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A quintessential Pacific Northwest delicacy, this recipe celebrates the sweet, succulent flavor of Dungeness crab. Simply steamed with aromatic lemon and herbs, and served with rich melted butter, it offers an unforgettably fresh taste of the sea.
Prepare the Crabs
Prepare the Steaming Liquid
Steam the Crabs
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A quintessential Pacific Northwest delicacy, this recipe celebrates the sweet, succulent flavor of Dungeness crab. Simply steamed with aromatic lemon and herbs, and served with rich melted butter, it offers an unforgettably fresh taste of the sea.
This pacific_northwest recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 2 servings. At 517.42 calories per serving with 20.1g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Check for Doneness and Rest
Prepare for Serving
Serve Immediately
Add 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning to the steaming water for a classic East Coast flavor profile.
Create a garlic-herb butter by adding 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of fresh dill to the melting butter.
For a bit of heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the steaming liquid.
Add a few smashed garlic cloves and a sprig of fresh thyme to the water along with the other aromatics for a more complex flavor.
Dungeness crab is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Crab meat contains beneficial omega-3s, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
The combination of vitamin B12, copper, and selenium in crab meat contributes to improved cognitive function and protects the nervous system.
With high levels of zinc and selenium, Dungeness crab helps bolster the immune system, aiding in the body's defense against illness.
A single serving of one crab (about 225g of meat) without butter has approximately 190-220 calories. The melted butter for dipping will add about 400 calories per 1/4 cup.
Yes, steamed Dungeness crab is very healthy. It's an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that requires no added fat.
You can use pre-cooked frozen Dungeness crab. To reheat, steam it for just 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Do not cook it for the full duration, as it will become overcooked. However, the flavor and texture of freshly steamed live crab are far superior.
A fresh, healthy crab should be active and feisty. It should move its legs when handled and feel heavy for its size. Avoid crabs that are lethargic or unresponsive.
After cooking, remove the top shell (carapace), pull off the gills and mandibles, and rinse the body cavity. Then, break the body in half and use a crab cracker or nutcracker to break open the legs and claws to access the meat.
Classic pairings include melted butter, lemon wedges, a fresh green salad, corn on the cob, and crusty sourdough bread. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio also complements the crab beautifully.