Steaming Dungeness Crab Perfection: A Step-By-Step Guide

Dungeness crab is a cold-water crustacean found off the coasts of Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Prized for their flaky, sweet, and juicy meat, these crabs are a delicacy that can be prepared in a variety of ways. One popular method is steaming, which helps retain moisture and flavour, resulting in tender and juicy crab meat. This guide will teach you how to select, prepare, steam, and serve delicious Dungeness crab.

Steaming vs boiling

There are various ways to cook Dungeness crab, but steaming and boiling are two of the most common methods. Each has its advantages and unique results, so which is better?

Steaming is often considered a gentler and more controlled way of cooking Dungeness crab. It allows the crab to retain more of its juices and flavour, which can be lost when boiling. The quick, intense heat of steaming also helps to preserve the moist, tender texture of the meat. This is because boiling can be a more aggressive method, with water getting into any cracks and diluting the flavour. Boiling can also result in overcooking, which can make the meat rubbery and dry.

Some people prefer the firmer texture of steamed crab, as boiling can sometimes make the crab meat mushy. However, boiling does allow for more even seasoning, as the water acts as a seasoned bath that the crab soaks up. This results in a more consistently flavoured crab.

One of the benefits of steaming is that it cooks the crab faster and more efficiently, without the concern of waterlogging. It also allows for more control over the flavours, as aromatics are not overwhelmed by the cooking process. This results in a pure, delicious crab flavour.

When it comes to preparing Dungeness crab, both steaming and boiling are valid options, each with its advantages and unique results. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific recipe or dish being prepared.

Selecting a crab

Firstly, it is important to buy crabs that are fresh and of good quality. Dungeness crabs are typically found off the coasts of Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, and their season usually lasts from mid-December to April. When purchasing crabs, always select those that are feisty and active. They should come out of the tank fighting and full of life. Avoid any crabs that seem sluggish or inactive, as this could indicate that they are not fresh. A good way to test their freshness is by giving them a sniff; they should smell clean, like the ocean, and there should be no ammonia odour.

The weight of the crab is also an important factor. Dungeness crabs typically weigh between 1.5 to 2 pounds, and heavier crabs will have more meat on them. Aim for crabs that are around 1.5-2 pounds each. When buying live crabs, it is best to cook them on the same day, preferably within a few hours of purchase, as they will not last long outside of a saltwater tank.

Price is also a factor to consider when selecting crabs. During crab season, live Dungeness crabs can be found on sale for as low as $5.99 per pound, and a good average price is around $8.99 per pound. It is recommended to stay clear of prices exceeding $10 per pound.

When transporting live crabs, it is important to keep them chilled. Using a cooler with ice or storing them in a cool garage can help maintain their freshness until it's time to cook them.

Lastly, when selecting a crab, consider the purpose of your meal. If you plan to serve the crab as an appetizer, one crab can serve two people. However, if it is the main course, plan for one crab per person.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you select the best Dungeness crabs for a delicious steamed meal.

Preparing a crab for steaming

Select Live Crabs: Choose crabs that are feisty and active. They should be heavy for their size, indicating a good amount of meat. A weight of around 1.5-2 pounds is ideal. Ensure they smell fresh, like the ocean, and avoid any with an ammonia odour.

Storage: When you get home, store the crabs in the refrigerator. This will make them sleepy and sluggish, making them easier to handle when it's time to cook.

Cleaning: Before steaming, it is essential to clean the crabs. Rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or grime from the tank. Some people also choose to remove the carapace (back shell) and innards, but this is optional. If you plan to eat the tomalley (liver), you may want to keep the carapace intact.

Equipment: You will need a large pot with a steamer basket or rack. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the crabs comfortably. You may also need kitchen shears, a sharp knife, and crab or nut crackers for serving.

Steaming Setup: Fill the bottom of the pot with an inch or two of water. The water level should be below the steamer basket or rack to ensure the crabs are steamed and not boiled. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Seasoning (Optional): You can optionally sprinkle the crabs with spices such as Old Bay or lemon slices before steaming.

Steaming: Place the crabs in the steamer basket or rack, ensuring they are not crowded. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and start timing. Steam for 12-20 minutes, depending on the size of the crabs. The shells will turn bright orange when they are cooked.

Ice Bath: Once steamed, remove the crabs from the pot and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let them stand for about 10 minutes until they are cool enough to handle.

Now your crabs are ready for serving or to be used in other recipes! Remember to always handle crabs with care and wash your hands thoroughly after preparation.

How long to steam a crab

The duration of steaming a crab depends on the type of crab, the heating method, and the size of the crab pieces.

For Dungeness crabs, steaming times can range from 15 to 30 minutes for a whole crab. The shell colour change from dark brown to bright orange is a good indicator that the crab is cooked.

When steaming crab legs, the process is quicker, taking around 4 to 5 minutes for thawed crab legs and a few minutes more if the legs are frozen. The meat should be reddish-pink and juicy when cooked.

If you are steaming crab pieces, the timing will depend on their size. Smaller pieces can be steamed for 4 minutes if thawed and 6 to 8 minutes if frozen. Larger pieces may require up to 10 minutes of steaming, regardless of whether they are thawed or frozen.

How to serve steamed crab

Once your crab is cooked, it's time to serve it. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Preparation

Before serving, it's a good idea to cover the table with newspaper. This will make the clean-up easier as serving crab can get messy! You may also want to wear a bib to protect your clothes.

Tools

It's a good idea to have some tools on hand to help with the process of eating the crab. Crab tools are available for this purpose, but you can also use a paring knife and a mallet or hammer. Alternatively, you can use your hands to break the crab apart.

Dipping Sauces

Crab is often served with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include melted butter, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. You can also be more creative with your sauces, such as a lemon-garlic butter sauce.

Storage

If you have any leftover crab, you can store it in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to a month. It's best to eat leftover crab as soon as possible, as it will taste better the fresher it is.

Presentation

When serving steamed crab, it's customary to place the crab on a platter and sprinkle it with your chosen seasoning. You can then provide your guests with the tools and sauces mentioned above and let them dig in!

Frequently asked questions