Dungeness Crab 101
Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) are our iconic shellfish that make up one of the largest fisheries in the Pacific Northwest!
Lifespan | More than 10 years
Habitat | Sandy or muddy parts of the ocean floor, especially around eelgrass beds
Range | From Alaska to Mexico, but mostly in the Pacific Northwest
Habitat | Sandy or muddy parts of the ocean floor, especially around eelgrass beds
Range | From Alaska to Mexico, but mostly in the Pacific Northwest
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When is Dungeness crab available?
Cooked and frozen Dungeness crabs are available year-round. The fresh harvest season begins in January and extends into the summer, its duration depends on harvest numbers and geographical area. Fresh crabs available for sale are usually measure about 6 to 7 inches across and weigh about 2 to 3 pounds, making them ideal for boiling. If it’s not fresh or live, we recommend buying precooked crab that’s still frozen (so you at least know when it was defrosted). If you are buying thawed crab, make sure the edges of the shell aren’t leaking an oozy liquid and it doesn't have any off smells (ammonia, or something fishy) |
Credits: noyoharbordistrict.org
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How to select live whole crab
If you are picking out live crabs in person, there are three things you should look out for:
Before Cooking
We find that placing your crabs in the freezer for 15-30 minutes is a gentle way to sedate your crabs as well as make them easier to handle. This method helps the cooking process be more ethical and safer for both the crabs and the chef.
How to Boil Dungeness Crab
How to Steam Dungeness Crab
If you are picking out live crabs in person, there are three things you should look out for:
- The crab should be kept in a tank, not displayed dry.
- The crab should be alive and lively. It should be moving around, and it should be feisty.
- The crab should have both claws and all of its legs, and the claws and legs should all be about the same size. There’s a lot of meat in the legs and claws, and you want it all.
Before Cooking
We find that placing your crabs in the freezer for 15-30 minutes is a gentle way to sedate your crabs as well as make them easier to handle. This method helps the cooking process be more ethical and safer for both the crabs and the chef.
How to Boil Dungeness Crab
- Use a large stockpot, filling it halfway with water and bringing to a rolling boil.
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sea salt, or season with Old Bay, lemon, or Cajun spices to taste.
- Carefully place live crabs into the boiling water.
- Cook until bright orange/red!
- Boil whole crabs for 12–15 minutes or 7 minutes per pound. Boil cleaned/halved crabs for 10–12 minutes
- Immediately transfer to a large ice-water bath to stop the cooking process
How to Steam Dungeness Crab
- Fill a large pot with 1–2 inches of water, adding salt and/or vinegar for flavor. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Place crabs in a steamer basket, ideally upside down to retain juices
- Cover the pot tightly and steam for 10–15 minutes (or up to 18–20 minutes for very large crabs).
- Immediately place steamed crabs in an ice bath for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process.