Dungeness Crab
Metacarcinus magister
An icon of the West Coast, Dungeness Crab is known for its sweet, delicate, slightly nutty meat and generous body yield. It’s a centerpiece crab—perfect simply cracked and served with butter, or picked for salads, pastas, and crab cakes where you really taste the crab.
Range
California to Alaska
Method of Capture
Trap
Seasonality
Mid-November to June
Size Range
1.5 to 3 pounds
Sustainability Consideration:
Dungeness is widely viewed as a West Coast management success story. State and tribal managers use size limits, male-only harvest rules, seasonal closures, and meat-quality and toxin tests to decide when fisheries open and close. Pot gear is selective and low-impact compared to heavy mobile gear, and strict monitoring helps keep stocks healthy while protecting molting and spawning periods.
Monterey Fish Market pays attention to harvest area, timing, and handling, favoring well-managed fisheries and careful processors so Dungeness remains both a dependable seasonal favorite and a long-term resource.
Flavor & Texture:
- Flavor: Sweet, delicate, and slightly nutty, with clean brininess and no harsh aftertaste
- Texture: Tender, moist, and flaky, especially in the leg and body meat
Many people consider Dungeness one of the finest-tasting crabs in the world.
Seafood Cooking Tips
Dungeness shines when you keep things simple and let the crab speak:
- Steam or boil whole – Cook live or raw-cooked crabs in well-salted water or seasoned broth until shells are bright and meat is just set; serve cracked with lemon and melted butter or aioli.
- Roast or reheat – For pre-cooked crab, reheat gently by steaming or roasting with butter, garlic, and herbs—just long enough to warm through.
- Picked meat – Fold into crab cakes, salads, pastas, risottos, or simple butter-and-herb sauces. Add the meat near the end so it stays tender and doesn’t shred.
Avoid long, hard cooking once the meat is done; the goal is just-cooked, sweet, and juicy, not dry.
Want This On Your Menu or Table?
For current availability, pricing, and prep ideas, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help you decide what will work best for your menu or home kitchen.
