Dungeness Crab
Metacarcinus magisterClinical Encyclopedia
Dungeness crab is a sweet and tender seafood delicacy found along the Pacific Coast of North America. It is rich in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Best enjoyed steamed or boiled, served with melted butter or lemon. Ensure to cook thoroughly to eliminate any potential pathogens.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose crabs that are heavy for their size and have a hard shell. Avoid any that have a strong fishy odor.
Keep live crabs in a cool, moist environment and consume them within a day or two. Cooked crab should be refrigerated and eaten within 2-3 days.
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Dungeness Crab Salad with Avocado and Citrus Dressing
A refreshing salad featuring sweet Dungeness crab meat, creamy avocado, and a zesty citrus dressing, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- 3. Gently fold in the Dungeness crab and diced avocado, then drizzle with dressing before serving.
Dungeness Crab Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of Dungeness crab, quinoa, and spices, baked to perfection for a nutritious meal.
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- 2. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, Dungeness crab, corn, black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
Dungeness Crab and Zucchini Noodles
A low-carb alternative to pasta, this dish features spiralized zucchini tossed with Dungeness crab and a light garlic sauce.
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- 2. Add spiralized zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
- 3. Gently fold in Dungeness crab, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Dungeness Crab Cakes with Avocado Salsa
These healthy crab cakes are packed with flavor and served with a fresh avocado salsa for a delightful appetizer or main course.
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1. In a bowl, combine Dungeness crab, almond flour, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into small patties and pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- 3. For the salsa, mix diced avocado, tomatoes, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Serve crab cakes topped with avocado salsa.
Dungeness Crab and Asparagus Stir-Fry
A quick and healthy stir-fry featuring Dungeness crab and crisp asparagus, tossed in a light soy sauce for a delicious weeknight meal.
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- 2. Add asparagus and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 3. Fold in Dungeness crab and soy sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Dungeness Crab Quinoa Bowl
A wholesome quinoa bowl topped with Dungeness crab, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini dressing for a nutritious and filling meal.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, layer cooked quinoa, Dungeness crab, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrots.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- 3. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the quinoa bowl and serve immediately.
Dungeness Crab Tacos with Mango Salsa
Light and flavorful tacos filled with Dungeness crab and topped with a vibrant mango salsa, perfect for a healthy twist on taco night.
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1. In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt to make the salsa.
- 2. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- 3. Fill each tortilla with Dungeness crab and top with mango salsa and cilantro before serving.
Dungeness Crab and Spinach Frittata
A protein-packed frittata featuring Dungeness crab and fresh spinach, perfect for a healthy breakfast or brunch option.
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- 2. In a greased oven-safe skillet, sauté spinach until wilted, then add Dungeness crab.
- 3. Pour the egg mixture over the crab and spinach, sprinkle feta cheese on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes until set.
Dungeness Crab and Sweet Potato Cakes
These nutritious cakes combine Dungeness crab with sweet potatoes and spices, offering a healthy alternative to traditional crab cakes.
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, mix together Dungeness crab, mashed sweet potatoes, green onions, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into patties and pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- 3. Serve warm with a side of mixed greens or a light dipping sauce.
Dungeness Crab and Cauliflower Rice Bowl
A low-carb bowl featuring cauliflower rice topped with Dungeness crab, avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a healthy meal.
- 8 oz Dungeness crab meat
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a skillet, heat sesame oil and sauté cauliflower rice for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- 2. Add Dungeness crab and soy sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- 3. Serve in a bowl topped with avocado slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to cook Dungeness crab?
Steaming or boiling are the preferred methods to retain flavor and moisture.
How can I tell if Dungeness crab is fresh?
Look for crabs that are alive and active, with a clean, ocean-like smell.
Can I eat Dungeness crab if I have a shellfish allergy?
No, individuals with shellfish allergies should avoid Dungeness crab.
How much meat is in a Dungeness crab?
Typically, a Dungeness crab yields about 25-30% of its weight in meat.
What is the nutritional value of Dungeness crab?
It is high in protein, low in fat, and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
How should I store leftover Dungeness crab?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
Is Dungeness crab sustainable?
Yes, when sourced from certified fisheries, Dungeness crab is considered a sustainable seafood choice.
What are the health benefits of eating Dungeness crab?
It supports muscle health, provides essential nutrients, and is low in calories, making it a healthy seafood option.