How to Crack a Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a delicacy from the Pacific northwest coast of the U.S. and Canada. Averaging 7 to 8 inches wide and containing a sweet, moist meat, the crabs have a hard shell that must be broken into before serving. They breed during summer and are harvested at wintertime, so if you have the chance to catch the season, enjoy fresh Dungeness crab--but first, you will have to know how to crack it. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Set the crab on a table, belly down. Take your thumb and place it under the back crest of the shell. While holding the crab down with your other hand, use your thumb to lift the shell off the back.
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Scrape out and discard the organs and gills. Rinse the crab under cold water for several seconds.
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3
Break off the legs and claws using a twisting motion.
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Take the remaining torso in your hands, one on each side of the crest, and snap the crab in half.
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Use the mallet to crack the shelled parts, such as the legs and claws, to obtain the meat. Take the meat out using a small fork or lobster pick.
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Tips & Warnings
Crab is generally served with melted butter and wedges of lemon to squeeze, but it also can be used in sauces, bisques, salads and a variety of other dishes.
Never leave seafood unrefrigerated, as it goes bad very quickly.
References
- Photo Credit dungeness crab image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
