10 Amazing Dungeness Crab Recipe Ideas for Seafood Lovers

Dungeness crab brings sweet, delicate flavors that transform ordinary meals into something special. These tender crustaceans from the Pacific coast offer incredible versatility in the kitchen.

From classic salads to spicy curries, these recipes showcase the best ways to enjoy fresh Dungeness crab at home.

01. Classic Crab Louie Salad

Fresh Dungeness crab paired with crisp vegetables and creamy dressing. This elegant salad makes the perfect light lunch or dinner starter.

Ingredients: 1 pound fresh Dungeness crabmeat, 6 cups mixed greens, 1 pound asparagus spears, 2 ripe avocados, 4 hard-boiled eggs, 2 large tomatoes, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Classic Crab Louie Salad

1. Steam asparagus spears until bright green and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.

2. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust flavors as needed.

3. Arrange mixed greens on four serving plates, creating a bed for the toppings. Slice avocados and tomatoes into wedges, keeping them separate to prevent browning.

4. Divide crabmeat evenly among plates, placing it in the center of each salad. Arrange asparagus, avocado wedges, tomato pieces, and halved hard-boiled eggs around the crab in an attractive pattern.

5. Drizzle the dressing over each salad just before serving, allowing guests to toss their own portions for the freshest taste and presentation.

02. Filipino Crabs in Coconut Milk

Whole Dungeness crabs simmered in fragrant coconut curry sauce. This Filipino comfort dish combines sweet crab with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk.

Ingredients: 4 whole Dungeness crabs, 2 cans coconut milk, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons shrimp paste, 4 Thai chilies, 2-inch piece fresh ginger, 1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic, 4 cups fresh spinach, steamed white rice for serving.

How To Make Filipino Crabs in Coconut Milk

1. Clean crabs thoroughly and cut each into quarters, keeping shells intact for maximum flavor. Remove any loose shell pieces but keep the main shell structure for presentation.

2. Slice ginger thinly, mince garlic, and dice onion finely. Heat a large wok or heavy pot over medium-high heat, then sauté aromatics until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add shrimp paste and sliced chilies to the pot, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until paste darkens slightly. Pour in coconut milk and fish sauce, bringing mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Add crab pieces to the simmering coconut mixture, stirring gently to coat with sauce. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes until crab shells turn bright red and meat is heated through.

5. Stir in fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing leaves to wilt completely. Serve immediately over steamed rice with extra sauce spooned over each portion.

03. Crab and Swiss Cheese Omelet

Fluffy eggs filled with sweet crab and melted Swiss cheese. This protein-packed breakfast or brunch dish feels luxurious yet comes together quickly.

Ingredients: 6 large eggs, ½ pound Dungeness crabmeat, 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded, 8 ounces mushrooms sliced, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 2 green onions chopped, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Crab and Swiss Cheese Omelet

1. Beat eggs with heavy cream, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined and slightly frothy. Pick through crabmeat carefully to remove any shell pieces while keeping chunks intact.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown and moisture evaporates, about 5-6 minutes, then remove from pan.

3. Add remaining butter to the same skillet, swirling to coat bottom evenly. Pour in beaten eggs, letting them spread naturally across the pan without stirring initially.

4. As eggs begin to set around edges, gently pull cooked portions toward center with a spatula, tilting pan to let uncooked egg flow underneath. Continue until eggs are almost set but still slightly wet on top.

5. Sprinkle crabmeat, cooked mushrooms, and Swiss cheese over half the omelet. Fold the plain half over the filling, slide onto serving plate, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving immediately.

04. Grilled Dungeness Crab with Garlic Butter

Smoky grilled crab legs basted with rich garlic butter sauce. This outdoor cooking method adds incredible depth of flavor to sweet crab meat.

Ingredients: 3 pounds Dungeness crab legs, ½ cup butter, 6 cloves garlic minced, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, 1 lemon juiced, 2 tablespoons white wine, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Grilled Dungeness Crab with Garlic Butter

1. Preheat grill to medium heat and clean grates thoroughly. Crack crab legs slightly with kitchen shears to allow smoke and butter flavors to penetrate the meat during cooking.

2. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice, white wine, and paprika.

3. Place crab legs in a disposable aluminum pan with 2 tablespoons water. Brush generously with half the garlic butter mixture, ensuring all surfaces are well coated.

4. Set the pan on the grill over indirect heat, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until heated through and shells develop slight char marks from the smoky environment.

5. Remove from grill and immediately brush with remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and extra butter sauce for dipping.

05. Asian-Style Crab Fried Rice

Nutty brown rice tossed with sweet crab and vegetables in savory sauce. This satisfying dish transforms leftover rice into an elegant meal.

Ingredients: 4 cups cooked brown rice, 1 pound Dungeness crabmeat, 8 ounces mushrooms diced, 2 large carrots diced, 4 cloves garlic minced, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 green onions sliced.

How To Make Asian-Style Crab Fried Rice

1. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until smoking. Add a splash of oil, then stir-fry diced carrots for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and develop slight browning.

2. Add mushrooms and minced garlic to the pan, continuing to stir-fry for another 2 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and garlic becomes fragrant throughout.

3. Push vegetables to one side of the wok and add cold cooked rice to the empty space. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir-fry rice separately for 1-2 minutes.

4. Combine rice with vegetables, then add soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil. Toss everything together vigorously, ensuring the sauce coats every grain of rice evenly.

5. Gently fold in crabmeat during the last minute of cooking, just long enough to heat through without breaking up the delicate pieces. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot.

06. Traditional Seafood Crab Boil

Whole crabs boiled with potatoes, sausage, and corn in seasoned broth. This communal feast brings everyone together for messy, delicious fun.

Ingredients: 6 whole Dungeness crabs, 2 pounds small red potatoes, 1 pound Andouille sausage, 6 ears fresh corn, 2 large onions quartered, 4 tablespoons seafood seasoning, 2 bay leaves, 1 lemon halved.

How To Make Traditional Seafood Crab Boil

1. Fill a large stockpot with water, leaving room for ingredients. Add seafood seasoning, bay leaves, and lemon halves, then bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

2. Add quartered onions and whole red potatoes to the boiling water first, cooking for 10 minutes until potatoes are almost tender when pierced with a fork.

3. Slice Andouille sausage into 2-inch pieces and add to the pot along with corn ears broken in half. Continue boiling for another 5 minutes to heat sausage through.

4. Carefully add whole crabs to the boiling mixture, making sure they’re completely submerged. Cook for 8-10 minutes until crab shells turn bright orange-red color.

5. Drain everything in a large colander, discarding bay leaves and lemon halves. Dump the entire mixture onto newspaper-covered tables and serve with melted butter, hot sauce, and plenty of napkins for the ultimate messy feast.

07. Handmade Crab Tortellini

Delicate pasta parcels filled with sweet crab and herbs. These elegant dumplings showcase crab in a sophisticated, restaurant-quality presentation.

Ingredients: 1 package wonton wrappers, ¾ pound Dungeness crabmeat, ½ cup ricotta cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated, 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped, 1 egg beaten, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons white wine, salt and white pepper to taste.

How To Make Handmade Crab Tortellini

1. Combine crabmeat, ricotta, Parmesan, and chopped chives in a bowl, mixing gently to avoid breaking up crab pieces. Season with salt and white pepper, then chill for 30 minutes.

2. Lay out wonton wrappers on a clean work surface and brush edges lightly with beaten egg. Place 1 teaspoon of crab filling in the center of each wrapper.

3. Fold each wrapper in half to form a triangle, pressing edges firmly to seal and removing any air bubbles. Bring the two bottom corners together and pinch to create the classic tortellini shape.

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Cook tortellini in batches for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface and wrappers become translucent.

5. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, adding white wine and cooking until slightly reduced. Drain tortellini and toss gently with butter sauce.

6. Serve immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh chives for the perfect finishing touch that highlights the delicate crab flavor.

08. Creamy Dungeness Crab Chowder

Rich, velvety soup loaded with sweet crab and tender potatoes. This comforting chowder makes an elegant starter or satisfying main course.

Ingredients: 1 pound Dungeness crabmeat, 3 large potatoes diced, 1 large onion diced, 3 celery stalks diced, 4 cups seafood stock, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, ½ cup clam juice.

How To Make Creamy Dungeness Crab Chowder

1. Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and celery until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

2. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a light roux that will thicken the chowder base without lumps forming.

3. Gradually whisk in seafood stock and clam juice, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Add diced potatoes and fresh thyme, bringing to a simmer.

4. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and flavors meld together. For a smoother texture, blend half the soup with an immersion blender while leaving some chunks.

5. Stir in heavy cream and gently fold in crabmeat during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Heat through without boiling to prevent curdling, then season with salt and pepper before serving hot with crusty bread.

09. Bangladeshi Spicy Crab Curry

Whole crabs simmered in aromatic tomato and potato curry. This bold, spicy dish delivers complex flavors that complement sweet crab perfectly.

Ingredients: 4 whole Dungeness crabs, 3 large potatoes cubed, 2 large tomatoes chopped, 2 large onions sliced, 4 cloves garlic minced, 2-inch piece ginger minced, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 2 green chilies sliced, fresh cilantro for garnish.

How To Make Bangladeshi Spicy Crab Curry

1. Clean crabs thoroughly and cut into quarters, keeping shells intact for maximum flavor extraction. Pat pieces dry with paper towels to prevent oil splattering during cooking.

2. Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Fry potato cubes until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total, then remove and set aside on paper towels.

3. In the same oil, sauté sliced onions until deep golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute more.

4. Stir in curry powder and turmeric, cooking spices for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down into a thick sauce, about 5 minutes.

5. Add crab pieces and fried potatoes back to the wok, stirring gently to coat with spice mixture. Add ½ cup water, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until crab is heated through.

6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately over steamed rice with lemon wedges and extra green chilies for those who want additional heat and brightness.

10. Singaporean Sweet and Spicy Chile Crab

Whole crabs glazed in sticky tomato-chili sauce with sweet and savory notes. This iconic street food dish creates an unforgettable messy dining experience.

Ingredients: 4 whole Dungeness crabs, ½ cup ketchup, 3 tablespoons chili sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 4 cloves garlic minced, 2-inch piece ginger minced, 2 eggs beaten, 2 green onions chopped.

How To Make Singaporean Sweet and Spicy Chile Crab

1. Clean crabs and chop into quarters, leaving shells on for authentic presentation. Pat pieces completely dry to ensure the sauce will adhere properly during cooking.

2. Whisk together ketchup, chili sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl until smooth. This sweet-tangy sauce base should taste balanced between heat and sweetness.

3. Heat oil in a large wok over high heat until smoking. Stir-fry crab pieces for 3-4 minutes until shells turn bright red and meat begins to cook through.

4. Add minced garlic and ginger to the wok, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and toss crabs to coat evenly with the glossy red sauce.

5. Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the wok while stirring constantly, creating silky egg ribbons throughout the dish. The eggs should cook immediately upon contact with the hot mixture.

6. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes until sauce thickens and clings to crab shells beautifully. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with plenty of napkins and finger bowls.

Final Thoughts

These Dungeness crab recipes showcase the incredible versatility of this Pacific coast treasure. From simple preparations to complex curries, each dish highlights the sweet, delicate flavors.

Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party or casual backyard feast, these recipes will help you make the most of fresh Dungeness crab.