How to Make Drunken Dungeness Crab – A Spicy & Flavorful Seafood Recipe

by Oleg Nikitenko February 12, 2025

Drunken Dungeness Crab Recipe – A Flavorful Seafood Delight

What Is Drunken Dungeness Crab?

If you're a seafood lover looking for an exciting, flavorful dish, drunken Dungeness crab is a must-try! This dish combines sweet, tender Dungeness crab meat with a bold marinade of rice wine, garlic, and chili, making it a perfect balance of spice and umami flavors.

Why is it called Drunken Dungeness Crab? The name comes from the use of alcohol (typically rice wine or Shaoxing wine) in the marinade, which enhances the natural sweetness of the crab while adding depth to the dish.

Ready to bring this savory seafood dish to your table? Follow our step-by-step recipe below!

🦀 Order Fresh Dungeness Crab Online:
🔗 Live Dungeness Crab – The freshest option for this recipe.
🔗 Dungeness Crab Whole – Perfect for steaming or stir-frying.
🔗 Dungeness Crab Clusters – Great for quick and easy meals.
🔗 Dungeness Crab Meat – Ready-to-eat for salads and pasta.

The Origins of Drunken Dungeness Crab

Drunken Dungeness crab is deeply rooted in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. It is traditionally prepared using fresh crabs, which are marinated in a fragrant blend of rice wine, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.

There are two main variations of drunken crab:

✔ Chinese-style Drunken Crab (Raw): Popular in Shanghai cuisine, raw crabs are marinated in rice wine and soy sauce, creating a savory, briny delicacy.
✔ Cooked Drunken Dungeness Crab (Stir-Fried or Steamed): The most popular version worldwide, featuring cooked crabs infused with the bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and rice wine.

Ingredients – What You Need to Make Drunken Dungeness Crab

To prepare this restaurant-quality drunken Dungeness crab, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

✔ 2 lbs fresh Dungeness crab (whole or clusters)
✔ 1 cup rice wine (Shaoxing wine or mirin)
✔ 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
✔ 4 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
✔ 2 tbsp soy sauce
✔ 1 tbsp sugar
✔ 1 tsp salt
✔ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
✔ 2 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions:

✔ 1 tsp sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty aroma.
✔ 1 tbsp oyster sauce – Enhances the umami flavor.
✔ 1 tsp crushed Sichuan peppercorns – Adds a unique, numbing spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Cook Drunken Dungeness Crab

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Dungeness Crab

✔ Rinse the crab thoroughly under cold water.
✔ Remove the top shell and clean out the gills.
✔ Crack the claws slightly using a kitchen mallet for better marinade absorption.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade

✔ In a large mixing bowl, combine rice wine, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red chili, sugar, and salt.
✔ Add the cleaned crab, ensuring it is evenly coated.
✔ Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Cook the Drunken Dungeness Crab

🔥 Option 1: Stir-Frying
✔ Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
✔ Add the marinated crab and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until it turns bright orange.
✔ Pour in the remaining marinade and simmer for 3-4 more minutes.

🔥 Option 2: Steaming
✔ Place the marinated crab in a steamer basket.
✔ Steam over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked.
✔ Brush with a little sesame oil before serving for extra flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

✔ Sprinkle with chopped green onions.
✔ Serve with a side of garlic butter sauce or chili soy sauce.
✔ Enjoy your spicy, aromatic drunken Dungeness crab with steamed rice or noodles!

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Drunken Dungeness Crab

Q1: Can I use frozen Dungeness crab instead of live crab?

A1: Yes! Frozen crab works well; just ensure it is fully thawed before marinating and cooking.

Q2: Is drunken Dungeness crab spicy?

A2: It can be! Adjust the amount of red chili peppers to control the heat level.

Q3: Can I substitute rice wine with something non-alcoholic?

A3: Yes, try apple cider vinegar, white grape juice, or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

Q4: What’s the best side dish to serve with drunken Dungeness crab?

A4: Pair it with garlic noodles, fried rice, stir-fried greens, or steamed buns.

Conclusion – Why You Need to Try This Drunken Dungeness Crab Recipe

If you love bold, flavorful seafood, this drunken Dungeness crab recipe is a must-try! The combination of fragrant rice wine, fiery chilies, and tender crab meat creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or seafood feast.

🔥 Key Takeaways:
✔ Drunken Dungeness crab is an easy yet impressive dish that blends spice, umami, and natural sweetness.
✔ Perfect for home cooks & seafood lovers, using fresh or frozen Dungeness crab.
✔ Customize the spice level and flavors to suit your taste!

📢 Watch expert seafood recipes & cooking tips on the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel !

🦀 Shop Fresh Dungeness Crab Online:
🔗 Live Dungeness Crab – A luxurious choice for seafood lovers.
🔗 Dungeness Crab Whole – A classic crab for steaming and stir-frying.
🔗 Dungeness Crab Clusters – A delicious and convenient option.
🔗 Dungeness Crab Meat – Ready-to-eat for quick recipes.

Now it’s your turn! Have you ever tried drunken Dungeness crab? Share your thoughts and favorite variations in the comments below! 🎉🦀