they arrived. Inspect the crabs in the tank to make sure they are active and have all their legs and claws intact. Select crabs that are lively and robust. Pass on any that appear lethargic or have damage.
Purchasing Live Crab Online
Thanks to overnight shipping, it’s now possible to buy live crab online and have it delivered directly to your door. Companies like lobsteranywhere.com and giovannisfish.com offer live Dungeness crab, blue crab, king crab, snow crab, and stone crab for sale online.
The benefit of purchasing live crab online is convenience, as the seafood is delivered overnight right to your home. You can shop from the comfort of your couch and browse the selection of live crabs available for sale. Online retailers also often provide helpful information about the type of crab and where it was caught.
However, buying live seafood online does come with some risks. You can’t personally inspect the crabs before purchase. Make sure to read customer reviews and only order from reputable sellers with a guarantee on live delivery. Expect to pay a premium for the convenience of overnight shipping.
What To Look For When Buying Live Crab
To ensure you get the highest quality live crabs, keep these tips in mind when making your purchase:
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Look for crabs that are very active with all legs moving. Avoid any that are lifeless or missing appendages.
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Select crabs that feel heavy for their size. Lightweight crabs may have lost water weight.
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Make sure the shell looks clean with no dirt, debris, or grayish discoloring.
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Opt for crabs with a bright orange color on the bottom shell and white/yellow tips on the legs.
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Check that the eyes are clear and bulging, not cloudy or sunken in.
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Give each crab a light shake – the sloshing sound means there’s water inside indicating freshness.
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Request the crabs be wrapped in damp newspaper, not sitting in water which causes loss of flavor.
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Cook live crabs the same day purchased for best flavor. Refrigerate up to 36 hours if needed.
Best Types of Crab to Purchase Live
Not all crab varieties are ideal for buying live. Here are some of the best types of crab to purchase live for superior freshness:
Dungeness Crab
Meaty, sweet flavor. From Pacific coastal waters. Great for whole crab recipes.
Blue Crab
Prized for picking crab meat. From Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Best for crab cakes.
King Crab
Largest size legs. Rich, buttery texture. Caught wild in Alaska. Perfect for crab legs.
Snow Crab
Tender white meat, savory taste. Fished in northwest Canada. Ideal for crab clusters.
Stone Crab
Firm claw meat, sold by the piece. From Florida and Gulf. Excellent for crab claws.
Live Crab Recipes and Meal Ideas
Once you have your live crabs, you’ll want delicious recipes to showcase your seafood bounty. Here are some mouthwatering ways to prepare fresh live crab:
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Crab Boil – The classic! Cook whole crabs in seasoned water with corn and potatoes. Serve with drawn butter.
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Steamed Crab – Simple steaming lets the sweet crab flavor shine. Serve with lemon wedges and garlic aioli.
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Crab Cakes – Bind lump crab meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices. Pan fry until golden brown.
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Crab Dip – Mix crab meat with cream cheese, spices, and green onion. Bake until bubbly. Serve with crackers or celery.
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Crab Legs – Boil or steam king crab legs. Crack and dip in melted butter.
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Crab Rangoon – Stuff wonton wrappers with crab and cream cheese. Fry quickly until crispy.
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Crab Salad – Toss crab meat with celery, onion, mayo, lemon, and seasonings. Chill before serving over lettuce.
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Crab Étouffée – Make a Louisiana-style crab stew with vegetables, rice, and savory seasonings.
The Takeaway
From buying dockside to purchasing online, you have ample options for getting your hands on delectably fresh live crab. Follow these expert tips to choose active, high-quality crabs from a reputable seller. Then put your crabs to use in mouthwatering recipes your family and friends will love. Happy crabbing!
The best-tasting fresh seafood can be found at Pure Food Fish Market. Fresh crab can be ordered online now and delivered tomorrow!
Pure Food Fish Market is home to the worlds best-tasting fresh seafood in Seattles iconic Pike Place Market. Not only are we open for in-person pick-up for Seattle locals, but you can order fresh crab with overnight delivery right to your door for parties, special occasions, or a delicious everyday meal. So order your fresh crab today and be able to enjoy it tomorrow – that indeed is the Pure Food Fish Market way!
Jumbo! Whole Dungeness Crab Online
No other fresh crab can compare to the indescribably juicy taste of the Dungeness crab. So why have just part of this delicious fresh crab when you can have it all? Pure Food Fish Market offers jumbo whole Dungeness crab online for you to enjoy. Enjoy it fresh when in season and flash froze all year round. Our whole Dungeness crabs are pre-cooked, ready to enjoy, chilled, or gently steamed to the right warmth. This fancy jumbo whole Dungeness crab will never disappoint, which is a promise.
Fresh Dungeness Crab Meat
Fresh Dungeness crab meat from Pure Food Fish Market is the best of both worlds, and here is why. Not only do you get the unbeatable flavor of the Dungeness crab, but you also get it without all the work! Our fresh Dungeness crab meat is a ready-to-serve food that can be enjoyed in any way you choose. Try our Dungeness crab meat on crackers for an appetizer, perhaps on top of your favorite salad, or even as the main course. No matter how you enjoy it, the Dungeness crab meat from Pure Food Fish Market is sure to be one of your new favorites.
Jumbo Fancy Red King Crab Legs
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any bigger and better, we went, and it did! These extra sizeable fancy King crab legs contain the melt-in-your-mouth fresh crab meat you have longed for. Our jumbo fancy Red King crab legs are certainly no exception to the idea that fresh crab meat from the legs is even better! These are enormous legs you can buy, and the flavors you can get from them are even bigger and bolder! So enjoy your juicy, fresh Red King crab legs by ordering through Pure Food Fish Market!
20 Pound Case of Jumbo Fancy Red King Crab Legs
Everyone knows that buying in bulk is best, so Pure Food Fish Market is proud to offer a 20-pound case of jumbo fancy Red King crab legs for you and all of your friends and family members to enjoy! These King crab legs are a delicacy and revered among seafood lovers as the creme de la creme. So grab a 20-pound case of jumbo fancy Red King crab legs today by ordering online through Pure Food Fish Market!
King Crab Claws
Nothing entirely stands up to the King Crab Claws from Pure Food Fish Market. These King Crab Claws are succulent, sweet, and ready to be devoured! With just one bite, you will see why these flash frozen crab claws are a favorite for many seafood lovers worldwide. So enjoy your King Crab Claws from Pure Food Fish Market today with our nationwide shipping!
Jumbo Alaskan Snow Crab Clusters
Jumbo Alaskan Snow crab clusters – need we say more? These succulent jumbo Alaskan Snow crab clusters from Pure Food Fish Market are simply exploding with flavor as you have never experienced before. Dip them in warm butter for an incomparable taste you will love every time. Try out our jumbo Alaskan Snow crab clusters online today!
Crab Lovers
Calling all you fresh crab lovers! We have put together the perfect crab lovers package for you to enjoy all of your favorites. This fresh crab lovers package includes 2 pounds of Kodiak Alaskan King crab legs, two jumbo Dungeness crabs, and a complimentary jar of Pure Food Fish Market’s cajun cocktail sauce. It is a fresh crab experience like never before! So don’t miss out on this Crab Lovers package from Pure Food Fish Market that you can order from the comfort of your own home.
Fancy Red King Crab Parts
Where can you enjoy the highest quality, best tasting fancy Red King crab at a fraction of the regular price? Well, only at Pure Food Fish Market, of course! We offer fancy Red King crab parts so anyone can enjoy even the most delicate crab meat. It is the same great-tasting King Crab meat you know and love, broken into smaller pieces. So devour some fancy Red King crab parts from Pure Food Fish Market today!
Fresh Alaskan Snow Crab Picks
The delicious fresh crab options just keep on coming! Give these fresh Alaskan Snow crab picks from Pure Food Fish Market for seafood finger food as you have never had before! Buy crab from Pure Food Fish Market today!
Gourmet Dungeness crab Cakes
You may have thought that gourmet Dungeness crab cakes were challenging to come by and even harder to prepare – well, not anymore! Pure Food Fish Market offers gourmet Dungeness crab cakes, seasoned and trained to perfection, that are then sent right to your door! So order your gourmet Dungeness crab cakes today and indulge tomorrow!
Alaskan Snow Crab Parts
The Alaskan Snow crab parts from Pure Food Fish Market are another excellent way to enjoy your favorite seafood at a fraction of the price. Order some Alaskan Snow crab parts to enjoy today!
Fancy Crab
Pure Food Fish Market offers only the best selection of fresh crab. Our fresh crab is fresh, full of flavor, cooked, and flash frozen for freshness (except for in-season Dungeness crab) on the boats, and quickly ready to enjoy! And if that was not enough, it is swiftly and conveniently delivered right to your doorstep, so you can enjoy your fresh crab whenever possible! So check out the full selection of fancy crab from Pure Food Fish Market and choose all your favorites today!
Live blue crabs at the Asian Market
FAQ
When can you buy fresh crab?
When are crabs in season? Generally from April to November.
How much should a dozen crabs cost?
MALE CRABS
Large $55.00 doz. #1 $75.00 doz. Jumbo $95.00 doz.
Does Costco carry fresh crab?
Product Details
Northwest Fish Dungeness Crab is harvested from the icy waters of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. Each crab is cooked within hours of being caught to lock in the natural flavors. The meat has a distinctive, sweet flavor and is a fan favorite of the seafood enthusiast. Net weight: 10 lbs.
Does Florida have fresh crab?
In Florida, the Stone Crab season normally spans from October to May, assuring a fresh and plentiful supply for seafood fans during those months.Aug 1, 2024