How to Broil Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crabs add a beautiful red hue to your dish.

Large crabs found traditionally on the West Coast of the United States, Dungeness crabs have a taste similar to lobster. Dungeness crabs are generally sold pre-cooked and frozen because it is hard to keep them alive. The "Joy of Cooking" cookbook recommends a 2 1/2- to 3 lb. crab for the best flavor.

Things You'll Need

• Baking sheet
• Tin foil
• Sauce brush

Instructions

1. Defrost the crab, if frozen, and preheat the broiler.

2. Cover the baking sheet with tin foil.

3. Put the crabs, shell side up, on the baking sheet.

4. Melt 1/2 stick of butter in the microwave or in a saucepan and brush it over the crab.

5. Season the crab by sprinkling spices of your choice on top. Spices that complement Dungeness crab are salt, red and black pepper, paprika and garlic.

6. Put the crab in the oven directly under the broiler, 2 to 4 inches away.Broil it for seven minutes, then add more butter and broil it for an additional five minutes.

7. Serve the crab with lemon wedges and additional butter.

References

• "Joy of Cooking"; Irma S. Rombauer, et al.; 2006
• Fishermen Direct: Broiled Garlic-Paprika Dungeness Crab