Whole Dungeness crab purchased from a grocery store or fish market is often boiled before it's sold. However, to reheat the crab meat without drying it out, steaming the crab for a short period is the best method.
Tip
Make sure your crab has been cooked, especially if you're buying whole Dungeness crab from a busy fish market, as raw crab will need to be steamed for longer.
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Things You'll Need
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup water
Large stockpot with steamer basket and tight-fitting top
2 lb. whole Dungeness crab
Heavy tongs
Warm serving plate
Freshly sliced lemon wedges (optional)
Melted or drawn butter (optional)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Add the white wine and water to a large stockpot.
- Add freshly chopped tarragon to the steaming liquid for extra flavor.
- Place the steamer basket in the top of the stockpot and heat the liquid over high heat until boiling with the top on the pot.
- Place the cooked Dungeness crab in the top of the steamer and reduce the heat to medium.
- Heat the Dungeness crab in the stockpot for 3 minutes over medium heat.
- Remove the steamed Dungeness crab from the steamer basket with a pair of heavy tongs.
- Transfer the Dungeness crab to a warm serving plate and serve immediately while warm.
- Serve the Dungeness crab with freshly sliced lemon wedges and melted or drawn butter for a classic presentation.
- For a bit of extra color, add fresh flat-leaf parsley to the butter or on top of the cooked crab before serving it.
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Warning
Be careful when removing the Dungeness crab from the steamer basket, as the steam may burn you if you're not careful. Wear heavy oven gloves and use tongs with a long reach.