If you grew up on the West Coast, like I did, chances are Dungeness crab holds a special place in your food memories. Sweet, tender, and incredibly versatile, wild Dungeness crab is one of those foods that feels both special and comfortingly familiar. Whether you are planning a casual crab dinner with friends or just want an easy, high quality protein on hand, Dungeness crab is a freezer staple worth stocking.
What is Dungeness crab
Dungeness crab is a wild crab species native to the cold, clean waters of the Pacific Ocean, primarily harvested along the coasts of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. It is known for its sweet, delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it one of the most sought after crabs in the United States.
The fishery is carefully managed with strict seasons, size limits, and gear regulations to protect the population and ensure long term sustainability. When you choose wild Dungeness crab, you are supporting responsible fishing practices and coastal fishing communities.
Flavor and texture
Compared to king crab, Dungeness crab has a slightly lighter, sweeter flavor and a more delicate texture. The meat is tender and flaky rather than firm and dense, which makes it especially versatile in recipes. It shines just as much dipped in warm butter as it does folded into pasta, salads, or crab cakes.
How our Dungeness crab is prepared
Our wild Dungeness crab is fully cooked shortly after harvest and flash frozen at peak freshness. This locks in flavor and texture while making it incredibly easy to prepare at home. The crab comes ready to eat, which means no raw prep, no guessing, and no overcooking.
How to enjoy Dungeness crab at home
Our wild Dungeness crab is fully cooked before being flash frozen. You can simply thaw it and enjoy it as is. This is actually my favorite way to eat it, I never heat it and just dip it straight into melted butter. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat using one of the methods below, being careful not to overcook.
Thawing
We recommend thawing Dungeness crab legs slowly in the refrigerator.
- Rinse the ice glaze off of each leg gently with cold water
- Place the crab legs on a wire rack over a rimmed tray or cookie sheet
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap
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Allow to thaw for 12 to 24 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator
Once fully thawed, Dungeness crab legs are best enjoyed right away, but they may be kept in the refrigerator for up to one or two days.
Reheating
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Grill
Heat the grill to medium high heat. Lightly brush the crab legs with olive oil and place directly on the grill. Heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until the crab meat is warmed through. -
Steam
Fill a large pot about one third full with water and bring to a boil. Place the crab legs in a steamer basket over the boiling water and cover with a lid. Heat gently for 3-5 minutes. -
Roast
Preheat the oven to 350Ā°F. Place the crab legs in a shallow baking pan and add approximately one eighth inch of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 4 to 6 minutes, until just heated.
Avoid high heat or long cooking times, which can dry out the meat.
How to serve Dungeness crab
Dungeness crab is incredibly flexible and works for everything from simple dinners to entertaining.
Classic and simple
ā¢ Warm butter with lemon
ā¢ Garlic butter or herb butter
ā¢ Served alongside crusty bread and a green salad
West Coast favorites
ā¢ Crab boils with potatoes, corn, and sausage
ā¢ Crab cakes with a light aioli
ā¢ Crab pasta with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes
ā¢ Dungeness crab tacos with cabbage slaw and citrus crema
Portion planning
ā¢ As a main course: plan about 1 to 1.5 pounds per person
ā¢ As part of a larger spread or boil: 0.5 to 1 pound per person
ā¢ For recipes like crab cakes or pasta: 4 to 6 ounces of meat per serving
Nutrition highlights
Wild Dungeness crab is naturally lean and packed with high quality protein. It is also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, all of which support overall health and energy levels.
Why we love keeping it stocked
Dungeness crab is one of those rare foods that feels indulgent but fits easily into everyday meals. It is quick to prepare, easy to portion, and always feels like a treat. Keeping a few packs in your freezer means you are never far from a great meal, whether it is a last minute dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
