The Essential Guide to Dungeness Crab Legs

The Essential Guide to Dungeness Crab Legs

Welcome to your go-to guide for everything Dungeness Crab!

  • Origin: Canada
  • Size: 5-8 oz clusters
  • Harvesting Method: Sustainably caught in the pristine waters off the coast of Alaska or Canada.
  • Uses: Enjoy on its own, dipped in butter, or in dishes such as crab cakes, salads, bisques, dips, and pasta
  • Nutritional Value: Rich in Vitamin B-12, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, zinc, and copper

Dungeness crab clusters are celebrated for their rich, sweet flavor and tender, flaky meat. Each cluster, weighing between 5-8 oz. These crabs are ideal for steaming, boiling, or baking, and shine in a variety of dishes from crab cakes to hearty bisques. Dungeness crab is also a nutritious choice, offering high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. They are packed with dry ice to ensure they stay perfectly frozen during delivery.

What does Dungeness crab Leg taste like?

Flavor Profile: Sweet, nutty, and mild, with tender body meat and slightly firmer leg meat

Where does Dungeness crab live?

The Dungeness crab lives in the Pacific Ocean from Alaska to California, often in sandy or muddy ocean floors, estuaries, and bays at depths of 30 to 600 feet

Thawing Dungeness Crab Legs

In the Refrigerator:
    • Method: Place the frozen crab legs in the refrigerator on a plate or in a shallow dish.
    • Time: Thaw slowly for 8-12 hours or overnight.
    In Cold Water:
      • Method: Put the crab legs in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water.
      • Time: Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed, which usually takes 1-2 hours

      Storing Dungeness Crab Legs

      Raw (Before Cooking):
        • Refrigerated: Store thawed raw crab legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
        • Frozen: For longer storage, wrap raw crab legs tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 6-8 months.
        Cooked:
          • Refrigerated: Store cooked crab legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

          Note: Avoid thawing crab legs in hot water or at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth

          How to Cook Dungeness Crab Legs:

          • Steaming: Fill a pot with a few inches of salted water and bring to a boil. Steam crab legs for 5-7 minutes if thawed, or 8-10 minutes if frozen.

          • Boiling: Boil water with salt or seasoning. Cook crab legs for 5-7 minutes if thawed, or 8-10 minutes if frozen.

          • Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange crab legs on a baking sheet, optionally brushed with butter and seasoning. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

          • Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Brush crab legs with oil or butter and season. Grill for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally.

          Click here for Dungeness Crab Legs Recipes!

          Here are some ideas for sides to pair with Dungeness crab legs!

          For a more detailed guide on How to Cook Dungeness Crab Legs click here

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