Easy and Delicious Dungeness Crab Recipes for Home Chefs

Caught fresh in the Bay Area, Dungeness crab offers a versatility and flavor profile that excites both the palate and the imagination.

Here, we share exclusive recipes and insider tips from our chefs, designed for home cooks eager to explore the rich tastes and textures of this prized crustacean.

1. Classic Crab Cakes with a Twist

• Ingredients: Fresh Dungeness crab meat, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, green onions, a dash of hot sauce, and your choice of herbs.
• Chef’s Tip: Gently fold the crab meat into the mixture to maintain those precious lumps. For a twist, add a hint of lemon zest and a pinch of smoked paprika for a bright yet smoky flavor profile. Anne's Toum, a locally made Lebanese garlic sauce, also makes a great dip for your homemade crab cakes!

2. Creamy Crab Dip

• Ingredients: Cream cheese, sour cream, fresh Dungeness crab meat, grated parmesan, garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Chef’s Tip: Slowly fold in the crab meat with the creamy base to keep the texture intact. Serve with sliced baguette or vegetable sticks for a perfect party starter.

3. Dungeness Crab Bisque

• Ingredients: Dungeness Crab meat, stock, heavy cream, potatoes, carrots, celery, and fresh thyme.
• Chef’s Tip: Chef’s Tip: Enhance your bisque by simmering crab shells in the stock for a deep, oceanic flavor. Blend the soup until smooth for a classic bisque texture, then stir in heavy cream and crab meat, simmering gently to meld the flavors exquisitely.

4. Crab Fried Rice

• Ingredients: Short-grain cooked rice, Dungeness crab meat, eggs, peas, carrots, soy sauce, and green onions.
• Chef’s Tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture. Stir-fry the ingredients on high heat for a smoky flavor.

5. Decadent Crab Pasta

• Ingredients: Mancini Linguine, Dungeness crab meat, garlic, cherry tomatoes, white wine, and fresh parsley.
• Chef’s Tip: Cook the pasta al dente and finish it in the sauce to absorb the flavors fully. A splash of pasta water can help emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture that clings to the noodles.

Each of these recipes showcases the delicate, sweet flavor of Dungeness crab, elevating simple ingredients into a feast for the senses. Remember, the key to unlocking the full potential of Dungeness crab is to let its natural flavor shine, so keep seasonings balanced and complementary.

As you embark on your culinary journey with Dungeness crab, we encourage you to experiment and find your personal favorites. Whether you're preparing a cozy meal for two or a lavish feast for many, these dishes promise to bring a taste of the Bay Area’s finest seafood right to your table. Happy cooking!