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Dungeness crab legs don’t need much to compliment their delicately sweet meat, a simple shake of Old Bay seasoning and the proper cooking method will yield melt-in-your-mouth results with minimal effort.
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- Bamboo Seasonings Box with Mini Spoon: https://amzn.to/4dfHzA6
Why this recipe works
Dungeness crab legs are slightly sweeter and a touch saltier than your typical crab legs on the market which makes them stand out against king crab and snow crab. One bite of its steamed succulent meat will hook you right in.
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, Dungeness crab meat is amazing tossed into salads, mac and cheese, crab cakes, pasta dishes, or crab dip.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CRAB LEGS – As stated above, Dungeness crab has a distinct flavor that doesn’t need much “jazzing” up. Garlic salt and Old Bay seasoning will do the trick without overpowering it. Choose Dungeness crab leg clusters at the grocery store. When they are sold as clusters, it means they have already been cleaned and split but still normally contain part of the body meat. Do NOT use precooked crab legs!!
How to Make Dungeness Crab Legs
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Place crab clusters upside down on a sheet of parchment paper. Season with half of the garlic salt and Old Bay. Try to get the seasoning into any cavities and joints.
- Turn crab legs over and season with remaining garlic salt and Old Bay, again paying attention to the joints and cavities.
- Add water to the bottom half of your steam pot, usually a couple of inches is enough. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Place crab legs into steam pot and place steam pot on top of water pot. Cover with lid.
![dungeness crab legs in a steam pot]()
- Cook covered for 35 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store leftovers in an air-tight container or in a baking dish sealed with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dungeness crab legs with a side of mashed, scalloped, or roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, leafy salad, coleslaw, biscuits, or steamed vegetables. These crab legs taste divine dunked in a garlic butter sauce or with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds raw Dungeness crab legs about 3 clusters
- 1 Tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 Tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
-
Place crab clusters upside down on a sheet of parchment paper. Season with half of the garlic salt and Old Bay. Try to get the seasoning into any cavities and joints.
-
Turn crab legs over and season with remaining garlic salt and Old Bay, again paying attention to the joints and cavities.
-
Add water to the bottom half of your steam pot, usually a couple inches is enough. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
-
Place crab legs into steam pot and place steam pot on top of water pot. Cover with lid.
-
Cook covered for 35 minutes.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Crab leg shells will be hot. Allow to sit for a few minutes off the heat before removing from the pot.
- If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, Dungeness crab meat is amazing tossed into salads, mac and cheese, crab cakes, pasta dishes, or crab dip. Otherwise, you can store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
