When it comes to delicious seafood, wild-caught Alaskan Dungeness crab is a true Pacific Northwest treasure. This particular species has gained immense popularity thanks to its sweet, salty, and tender meat. It is named after Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the United States, right off of Washington state. This bay is a national wildlife refuge where the popular crustaceans are found in abundance.
What Is Wild Alaskan Dungeness Crab?
Also known as “dungies,” Dungeness crab is a species native to the Pacific Ocean. Compared to different types of crab from Alaska, they’re easy to identify by their unique, fan-shaped shells, which can be up to 10 inches long. Due to their medium-to-large size, they provide a good amount of succulent meat, making them a prized catch.
What Does Wild Alaskan Dungeness Crab Taste Like?
Dungies are a prized variety of seafood because of their incredible taste. The meat is sweet and salty with a firm texture that holds up well under various cooking applications, or even just eaten straight out of the shell. Whether enjoyed on its own, in salads, pasta dishes, or in a risotto it boasts a flavor that's irresistible.
Nutrition
Dungeness crab is not only a treat to add to your meal, but also a healthy addition to your diet with several health benefits. It’s low in calories and fat, but rich in protein, making it a great lean protein choice that can fit into heart-healthy meals. The nutritional content differs slightly, depending on the specific preparation of crab.
Nutrition per 3 oz. serving of Dungeness Crab Meat:
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Calories: 60 calories
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Protein: 14 grams
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Fat: .5 grams
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Calcium: 60 micrograms, or 4% RDI
Nutrition per 3 oz. serving of Snap & Eat Dungeness Crab:
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Calories: 90 calories
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Protein: 19 grams
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Fat: 1 gram
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Calcium: 50 micrograms, or 4% RDI
Is Dungeness Crab Sustainable?
Alaskan Dungeness crab is a sustainable seafood choice. The harvest season in Alaska typically begins in the fall and continues through the winter months. Wild Alaskan Company sources Dungeness crab that are caught with pots that rest on the seafloor, a method of harvest that produces nearly zero bycatch.
How to Handle and Eat Dungeness Crab
Snap & Eat Dungeness Crab comes pre-scored and pre-cooked for easy eating, so all you need to do is snap, eat, and enjoy. It’s so deeply flavorful that it is delicious on its own, or paired with sauces.
Since the legs and claws come pre-scored, you won’t need any tools to help you enjoy them. They’re easy enough for all ages to crack into with their bare hands and a stack of napkins.
Optional tools:
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Crab cracker
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Seafood fork or pick
Segment the leg: The leg is divided into segments. Bend the leg at the joints to separate these segments, as this will make it easier to access the meat.
Crack the shell: Look for the scores on the segments of leg or on the claws. Use these as a guide to help you snap the shells open. A crab cracker can be used along these scores, if you need extra help.
Remove the meat: Use your fingers to gently loosen meat from the shell. Alternatively, use a seafood fork or pick to extract the meat, especially from the skinner segments of leg.
Dip and savor: Once you've removed the meat, dip it in melted butter, garlic butter, or your favorite seafood sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
Know your crab: The meatiest part of the leg is the chunky end that’s closer to the body. These sections are called “shoulders” since they’re what connect the body of the crab to the legs. This is where you'll find the sweetest and most substantial chunks of meat. The claws also contain a larger morsel of meat than the legs.
Patience is key: Eating dungies is a worthwhile and delicious experience — not every seafood meal is as hands-on and immersive as a feast of Dungeness crab. After cracking a few legs, you’ll get the hang of the process.
Lemon for flavor: Try add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to a plate of dungies. Lemon adds a punch of zesty flavor and also complements the richness of the crab meat.
Protect your clothing: Dungies can be messy to eat, so grab a bib or tuck a napkin into your collar before digging in.
Where to Buy Wild Alaskan Dungeness Crab
Stock your kitchen with sustainably-caught wild Alaskan Dungeness crab by sourcing your seafood online from Wild Alaskan Company. You’ll get high-quality, wild-caught seafood delivered straight to your doorstep. Choose your fish subscription box today.
