Dungeness Crab Legs

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This Dungeness Crab Legs recipe is the perfect indulgence with sweet and succulent flavors. You can steam, bake, grill, or air fry these! If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy meal at home this is the one! Be sure to serve them with our zesty garlic butter dipping sauce!

What are Dungeness Crab Legs

These are the legs of the Dungeness crab, which is a species of crab found along the Pacific coast of North America. Dungeness crabs are known for their sweet and delicate meat, making them a popular choice for seafood lovers.

The legs are typically large, meaty, and contain a good amount of succulent crab meat. They have a hard exoskeleton or shell, which needs to be cracked open to access the meat inside.

The meat is often extracted by breaking or cutting the shell using a crab cracker or a pair of kitchen shears. I can do it pretty easily with my hands, except for the large claw piece.

Dungeness crab legs can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be steamed, air fried, grilled, or even roasted. Once cooked, the meat can be used in a variety of dishes such as crab cakes, crab salads, crab soups, pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed on their own with melted butter or a dipping sauce.

The Difference in Comparison to Snow Crab Legs

Dungeness crabs are named after the Dungeness Spit in Washington state, USA, where they were originally found. They are primarily found along the west coast of North America, from Alaska to California.

Snow crabs are found in the northern regions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are commonly found in the Bering Sea, off the coasts of Alaska and Canada.

Dungeness are typically larger and heavier compared to snow crabs. They have a wider and rounder body with meaty legs. Snow crabs have long, spindly legs with a more slender body. They are generally smaller.

Dungeness crab meat has a slightly sweet and delicate flavor with a slightly nutty undertone. The meat is firm, succulent, and has a flaky texture. Snow crab meat has a mild and slightly briny taste. The meat is tender, sweet, and has a slightly fibrous texture.

Snow crabs are more widely available and can be found in many seafood markets at any time of the year. They are often harvested in large quantities, making them more affordable compared to Dungeness crabs.

How to Buy

It’s important to ensure that they are fresh and sourced from reputable seafood providers. Fresh crab legs should have a firm texture and a slightly sweet aroma.

• Choose a reputable seafood market: Look for a trusted seafood market or fishmonger that has a good reputation for quality and freshness. They are more likely to carry fresh crab legs.
• Check for freshness: Fresh crab legs should have a firm texture and a slightly sweet aroma. Avoid crab legs that have a strong fishy smell or appear soft, mushy, or discolored.
• Size and weight: They come in various sizes, so consider your preference. Larger crab legs will generally have more meat, but they may also be pricier.
• Live or pre-cooked: You can choose between live Dungeness crabs or pre-cooked crab legs.
• Sustainability and seasonality: Consider choosing crab legs from sustainable sources. Dungeness crab has a peak season in some regions, so it’s worth checking if you can find them at their freshest during that time.
• Ask for help: If you’re unsure about selecting the right crab legs, don’t hesitate to ask the fishmonger for help. They can guide you in choosing the best options, provide cooking tips, or even crack the legs for you if needed.

Spices and How to Season

• Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning that’s a blend of celery salt, red pepper, black pepper, paprika, and other spices. It adds a zesty and slightly spicy flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that pairs well with the sweet taste of crab meat.
• Paprika: Adds a slightly smoky and sweet flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices that includes garlic, onion, paprika, cayenne pepper, and other seasonings. It adds a bold and spicy flavor.
• Lemon Pepper: A seasoning blend made with lemon zest and black pepper. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary that adds a savory flavor.

How to Thaw

You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight (at least 8 hours). You can also put them in a bowl and run cool water over them to thaw quickly.

How to Make Dungeness Crab Legs

Scroll below to the recipe card for full details on how to steam, bake, grill, air fry, or make them in the pressure cooker.

How to Know When They Are Done

Crab should be cooked until the flesh is pearly or white, and opaque. You won’t be able to tell much by the outside color, because when you bought them they were already pre-cooked and orange. Examine the shoulder (this is the large white part of the cluster). It should be pearly white.

How to Plan How Much You Need Per Person

You should typically plan for 1 1/2 pounds of crab per person. 2 pounds a person is great to be sure you have enough.

How to Reheat

I don’t reheat them. I love to serve these with warm butter and that provides the temperature adjustment I need. If you know you want to eat more of them later, crack them first. The longer they sit, the harder they are to crack and the meat gets trapped inside.

If you must reheat them, saute them in a pan with oil or butter until warm.

Frozen Crab

The crab defrosts quickly in water. I don’t recommend cooking while frozen.

Crab Legs Recipes

Air Fryer Crab Legs
How to Make Crab Legs
Grilled Snow Crab Legs
Grilled King Crab Legs
Smoked Crab Legs
Seafood Boil in a Bag

What to Pair With Crab Legs

Baked Corn on the Cob
Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Check out our post on What Side Dishes to Pair with Crab Legs.

Serve these with our Seafood Boil Sauce recipe.