Master Cleaning and Cracking Dungeness Crab with Expert Tips and Tools

by Oleg Nikitenko September 15, 2024

How to Clean and Crack Dungeness Crab

If you’re a seafood lover who enjoys cooking and dining at home, knowing how to properly clean and crack Dungeness crab is a skill that can elevate your culinary experiences. Dungeness crab is prized for its sweet, tender meat, but it can be tricky to handle if you’re not familiar with the right techniques. Whether you're preparing crab for a family meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, learning the proper way to clean and crack this delicious crustacean will make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning and cracking Dungeness crab like a pro. Along the way, you’ll also find expert tips to make your seafood preparation easier and more enjoyable.

For a quick video demonstration, check out our Global Seafoods YouTube Channel to see these techniques in action.

Why Dungeness Crab?

Dungeness crab is known for its sweet flavor and tender texture, making it one of the most sought-after seafood options for those who love cooking and dining. It's not only delicious but also packed with health benefits such as high-quality protein, essential minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart and brain health.

If you're looking for premium Dungeness crab to cook at home, explore our selection of Dungeness Crab Clusters and Dungeness Crab Whole .

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean and Crack Dungeness Crab

Whether you’ve purchased live crabs or pre-cooked ones, the process of cleaning and cracking is relatively straightforward. Follow these steps to enjoy perfectly prepared Dungeness crab at home.

Step 1: Boil or Steam the Crab

Before you clean or crack your Dungeness crab, it’s essential to cook it. You can either boil or steam the crab, depending on your preference.

Boiling: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the crab and cook for 15 minutes.
Steaming: If you prefer steaming, place the crab in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 18-20 minutes.

Once cooked, let the crab cool slightly so you can handle it without burning yourself.

Step 2: Remove the Crab’s Top Shell

Once the crab has cooled, you’ll want to remove the top shell (known as the carapace). This is where the real cleaning begins.

Hold the crab with both hands, positioning your thumbs on the back side of the crab’s top shell.
Lift and remove the shell, revealing the gills and internal organs.

Step 3: Clean the Crab’s Interior

With the top shell removed, you’ll see some inedible parts, such as the gills (also called the "dead man’s fingers") and internal organs, including the digestive tract.

Use your hands or a small spoon to remove the gills.
Rinse the inside of the crab under cool water to remove any remaining organs and debris.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to save the crab butter (the yellow substance inside the shell) if you enjoy it. It can add an extra layer of flavor to sauces and dishes.

Step 4: Remove the Legs and Claws

Next, separate the legs and claws from the crab body.

Hold the body with one hand and pull the legs off gently but firmly.
Break the legs at the joints for easier handling.

You’ll use a seafood cracker or a small hammer to break the shell open and access the meat inside.

Step 5: Crack the Claws and Legs

This is where you crack open the crab legs and claws to get to the delicious meat inside. Here’s how:

Use a crab cracker or nutcracker to break open the hard shells of the legs and claws.
If you don’t have a cracker, you can use a small hammer or the back of a knife to gently tap the shells until they crack open.

Pro Tip: Use seafood scissors to cut through the leg shells with ease, allowing you to remove the meat in larger, more satisfying pieces.

Step 6: Extract the Crab Meat

After you’ve cracked open the legs and claws, carefully remove the meat using a small fork or pick. The leg meat is particularly sweet and tender, making it a prized part of the Dungeness crab.

Pro Tip: If you're feeling adventurous, don't forget to crack open the body section as well, as it contains small but delicious chunks of meat.

Now that you know how to clean and crack your crab, you’re ready to enjoy it!

Tips for Serving and Enjoying Dungeness Crab

Once you've cleaned and cracked your crab, it's time to serve it! Here are a few simple but delicious serving ideas:

1. Serve with Simple Sauces

Dungeness crab pairs beautifully with classic sauces like melted butter, garlic butter, or a zesty lemon aioli. These simple flavors complement the sweet, tender crab meat without overpowering it.

Recipe suggestion: Whip up a quick garlic butter sauce by melting butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parsley.

2. Pair with Fresh Sides

For a well-rounded meal, pair your crab with fresh, light sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a citrusy quinoa salad. These sides will enhance the flavors of the crab and keep the meal balanced.

Pro Tip: Add a fresh seafood salad with our Golden King Crab for an elevated seafood experience.

3. Use the Leftover Crab for Another Dish

If you have leftover crab meat, don’t let it go to waste! Use it in salads, crab cakes, or pasta dishes for a second meal. The sweet, delicate flavor of Dungeness crab makes it perfect for a variety of dishes.

Best Tools for Cleaning and Cracking Dungeness Crab

To clean and crack crab like a pro, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what we recommend:

Seafood Crackers: These are essential for cracking open the claws and legs without damaging the meat inside.
Seafood Forks or Picks: These small tools help you extract the meat from the legs and body sections with precision.
Seafood Scissors: Perfect for cutting through tough shells, especially the thinner leg shells.
A Mallet or Hammer: If you don’t have seafood crackers, a small hammer can do the trick for breaking claws.

You can find most of these tools at any kitchen supply store or online.

FAQs About Cleaning and Cracking Dungeness Crab

Q: Can I clean Dungeness crab before cooking it?

Yes, but it’s easier to clean the crab after it’s cooked. Cooking helps loosen the shell and makes removing the top shell and gills much simpler.

Q: How do I store leftover Dungeness crab?

Store any leftover cooked crab in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Is it better to steam or boil Dungeness crab?

Both methods work well, but steaming is preferred by many because it retains more of the crab's natural flavor and sweetness.

Q: What should I serve with Dungeness crab?

Simple sides like roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or even crusty bread are perfect complements to Dungeness crab. Pair it with garlic butter or lemon aioli for dipping.

Q: Where can I buy fresh Dungeness crab?

You can buy high-quality Dungeness crab from Global Seafoods , where we offer fresh and frozen crab delivered straight to your door.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean and crack Dungeness crab may seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques and tools, you’ll be able to do it like a pro in no time. This flavorful seafood offers not only a culinary treat but also numerous health benefits, making it a perfect addition to your dining table.

Looking to buy premium Dungeness crab for your next meal? Explore our selection of fresh Dungeness Crab Whole and Dungeness Crab Clusters at Global Seafoods today.