How to prepare Dungeness Crab?

Preparing Dungeness crab is a rewarding experience, yet must be done with care and precision. First properly clean the crab to remove all the “inner workings.” Some cooks use the inner organs of the crab, but being scavengers, crabs eat just about anything! If becoming one with the ocean is your objective then go ahead, but it’s best to clean out a crab’s innards before boiling them.

First start boiling the pot of water. To clean your crabs, you’ll need a gut bucket, hose and tray for holding the crabs after cleaning them. A brick will do for breaking the shells. If you place the crabs in fresh water for about ten minutes, it will stun them enough to remain alive yet immobile. Place the crab on its belly, and pull the pincers away from the head. Take the brick and hit the crab’s chin hard enough to break the shell.

Remove the shell by continually pulling up and to the side. Pull up on the left side of the shell until it snaps free, then sideways and to the right. Then pull off the tail, remove mouthparts, and remove the guts and gills. Use the hose to remove any excess innards. Place all crabs in boiling water for 16-18 minutes. When fully cooked, rinse again. Enjoy!