How To Store Dungeness Crab

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

When it comes to seafood, few delicacies can compare to the deliciousness of Dungeness crab. Known for its sweet and succulent meat, this prized crustacean is a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs alike. Whether you’ve just returned from a successful crabbing adventure or have purchased fresh Dungeness crab from a local market, knowing how to store it properly is crucial to maintain its freshness and taste.

In this article, we will guide you on how to store Dungeness crab effectively so that you can enjoy its delectable flavors for longer periods. So, let’s dive in and explore the best practices for storing your catch or fresh Dungeness crab!

Selecting Live Dungeness Crab

When it comes to storing Dungeness crab, it’s important to start with selecting live, healthy specimens. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best crabs:

• Appearance: Look for lively and active crabs with shiny shells. Avoid those that show signs of discoloration, dark spots, or damaged shells.
• Movement: Give the crab a gentle poke or lift to see how it reacts. Healthy crabs will be responsive and may move their legs or claws.
• Weight: Pick up the crab and feel its weight. A heavier crab typically indicates a meatier specimen.
• Gender: Female crabs are known to have sweeter meat, so if you have the option, consider choosing a female crab.

It’s worth mentioning that live crabs are always the best option when it comes to flavor and quality. However, if you are unable to find live Dungeness crabs, you can purchase cooked ones, keeping in mind the storage guidelines mentioned below.

Now that you have selected your live Dungeness crabs, let’s move on to the next steps of cleaning and preparing them for storage.

Cleaning and Preparing Dungeness Crab

Before storing Dungeness crab, it’s essential to clean and prepare them properly. This not only ensures the longevity of the crab but also makes it easier to handle and consume later. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Begin by rinsing the live crabs under cold running water to remove any surface dirt or debris.
2. Next, use a stiff brush to gently scrub the shells to remove any stubborn dirt or barnacles. Pay attention to the joints and crevices where dirt tends to accumulate.
3. To kill the crabs humanely, place them in a large pot of rapidly boiling water for about 8-10 minutes. This process is quick and minimizes any potential suffering. Alternatively, you can opt for immediate steam cooking.
4. Once cooked, transfer the crabs to a large bowl filled with ice water. This helps to cool them quickly and prevents overcooking.
5. Once the crabs have cooled down, you can proceed to clean and extract the meat. Start by removing the top shell, known as the carapace. This can be done by lifting it up and away from the body.
6. Remove the gills, also known as “dead man’s fingers,” situated on either side of the crab’s body. These feathery structures are not edible and should be discarded.
7. With the carapace and gills removed, you can focus on extracting the meat. Carefully break off the claws and legs, using a crab cracker or a mallet to crack them open. Extract the meat from within, being mindful of any shell fragments.
8. To access the main body meat, gently pull apart the shell halves. Remove any entrails or inedible parts, such as the stomach sac and intestines.
9. Once the meat has been removed, give it a final rinse under cold water to remove any residual shell fragments.
10. You can now portion the crab meat as desired or leave it whole for storage.

Now that the Dungeness crab is cleaned and prepared, let’s move on to the best practices for storing it, whether whole cooked crabs or crab meat.

Storing Whole Cooked Dungeness Crab

If you have cooked whole Dungeness crabs and need to store them for later use, follow these steps to keep them fresh and flavorful:

1. Allow the cooked crabs to cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes around 1-2 hours.
2. Once cooled, place the crabs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure that no air can enter the container, as exposure to air can cause the crab meat to dry out.
3. Store the container in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature of 32-38°F (0-3°C).
4. It is recommended to consume the stored crabs within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and freshness.
5. Before consuming the stored crabs, give them a quick smell test. If they emit any strong or unpleasant odors, it is best to discard them.

Remember, whole cooked Dungeness crabs are best enjoyed fresh. While storing them helps retain some quality, they may not taste as good as freshly cooked crabs.

Now let’s explore the storage options and techniques for crab meat, which can be used in various culinary preparations.

After cooking, store Dungeness crab in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a tightly sealed container. Keep it on ice to maintain freshness.

Storing Crab Meat

If you’ve extracted the meat from Dungeness crabs and want to store it for later use, here are some guidelines to keep it fresh and flavorful:

1. Place the extracted crab meat into airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. Make sure to remove any excess air from the containers or bags before sealing.
2. If using containers, fill them with enough crab meat to leave about half an inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
3. Label the containers or bags with the date of storage to keep track of the freshness.
4. Store the crab meat in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at a temperature of 32-38°F (0-3°C).
5. It is recommended to consume the stored crab meat within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and freshness.
6. If you plan on storing the crab meat for an extended period, consider freezing it using the methods described below.

Properly storing the crab meat ensures that it maintains its taste and quality, allowing you to enjoy it in various recipes, such as crab cakes, crab salads, or pasta dishes.

Next, let’s explore how to freeze Dungeness crab for long-term storage, which can be handy if you want to extend its shelf life.

Freezing Dungeness Crab

If you want to store Dungeness crab for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option. Here’s how you can freeze Dungeness crab:

1. Ensure that the crab meat is properly cleaned and prepared as mentioned earlier.
2. Wrap the crab meat tightly in plastic wrap or place it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
3. Remove any excess air from the containers or bags before sealing.
4. Label the containers or bags with the date of freezing.
5. Place the wrapped or sealed crab meat in the coldest part of your freezer, preferably at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
6. Frozen Dungeness crab can maintain its quality for up to 3-6 months.

By following these steps, you can enjoy the taste of Dungeness crab even during its off-season.

Now that you have frozen your Dungeness crab, it’s important to know how to properly thaw it before use.

Properly Thawing Frozen Crab

Thawing frozen Dungeness crab properly is essential to maintain its texture and flavor. Here are a few methods to safely thaw your frozen crab:

1. Refrigerator Method: The best way to thaw frozen crab is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing method ensures a gradual and even thaw, preserving the quality of the crab meat. Simply transfer the frozen crab from the freezer to a plate or shallow dish and let it thaw in the refrigerator for approximately 24 hours.
2. Cold Water Method: If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method to thaw your frozen crab more quickly. Ensure that the crab is tightly sealed in a leak-proof bag to prevent water contamination. Submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water and change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a consistent temperature. The crab should thaw within 1-2 hours using this method.
3. Microwave Method (Partial Thawing): In case you need to thaw a small portion of frozen crab, you can use the microwave on a defrost setting. It’s important to note that this method should only be used when you plan to cook the crab immediately after thawing. Be cautious not to overheat the crab, as it can result in tough and rubbery meat.

Regardless of the thawing method you choose, it’s crucial to cook the crab promptly after thawing to ensure its safety and maintain its quality.

With these guidelines in mind, you can confidently store, freeze, and thaw Dungeness crab to enjoy it fresh and delicious whenever the craving hits!

Conclusion

Storing Dungeness crab properly is key to preserving its freshness, flavor, and quality. Whether you have live crabs or cooked crab meat, following the right storage techniques can ensure that you can enjoy this delectable seafood for an extended period.

When selecting live Dungeness crabs, look for lively specimens with shiny shells and avoid any signs of damage or discoloration. Cleaning and preparing the crabs involves removing the carapace, gills, and extracting the meat carefully.

If you have cooked whole Dungeness crabs, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For crab meat, store it in airtight containers or bags in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze it for up to 3-6 months.

When it’s time to thaw the frozen crab, use the refrigerator method for gradual thawing, or the cold water method for quicker thawing. If you only need a small portion, the microwave method can be used, but remember to cook it immediately afterwards.

Now that you have learned the proper storage techniques for Dungeness crab, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of this beloved seafood whenever you crave it. So go ahead, store your catch or fresh crab meat efficiently, and savor the taste of the ocean with each bite!