Dungeness Crab Recipe

Close-up of cooked crabs served on a parchment paper bed with lemon slices and garnished with herbs.

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Learn how to steam whole Dungeness crab to perfection, bringing out its naturally sweet flavor. Then drizzle everything and dunk every bite of crab meat in our garlic butter dipping sauce for an indulgent seafood dinner.

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Total Time22

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 572kcal

Author: Kita Roberts

Equipment

steamer or large pot
tongs
small pot
stirring spoon
baster or spoon
serving platter
Wooden crab mallets

Ingredients

Lemon cut in half
8 Garlic cloves smashed
Water
2 tbsp Old Bay
2 whole Dungeness Crabs

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

8 tbsp unsalted butter
Garlic
Thyme

Instructions

Steam the Crabs

Place enough water to touch the bottom of a steamer in a large pot big enough to hold both your crabs and the steamer basket.
Place the lemon and garlic in the water and stir in the old bay.
Bring the water to a gentle simmer.
Add the crabs and cover with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar.
Allow the crabs to steam for about 7 to 12 minutes until heated through.
Carefully remove the crabs from the steamer.

Make the Butter Sauce

Place a small pot over a low burner.
Add the butter and garlic to the pan and allow the butter to gently melt.
When the butter has melted, and you’re ready to serve the crabs, remove the butter from the heat and stir in the herbs.

Serve

Baste the crabs with the butter sauce and a dash of old bay.
Serve on a platter with the butter sauce for dipping on the side, lemon wedges and cocktail sauce, if desired.

Notes

We buy these crabs whole when in stock at Costco. They have already been cooked so you could enjoy them cold or reheat them to enjoy.

Nutrition