Steaming Dungeness Crab: A Step-By-Step Guide

Dungeness crabs are cold-water crustaceans found off the coasts of Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. They are prized for their flaky, sweet, and juicy meat. The best way to cook Dungeness crabs is to steam them, as this helps retain their juices and prevents overcooking, which can make the meat rubbery and dry. The duration of steaming depends on the size and weight of the crab, but it typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes.

How to prepare crab for steaming

Preparing crab for steaming is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare crab for steaming:

Firstly, select fresh, high-quality crabs. Choose crabs that are alive and active, as these will have the best flavour and texture. The weight of the crab is also important; heavier crabs will have more meat, so aim for crabs around 1.5-2 pounds each.

Next, clean the crabs. Some people prefer to hose them down outdoors or rinse them in a colander under the sink to remove any dirt or residue from their shells. This step is especially important if you plan to eat the crab's tomalley (the fat and liver found inside the shell).

If you want to remove the carapace (back shell) and innards, you can do so by following these steps: turn the crab upside down and remove the apron (a triangular piece of shell on the bottom). Pull it off from the point facing the front of the crab. You will then see a small hole; use this to pry off the top shell. The liquid that comes out is called "crab butter" and can be saved for soups or as a dipping sauce. Remove the gills, mandibles, and guts, and rinse the crab with cool water.

If you plan to cook the crab whole, as many people do to retain the shell juices and crab fat, you can skip the above step. Simply give the crab a good rinse to ensure it is clean.

Now your crab is ready for steaming! For the best results, use a steamer basket placed in a large pot with an inch or less of water at the bottom. Bring the water to a boil, add the crab, cover, and steam for 4-8 minutes for thawed crab, or 6-10 minutes for frozen, depending on the size of the crab.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly prepared crab ready for steaming, resulting in a delicious, tender, and juicy dish.

How long to steam crab

The length of time you steam a crab depends on the type of crab, the heating method, and your personal preference for how well-done you like your crab meat.

Dungeness crabs are best steamed for 18 to 20 minutes, according to one source, or 5 to 10 minutes according to another. A third source recommends steaming whole Dungeness crabs for 25 to 30 minutes.

Blue crabs are typically steamed for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on their size. However, one source recommends steaming blue crabs for 25 to 30 minutes, while another suggests 10 minutes is plenty.

When steaming crab legs and claws, one source recommends 4 minutes for thawed crab and 6 to 8 minutes for frozen crab. Another source recommends steaming crab legs for 5 minutes if defrosted and 10 minutes if frozen.

Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the number of crabs you are steaming at once and the size of your pot. It is important to work in batches to ensure even cooking.

How to tell when crab is cooked

There are several ways to tell when a Dungeness crab is cooked. The most obvious indicator is the colour of the shell. When cooked, the shell will change from a dark brown to a bright orange. You may also notice some yellow-white, opaque solidified fat coming out of the crab. Once you open the crab, the meat should be tender and opaque, whereas raw crab meat is more translucent. The tomalley of a cooked crab is a bright mustard colour.

When steaming or boiling, it can be challenging to figure out when the crab is done. If you are boiling the crab, you can start your timer when the water comes back to a boil. If you are steaming, you can start timing when you see steam coming from the top of the pot. For a 2-pound crab, you should steam for at least 30 minutes. For a 1.5- to 2.5-pound crab, boil for 15 minutes; for a 3-pound crab, boil for about 20 minutes.

How to serve steamed crab

Steamed crab is a delicious and simple dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and serve steamed crab:

Step 1: Prepare the Crab for Steaming

Start by selecting fresh, high-quality Dungeness crabs, which are known for their sweet and juicy meat. You can choose to purchase live crabs or pre-cooked and pre-scored crabs, which are ready to heat and eat. If you opt for live crabs, ensure they are heavy for their size, as this indicates a higher meat yield. Rinse the crabs thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grime from the shells.

Step 2: Set Up Your Steamer

Fill a large pot with an inch or two of water, adding a few slices of lemon and your preferred seasonings. Some popular seasoning options include Old Bay, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate the crabs. Bring the water to a boil over medium to high heat.

Step 3: Steam the Crab

Carefully place the crabs in the steamer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow the crabs to steam for 4-6 minutes if thawed or 6-10 minutes if frozen. The exact steaming time will depend on the size and weight of the crabs. The crabs are ready when their shells turn bright orange, and you may also see solidified fat coming out of the shell.

Step 4: Prepare the Crab for Serving

Once the crabs are steamed, remove them from the pot and plunge them into an ice bath for about 10 minutes. This will stop the cooking process and help cool the crabs for handling. Remove the crabmeat and tomalley (liver and pancreas) from the shells, discarding the shells and any excess water or juice. You can also remove and set aside the crab legs for easier eating.

Step 5: Serve the Crab

There are several ways to serve steamed crab:

• Simple Dipping Sauce: Serve the crab with a side of melted butter, lemon wedges, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. This classic combination enhances the crab's flavour without overwhelming it.
• Garlic Herb Butter: For a more indulgent option, prepare a garlic herb butter sauce by heating butter with garlic, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and salt. Serve the warm sauce in a shallow dish for dipping.
• Salads and Appetizers: Flake the crabmeat and use it in salads or as an elevated appetizer, pairing it with dips or side dishes like garlic noodles, grilled corn, or potatoes.
• Crab Cakes: Use the steamed crabmeat to make delicious crab cakes, which can be served as an appetizer or main course.
• Surf and Turf: For a fancier meal, serve the steamed crab alongside a filet mignon or New York Strip steak for a surf and turf feast.

No matter which serving option you choose, steamed crab is best enjoyed when it's hot, allowing the full flavour of the crab to shine through. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly steamed crab!

How to store leftover crab

Storing leftover crab correctly is essential to preserving its freshness and flavour, as well as ensuring food safety. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store leftover crab:

Storing Cooked Crab in the Refrigerator

Refrigeration is a suitable option if you plan to consume the leftover crab within a few days. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the cooked crab to cool down to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to bacterial growth.
• Place the crab in a shallow container or a resealable plastic bag. This ensures better airflow and faster cooling.
• Remove any excess liquid or sauce from the crab to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Seal the container or bag tightly to prevent odours from affecting the crab's flavour.
• Label the container with the date of storage.
• Store the crab in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
• Consume the cooked crab within 2–3 days for optimal taste and food safety.

Storing Leftover Crab in the Freezer

If you want to store leftover crab for a more extended period, freezing is a great option. Here's how to do it:

• Wrap each crab leg individually in heavy-duty aluminium foil, plastic wrap, or freezer wrap paper to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavour and texture. You can also wrap them in damp paper towels to retain moisture.
• Place the wrapped crab legs in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the freezer bag with the date of freezing.
• Store the freezer bag in the coldest part of your freezer, maintaining a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
• Consume the frozen crab within 2–3 months for the best quality.

Storing Crab Meat in the Refrigerator

If you have leftover crab meat removed from the shell, here's how to store it:

• Place the crab meat in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent air exposure and drying out.
• Set your refrigerator temperature to 40°F (4°C) or below to keep the crab meat safe.
• For extended shelf life, place the crab meat on a bed of ice within the container to slow bacterial growth. Remember to drain excess water periodically.
• Always check the crab meat for signs of spoilage before consuming. Discard it if you notice a strong odour, sliminess, or discolouration.
• Consume the crab meat within 1–2 days of refrigeration for optimal quality.

Storing Crab Meat in the Freezer

To store crab meat in the freezer:

• Ensure the crab meat is fresh and of high quality, removing any shells or cartilage and patting it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Place the crab meat in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, minimising air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or wrap with the date of freezing.
• Store the crab meat in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the crab meat in the refrigerator overnight and consume within 1–2 days.

Creative Uses for Leftover Crab

There are numerous delicious ways to repurpose leftover crab:

• Crab salad: Mix the crab with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and your favourite seasonings. Serve it on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling.
• Crab dip: Combine the crab with cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, and herbs. Bake it until bubbly and serve with crackers or bread.
• Crab cakes: Mix the crab with breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs. Shape into patties and fry until crispy. Serve with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
• Seafood pasta salad: Toss the crab with cooked pasta, diced vegetables, and a tangy dressing.

Frequently asked questions