Where to Buy Live King Crab

King crab is one of the most prized and delicious seafood delicacies. Its sweet, succulent meat is coveted by seafood lovers around the world. However, finding high-quality, fresh king crab can be a challenge. Most king crab sold in stores and restaurants has been previously frozen. But for the true king crab connoisseur, only live crab will do. So where can you buy live king crab? Here are the best places to get your hands on these delicious crustaceans.

Online Seafood Retailers

One of the best ways to buy live king crab is through online seafood retailers that specialize in live and fresh seafood These companies have direct relationships with fishermen and can deliver freshly caught king crab straight to your door

Farm-2-Market

Farm-2-Market is an online seafood market based in San Francisco that offers live Alaskan king crab They partner directly with fishermen in Alaska to provide some of the freshest king crab available. Their crabs are shipped live directly from the cold waters of Alaska and arrive within 24 hours of catching You can order live king crab in different size options from Farm-2-Market, ranging from a single 6-8 lb crab for 2 people up to two 6-8 lb crabs for 4 people. Their king crab is wild-caught in a sustainable manner and of the highest quality.

OM Seafood Company

Located in Washington state, OM Seafood Company is another excellent online source for ordering live king crab. They offer live king crab from Alaska, Russia and Norway from September to March when they are in season. The crabs range from 5 to 12 pounds each, and OM Seafood handles all the shipping and delivery to get these prized crustaceans to your home in peak freshness.

Alaskan King Crab Company

Though they don’t offer live crab, the Alaskan King Crab Company ships fresh frozen wild king crab overnight nationwide. Their king crab is flash frozen at peak freshness to lock in taste and texture. You can order king crab legs in different sizes like their extra large red king crab legs. The crab is sustainably wild-caught in Alaska and arrives frozen with dry ice to keep it cold.

Local Fish Markets

Your best bet for finding live king crab in your area is to visit a local fish market, especially one that focuses on fresh seafood. Some reputable fish markets have live tanks where you can personally pick out your king crab. This ensures you get the liveliest, most active crab to take home.

Pike Place Fish Market – Seattle

The famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle is one of the best places in the country to buy fresh seafood, including live king crab when in season. You can watch them toss fish and chat with the knowledgeable fishmongers who can hand-select your king crab from their tanks.

Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood – San Francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is renowned for its fresh seafood. Live crab can be purchased right off the fishing boats at stands like Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood. They get daily deliveries of live Dungeness, rock crab and king crab when in season.

New Fulton Fish Market – New York

In New York, head to the iconic Fulton Fish Market. You can browse the wide selection of fresh seafood and find live king crab when they are in season. Get there early, as the freshest catches sell out fast!

Honolulu Fish Auction – Hawaii

On Oahu, check out the Honolulu Fish Auction which sells fresh Hawaiian seafood. Live king crab from Alaska can be purchased here when available. You can also take one of their exclusive Auction Tours to see the daily fish auction up close.

Directly from Fishermen

To get king crab at the absolute peak of freshness, buying directly from the fishing boat is ideal. This may take some effort to coordinate but yields the best quality crab.

Alaska

In Alaska crab fishing towns like Kodiak, you may be able to purchase live crab right off the boat from local fishermen, sometimes right on the docks. Be sure to call ahead and check regulations.

Pacific Northwest

In coastal towns in Washington and Oregon, striking up a relationship with local crab fishermen can allow you to buy live crab directly. This involves coordination as the timing depends on the crab season and catch.

San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area has an active Dungeness crab fleet. Building a relationship with fishermen at docks like Fisherman’s Wharf or Pillar Point Harbor can allow you to buy live crab off the boat.

New England

New England ports like Gloucester, Massachusetts have fishing boats that can supply live crab when in season. Contact the harbormaster to connect with fishermen who may be able to sell you live crab.

Tips for Buying Live King Crab

• Look for king crab that is very active with lively leg movements. Avoid any crab that seems weak or lethargic.

• Make sure the shell is hard and firm, without any cracks or damage. Soft shells indicate an older molting crab.

• Live crab should be cooked within 24 hours of catching for absolute freshness and flavor.

• Have a large cooler ready to transport the live crab from market to home. Use cold packs to keep the temperature cool.

• Once home, keep the crab in the refrigerator until ready to cook. It can stay alive for several hours if kept cold.

• Cook the crab same day as purchasing for best taste. Steam, boil or roast within hours of getting home.

• Discard any dead crab before cooking. Never eat crab that has died before cooking.

How to Cook Live King Crab

Cooking freshly bought live king crab takes minimal effort for maximal reward. Here is a simple method:

• Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and bring to a rolling boil.

• Once boiling, carefully place live crab into the pot. Cover and steam for about 7 minutes per pound.

• Use tongs to flip the crab halfway through cooking time. Crab is done when the shell turns bright red.

• Drain and let crab cool until manageable to handle. Use mallet or knife to crack open shell.

• Carefully remove large top shell. Then pull out gills and innards. Rinse clean.

• Crack legs and claws to access sweet crab meat. Serve with melted butter!

The Superior Flavor of Live King Crab

After going through the effort to purchase live king crab instead of frozen, you will be richly rewarded with a stellar culinary experience. The pure, sweet flavor of just-caught king crab is far superior. The delicate meat has a pristine texture and taste that freezing diminishes. Shellfish lovers agree that live king crab is in a whole different league than the frozen variety. If you have the opportunity to indulge in fresh king crab, it is worth exploring the very best options to source these special crustaceans. From online retailers to local fish markets to directly from fishermen, savor the chance to taste the king of crabs at its absolute freshest. Your taste buds will thank you.