The Ultimate Guide: How to Cook a Dungeness Crab

If you’re a seafood lover, there’s nothing quite like the sweet, delicate flavor of Dungeness crab. This delectable crustacean is a Pacific Northwest treasure, known for its succulent meat and rich, buttery taste. Whether you’re a seasoned crab connoisseur or a first-time crab chef, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cooking and enjoying Dungeness crab.

Chapter 1: Meet the Dungeness Crab

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s get to know the star of the show: the Dungeness crab. Here’s some basic information to familiarize you with this delectable delicacy.

What is a Dungeness Crab?

The Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) is a species of crab native to the waters of the Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Mexico. Named after Dungeness, Washington, it’s one of the largest crab species and a highly sought-after seafood item.

What Makes Dungeness Crab Special?

Dungeness crab is prized for its tender, slightly sweet, and succulent meat. Its unique flavor and flaky texture make it a favorite ingredient in a wide range of dishes, from crab cakes to crab bisque.

How to Identify a Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crabs have a distinct appearance with a wide, oval-shaped body, spiky and often reddish-brown or greenish-brown carapace (the top shell), and white-tipped claws. The males typically have larger claws compared to the females.

Chapter 2: Preparing to Cook Dungeness Crab

Before you begin cooking your Dungeness crab, there are several essential steps to take. From selecting the right crab to preparing your kitchen, let’s get started.

Selecting a Fresh Dungeness Crab

When it comes to cooking crab, freshness is key. Look for these signs when selecting a Dungeness crab:

• Active and Alive: Choose a live crab that’s active, not sluggish. A live crab should move and react to being touched.
• Shell Condition: Examine the crab’s shell for any cracks or damage. A pristine shell is a good sign of quality.
• Weight: A heavier crab typically means more meat. A crab that feels heavy for its size is a good choice.

Preparing Your Kitchen

Before you start cooking, make sure your kitchen is ready. You’ll need the following tools and equipment:

• Large stockpot or crab pot with a lid
• Tongs or long-handled utensils
• Cutting board and knife
• Crab crackers or seafood scissors
• Seafood pick or fork
• Timer
• Oven mitts
• Serving platter

Chapter 3: How to Clean Dungeness Crab

Cleaning a Dungeness crab is an essential step before cooking. This process removes any impurities and prepares the crab for the cooking method of your choice.

Cleaning the Dungeness Crab

1. Start by holding the live crab firmly in one hand.
2. Lift the rear flap, known as the apron, with your other hand. On male crabs, the apron is long and pointed; on female crabs, it’s wider and rounded.
3. Gently pull the apron away from the body. It should come off easily.
4. Flip the crab onto its back and locate the triangular-shaped flap called the “carapace.” This flap can be pulled off, revealing the internal organs.
5. Use your fingers or a seafood pick to remove the gills and organs. This step is crucial to ensure the crab’s meat is free from any bitter flavors.
6. Rinse the cleaned crab under cold running water.

Optional: Halving the Crab

If you prefer, you can split the crab in half before cooking. This allows for easier access to the meat and can reduce cooking time.

1. Place the crab on a cutting board with its back facing up.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut the crab in half from head to tail. This step should be done swiftly and carefully.
3. Rinse the halves under cold water to remove any remaining gills or organs.

Chapter 4: Cooking Dungeness Crab: Methods and Recipes

There are several methods for cooking Dungeness crab, and we’ll explore some of the most popular ones. From the classic boiling method to steaming and grilling, you have options to suit your taste.

1. How to Boil Dungeness Crab

Boiling is one of the most straightforward and traditional methods for cooking Dungeness crab.

Ingredients:

• Live Dungeness crab
• Water
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Fill a large stockpot or crab pot with enough water to submerge the crab. Add salt to the water; a good rule of thumb is to use about 1/4 cup of salt for every gallon of water.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Gently place the live crab into the boiling water, headfirst. Be cautious and use tongs to avoid getting splashed.
4. Cover the pot with a lid and return the water to a boil.
5. Cook the crab for about 15-20 minutes, depending on its size. A general guideline is to boil it for 12-15 minutes for the first pound and an additional 5 minutes for each additional pound.
6. When the crab turns bright red and the meat is firm, it’s ready.
7. Using tongs, carefully remove the crab from the boiling water and let it cool for a few minutes.

2. How to Cook Dungeness Crab on the Stove

Boiling is the most common stove-top method, as described above. However, you can also adapt other cooking methods, like steaming and sautéing, for the stove.

Stove-Top Steaming:

To steam Dungeness crab on the stove, you’ll need a large pot with a steamer insert. Here’s how:

1. Fill the pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer.
2. Place the crab on the steamer insert, cover the pot with a lid, and steam for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Proceed with cleaning and serving the crab as usual.

Stove-Top Sautéing:

Sauteing is another stove-top method for cooking crab. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 Dungeness crabs, cleaned and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Carefully add the crab halves to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes on each side until they turn bright red.
4. Remove the crab from the skillet and set it aside.
5. In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and chicken or seafood broth. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook until it reduces by half.
6. Stir in the butter and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Return the crab to the skillet, toss it in the sauce, and cook for another couple of minutes.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

3. How to Cook a Dungeness Crab in the Shell

Cooking Dungeness crab in the shell helps preserve its flavor and juiciness. Here’s a simple method:

Ingredients:

• Live Dungeness crab
• Salt
• Lemon slices
• Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme, bay leaves)
• Butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a large stockpot or crab pot with enough water to submerge the crab. Add salt, lemon slices, and fresh herbs to the water.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Gently place the live crab into the boiling water, headfirst, and immediately cover the pot with a lid.
4. Cook the crab for about 15-20 minutes, following the same guidelines as the boiling method.
5. Remove the crab from the water and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. When it’s cool enough to handle, use crab crackers or seafood scissors to crack the shell and extract the meat. If you like, melt some butter for dipping.

4. How to Cook Frozen Dungeness Crab

If you have frozen Dungeness crab, you can still enjoy its delicious flavor. Here’s how to cook it from frozen:

Ingredients:

• Frozen Dungeness crab
• Water
• Salt
• Lemon slices

Instructions:

1. Fill a large stockpot with water and add salt and lemon slices. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Gently place the frozen crab into the boiling water, cover the pot with a lid, and return it to a boil.
3. Cook the crab for about 20-25 minutes for a single crab or 30-35 minutes for multiple crabs.
4. As with fresh crab, check for doneness by observing the bright red color and firm texture.
5. Remove the crab from the water and let it cool before cracking the shell and enjoying the meat.

5. How to Cook Dungeness Crab from Costco

If you’ve purchased Dungeness crab from a store like Costco, follow these general steps to cook it:

1. Thaw the crab in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
2. Prepare a large stockpot with water, salt, and lemon slices as described in the previous cooking methods.
3. Follow the boiling or steaming method to cook the crab until it’s bright red and the meat is firm.
4. Enjoy your delicious Costco-bought Dungeness crab.

Chapter 5: How to Eat Dungeness Crab

Eating Dungeness crab is a delightful experience, but it can be a bit messy. Here’s how to tackle the crab with finesse:

1. Place the cooked crab on a large platter.
2. Use crab crackers or seafood scissors to crack the shell, starting with the legs and claws.
3. Carefully extract the meat from the cracked portions and set it aside on a clean plate.
4. For the body, gently lift the top shell and remove any inedible parts. You’ll find the coveted lump crab meat beneath.
5. Break the body meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
6. Dip the succulent crab meat in melted butter or your favorite sauce.
7. Savor each bite, taking your time to enjoy the sweet and delicate flavor.

Chapter 6: How Long to Boil Whole Crab

The cooking time for whole Dungeness crab can vary based on the crab’s size and the cooking method used. As a general guideline:

• Small crabs (about 1.25 pounds) need about 12-15 minutes of boiling.
• Medium-sized crabs (about 1.5-2 pounds) require approximately 15-18 minutes.
• Larger crabs (2 pounds or more) should be boiled for 18-22 minutes.

These times may vary slightly depending on factors like water temperature and the number of crabs being cooked. It’s essential to ensure that the meat is firm and the crab has turned a bright red color before removing it from the water.

Chapter 7: Cooking Crabs for the First Time

If you’re cooking crabs for the first time, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process with confidence:

• Select Quality Crabs: Choose live crabs that are active, with intact shells.
• Prepare Your Workspace: Clear and clean your kitchen, set up your tools, and have everything ready before starting.
• Follow a Recipe: Choose a recipe or cooking method that you feel comfortable with and follow the instructions carefully.
• Don’t Rush: Take your time when handling the live crab and during the cleaning and cooking process.
• Practice Safety: Use tongs or utensils when handling the crab to avoid getting pinched.
• Stay Cautious: When boiling or steaming the crab, be mindful of hot steam and boiling water.
• Check for Doneness: Ensure the crab is fully cooked by observing the bright red color and firm texture of the meat.
• Enjoy the Experience: Eating Dungeness crab is a sensory experience, so take your time and savor every bite.

Chapter 8: Conclusion

Cooking Dungeness crab is a rewarding culinary adventure that allows you to indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you choose to boil, steam, sauté, or cook in the shell, the result is a delectable seafood feast that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Remember, cooking and enjoying crab is as much about the experience as it is about the taste. So gather your tools, select the finest Dungeness crab, and embark on a seafood journey that’s sure to leave you craving more.

Chapter 9: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen Dungeness crab?

Yes, you can cook frozen Dungeness crab. Simply follow the instructions for cooking frozen crab in this guide.

Q2: Can I reheat cooked Dungeness crab?

Reheating cooked Dungeness crab is possible, but it can affect the texture and flavor. If you choose to reheat it, do so gently and briefly to avoid overcooking.

Q3: What are some popular Dungeness crab seasonings and sauces?

Popular seasonings and sauces for Dungeness crab include melted butter, garlic butter, lemon butter, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic aioli.

Q4: How do I store cooked Dungeness crab?

If you have leftover cooked crab, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Avoid freezing cooked crab, as it can negatively affect the texture.

Q5: What are some Dungeness crab side dishes?

Dungeness crab pairs well with side dishes like garlic bread, corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, and a fresh green salad.

Chapter 10: Share Your Dungeness Crab Adventures

We’d love to hear about your Dungeness crab cooking experiences. Share your culinary journey, favorite recipes, and mouthwatering photos on social media using the hashtag #DungenessCrabAdventures. Your stories may inspire others to embark on their own crab-cooking adventures.

Happy crab cooking and bon appétit!