Where to Buy Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a popular and delicious type of crab found along the west coast of North America. Its sweet, tender meat and ease of cracking open the shells make it a favorite for seafood lovers. When you’re looking to make Dungeness crab the star of your next meal, knowing where to buy high-quality fresh or frozen Dungeness crab is key

Dungeness Crab Characteristics

Dungeness crab live in the cold Pacific waters along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. They get their name from the Dungeness Spit on the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Port Angeles, Washington where they are abundantly found.

Dungeness crab have a round ten-legged body enclosed in a reddish-brown shell, or carapace, that’s about 6-10 inches wide. Their meat fills out the body cavity and claws. Dungeness crab meat is considered among the sweetest and most tender of all commercially available crab. When cooked the shells turn bright red and the white meat takes on a light pink tint. Many aficionados prefer Dungeness crab over other crab varieties like King and Snow crab.

The Dungeness crab season along the west coast runs from November to June, with peak harvesting from December to February. Their growing cycle makes them easiest to source fresh during these winter months.

Where to Buy Fresh Dungeness Crab

When Dungeness crab is in season. you have several options for buying fresh crab

• Local fish markets or seafood counters: The absolute best place to buy fresh Dungeness crab is from a local fish market or seafood counter, especially one near where the crab is caught and processed. Places like Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle have daily offerings of fresh caught local Dungeness crab.

• Direct from local crab fishermen: Some small ports sell directly off the fishing boats when they come in with their catch. Buying straight from the source allows you to inspect the crabs for liveliness and get the freshest possible.

• Fisherman’s markets: Weekend fisherman’s markets in seaside towns are good sources for freshly caught in-season Dungeness during the winter. You can often buy it cooked and cracked if you don’t want to deal with live crab.

• Online seafood retailers: Several seafood companies like Seattle Fish Co. and Blue Star Seafood sell live Dungeness crab overnight shipped in insulated boxes with frozen gel packs. Order early in the week for prompt weekday delivery.

• Restaurant or seafood market clusters: Places like Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco have restaurants and seafood stalls with fresh crab when it’s in season.

No matter where you buy fresh Dungeness crab, look for crabs that are lively and active when you purchase them. Avoid any with cracked shells or lifeless limbs. It’s ideal to cook or freeze them the same day purchased.

Where to Buy Frozen Dungeness Crab

Frozen Dungeness crab is available year-round from:

• Grocery store seafood sections: Many grocers like Safeway and Kroger stock frozen Dungeness crab once local fresh supplies run out. The crab is pre-cooked so just thaw and eat.

• Big box stores: Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club typically carry large bags of frozen pre-cooked Dungeness crab claws and leg clusters.

• Online seafood companies: Retailers like Vital Choice, Seattle Fish Co., and Wild Alaskan Company sell flash frozen Dungeness crab. It’s often better quality than grocery store frozen crab.

• Commercial crab producers: Companies like Trident Seafoods, Ocean Beauty, and Bornstein Seafoods process and freeze Dungeness crab in the Pacific Northwest for retail and wholesale distribution.

When buying frozen Dungeness crab, check for clear, solid pieces without excessive ice crystals or freezer burn. Vacuum-sealed packaging maintains quality best.

Tips for Cooking Fresh or Frozen Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab requires preparation before eating whether cooked live or thawed after freezing. Follow these tips:

• Clean live crabs in cold water before cooking to remove gills and viscera. Leave shells intact.

• Boil or steam live crab for about 15 minutes until the shells turn bright red.

• Use sturdy seafood crackers to break apart cooked shells and remove meat. Start by cracking the body, then move to legs and claws.

• Pick out broken shell pieces and rinse or wipe off yellow “mustard” (crab innards). The white leg, body, and claw meat is edible.

• Thaw frozen cooked crab in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Add picked crab meat to salads, pastas, stir fries, and seafood dishes. Or serve chilled with clarified butter, lemon wedges, and garlic bread.

With sweet succulent meat and stunning presentation, Dungeness crab makes for impressive meals. Follow this guide to source the best quality fresh or frozen Dungeness crab for your recipes and dining enjoyment.