How To Cook Pre Cooked Dungeness Crab – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Do you want to learn how to cook pre cooked dungeness crab? If yes, you’re in the right place!

Pre cooked dungeness crab is a delicious seafood delicacy that is packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking to make a quick dinner or a gourmet meal for special occasions, learning how to cook pre cooked dungeness crab is a must-have skill. 

In this article, we’ll discuss what pre cooked dungeness crab is, why you’ll love it, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, notes, nutrition information, how to store it, variations, and answer some frequently asked questions.

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What is pre cooked dungeness crab?

Pre cooked dungeness crab is a type of crab that is cooked before it is sold. This means that all you need to do is reheat it before eating. 

It is found in the Pacific Ocean and is a popular seafood dish in the United States. It is usually boiled or steamed and is often served with drawn butter. It is incredibly versatile and has a sweet, delicate flavor that makes it a favorite for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love this pre cooked dungeness crab?

There are many reasons why you’ll love pre cooked dungeness crab. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Because it’s already cooked, all you need to do is reheat it. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you don’t have a lot of time. 

Second, it’s packed with flavor. The sweet, delicate flavor of the crab makes it a popular choice for seafood dishes. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it with drawn butter, use it in salads, soups, and more.

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The Ingredients

• 4 Dungeness crabs, expertly cooked, each weighing approximately 2 pounds, ensuring optimal succulence: Dungeness crabs are the star of the dish, cooked to perfection to provide a succulent and flavorful seafood experience.
• 16 tablespoons (1 cup or 2 sticks) of rich, salted butter: The butter adds a luscious and indulgent touch to the dish, enhancing the richness and flavor of the crab.
• 2-4 teaspoons of prepared horseradish: Prepared horseradish adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the dish, tailored to individual taste preferences.
• 1 lemon, freshly squeezed, to infuse a zesty brightness: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty and citrusy brightness to complement the richness of the crab.
• 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay Seasoning provides a classic and flavorful seasoning, adding a distinctive taste to the crab.
• 1 tablespoon of premium kosher salt: Premium kosher salt is finely selected to ensure perfect seasoning, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• 1/2 cup of thoughtfully crafted ketchup: Thoughtfully crafted ketchup elevates the flavor profile, adding a sweet and tangy element to complement the crab.
• Sliced lemons and limes: Sliced lemons and limes are artfully presented to enhance the visual appeal of the dish and provide additional citrus notes.
• Sprigs of fresh dill and parsley: Fresh dill and parsley serve as an elegant and aromatic garnish, adding freshness and visual appeal to the final presentation.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crabs:

Ensure the Dungeness crabs are expertly cooked and cleaned. Break them into clusters or leave them whole, depending on your preference. This initial step sets the stage for a delightful dining experience with perfectly prepared crabs.

Step 2: Season with Kosher Salt:

Sprinkle premium kosher salt evenly over the cooked Dungeness crabs. This ensures a perfect seasoning, allowing the salt to enhance the natural succulence of the crab meat, bringing out its flavors.

Step 3: Melt the Butter:

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt rich, salted butter over medium heat. This forms the decadent base for the crab dish, providing a luscious and flavorful backdrop for the crab.

Step 4: Add Old Bay Seasoning:

Stir in the Old Bay Seasoning into the melted butter, infusing the dish with a classic and flavorful seasoning. This iconic blend adds depth and character to the crab preparation.

Step 5: Squeeze Lemon Juice:

Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the buttery mixture. This step adds a zesty brightness that complements the richness of the crab, creating a well-balanced and vibrant flavor profile.

Step 6: Introduce Ketchup:

Gently fold in the thoughtfully crafted ketchup, elevating the flavor profile with a hint of sweetness and tanginess. This unexpected addition adds a delightful twist to the buttery sauce.

Step 7: Incorporate Horseradish:

Adjust the heat level to your liking by adding 2-4 teaspoons of prepared horseradish. Tailor it to match your personal taste preferences, providing a customizable element to the dish.

Step 8: Warm the Crab:

Place the cleaned Dungeness crab clusters into the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the buttery sauce. Heat them gently until they are warmed through, allowing the flavors to meld and the crab to absorb the delicious sauce.

Step 9: Garnish with Fresh Herbs:

Sprinkle sprigs of fresh dill and parsley over the buttered crabs for an elegant and aromatic garnish. This step adds a visual appeal and a burst of freshness to the dish.

Step 10: Artfully Present Lemon Slices:

Arrange sliced lemons and limes around the crab clusters, adding a visual appeal that complements the vibrant flavors. This not only enhances the presentation but also provides a refreshing element to the dining experience.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer the buttered Dungeness crabs to a serving platter. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to savor the succulent crab meat with the rich and flavorful butter sauce.

Step 12:Savor the Experience:

Encourage guests to crack open the crab shells, dip the meat into the buttery sauce, and enjoy this delightful culinary experience with friends and family. The combination of flavors and textures creates a memorable dining experience.

Notes

• To ensure the crab stays juicy, cover the baking dish with foil before baking.

• Feel free to add other seasonings to the crab if desired.

• Leftover crab can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• If you are not using pre cooked dungeness crab, make sure to cook it before baking.

Nutrition Information

One serving of pre cooked dungeness crab (4 ounces) contains approximately:

• 120 calories
• 4g fat
• 1g carbohydrate
• 19g protein

How to store pre cooked dungeness crab?

Pre cooked dungeness crab can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure the crab stays juicy, cover the baking dish with foil before baking.

Variations

• Lemon and Herb – Add lemon juice, minced parsley, and minced thyme to the crab before baking.

• Asian – Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger to the crab before baking.

• Mediterranean – Add olive oil, oregano, and capers to the crab before baking.

• Mexican – Add lime juice, cumin, and chili powder to the crab before baking.

• Cajun – Add Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to the crab before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pre cooked dungeness crab healthy?

Yes, pre cooked dungeness crab is a healthy seafood choice. It is low in calories and fat, and high in protein.

How do I know when the crab is cooked?

The crab is cooked when it is hot and bubbly. You can also check the internal temperature with a food thermometer.

Can I freeze pre cooked dungeness crab?

Yes, you can freeze pre cooked dungeness crab. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute other types of crab for pre cooked dungeness crab?

Yes, you can substitute other types of crab for pre cooked dungeness crab. However, be sure to cook the crab before baking.

What can I serve with pre cooked dungeness crab?

Pre cooked dungeness crab can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, potatoes, vegetables, or salads.

Can I use pre cooked dungeness crab in soups and salads?

Yes, you can use pre cooked dungeness crab in soups and salads. It adds a delicious flavor to both dishes.

Conclusion

Pre cooked dungeness crab is an easy, delicious, and versatile seafood dish that is sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of baking, you can have a delicious meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a gourmet meal, pre cooked dungeness crab is sure to be a hit.

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