Instant Pot Dungeness Crab. Dungeness crab has the amazing power to give you beachy vibes with every bite. It’s a luxurious seafood delight that just takes you away with waves of rich flavor.
My deliciously rich Instant Pot Dungeness Crab keeps it breezy with its super simple preparation. In less than ten minutes you can have a perfectly cooked whole Dungeness crab, that will taste like it took hours. This recipe keeps it easy and tasty, so you can get back to the beach, even if it’s only in your mind!
Why Instant Pot Dungeness Crab Works
Instant Pot Ease- You know I love my Instant Pot! It is truly one of the best kitchen appliances of the last decade. It’s amazing in its versatility, and ability to infuse flavor into any dish you use it for.
I use my Instant Pot all the time, and it is the perfect tool for cooking seafood like whole Dungeness crab. The Instant pot speeds up the process of cooking crab without sacrificing flavor.
With the power of pressure cooking, you can have perfectly moist and complexly flavored crab ready in a fraction of the time of other methods. Thanks to the Instant Pot a recipe like Dungeness crab can be made on a weeknight!
Luscious Crab- Whole Dungeness crab is a real treat. It has such a rich and decadent flavor you will feel like you’re cheating, but only the crab’s flavor is indulgent, not its calorie count! Dungeness crab is creamy and oceanic in flavor, and it tastes like a trip to the beach on a beautiful summer night.
Not only does Dungeness crab taste like pure bliss, but it is also a great source of vitamins and nutrients. This crab is packed with magnesium and vitamins C and B6. Dungeness crab has far fewer calories than other meats, making it a nice choice for an indulgent protein.
Equipment:
- 8 quart Instant Pot Duo Crips plus Air fryer
Here’s How You Make It
Recipe Ingredients
- Dungeness Crab- Beautifully rich and delicious whole Dungeness crabs are all that this recipe needs! Dungeness crab has so much buttery smooth flavor compared to other varieties this crustacean packs a tasty punch! Cooking crab in the Instant Pot helps it retain its succulent flavor. When it comes to choosing Dungeness crab size matters. Well, weight does! You want to shop for a large fresh crab with full weight. A large crab that feels light may have been about to molt, and that means a smaller, less tasty crab. Avoid shells with barnacles, and if you’re not sure which crab is best ask the butcher for help!
- Water- Liquid is the secret to all Instant Pot cooking. This amazing countertop pressure cooker takes water and turns it into magic, in the form of steam. Steaming the whole Dungeness crab allows it to hold onto more nutrients and rich flavor.
Cleaning Dungeness Crab
The most intimidating part of this easy crab recipe is cleaning these crustaceans. Here are a few tips to help you through the process:
- Rinse the crab well with cool water.
- A crab apron is the pointy, tail-like piece at the back of the shell; use your thumb to break this piece off. Some crabby guts may start coming out.
- Remove the caprice, this is the large top shell. Guts will come out, fully remove them and rinse down the crab. You can use a small food-safe brush to get the gunk out.
- On either side of the crab, you’ll see spongy gills, remove these.
- Next up, is the crab’s mandible or mouth. Crack these off the shell to remove them.
- Rinse thoroughly one more time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean the crab and make sure it’s free of impurities.
- Place the inner pot in the Instant Pot base. Add 2 cups of water.
- Arrange the crabs in the inner pot; make sure the crabs are crisscrossed to each other.
- Cover with the pressure cooker lid, and push the pressure cook button. Set the pressure on HI and set the timer to 8 minutes. Quick release when done.
Can I Use Live Dungeness Crab?
Yes, you can use live Dungeness crab. If you have access to great fresh seafood take advantage! If you are working with live crustaceans you will want to pop your crab in the fridge or freezer before cleaning it. This will put it in a sedentary state, but tongs are a great idea either way!
Be aware that if you opt for a live Dungeness crab, you will have to kill it, so this option is not for the faint of heart.
Can I Use Stock Instead of Water?
Yes, you can substitute the water for low-sodium seafood stock. The stock is made from seafood shells and will add more briny flavor. If you decide to go this route, you may want to only substitute a portion of the liquid, because even low-sodium stock will add a lot of salt to the whole Dungeness crab.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Dungeness Crab?
I love to keep things light and enjoy Dungeness crab with fresh seasonal veggies and rice or potatoes. Try roasting the potatoes and veggies to make the perfect accompaniment to this tasty crab. Buttermilk biscuits or hush puppies finish off a quintessential crab dish!
You can take the meat out of the crabs and toss it with mayo for a fast and fresh crab salad. Try this Dungeness crab on a fresh roll for a fun twist on the lobster classic. No matter what you pair this succulent crab with, you are sure to want seconds!
Can I Store Leftover Dungeness Crab
This crab tastes so great it’s not likely there will be much left uneaten, but worry not if there are leftovers! Refrigerate any extra crab in an airtight container for up to three days.
You can also freeze them! Place ready-cooked crabs in a Ziplock and freeze them. You can also wrap it with freezer paper and freeze it immediately. I also put the wrapped crabs in a Ziplock in batches and freeze. This will last for six months.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Have the sink ready and a bowl for shells and pieces when you clean the crab.
- If you’re like me and you use your Instant Pot all the time, you may want some tips on cleaning your Instant Pot. One trick you may not know is that the inner ring can go in the top rack of the dishwasher! Save yourself some sink time and throw the inner pot and ring right in the dishwasher.
- Sprinkle some seasonings on the finished Dungeness crab. Old Bay is a great basic seafood seasoning that will add a little kick to your crab! Get wild and sprinkle your favorite crab seasoning into melted butter to make a quick dipping sauce.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for something delicious to serve with this beautiful Dungeness crab try one of these mouth-watering sides:
- Instant Pot Duo Crisp Potato Wedges
- Less Than 30 Minutes Cucumber Salad
- Korean Potato Pancake with Dipping Sauce
- Best Dungeness Crab Sauce
Had fun cooking Dungeness crab and cannot get enough ocean flavor? Try one of my other delectable seafood recipes:
Instant Pot Dungeness Crab
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pop Duo Crisp Plus Air fryer 8 Quart
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Fresh Dungeness Crab
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Clean the crab and make sure it's clear of impurities. I listed how to clean it thoroughly above, but you can just wash the crabs with water to remove sand and seaweeds. Then go to the next step.
How to Cook Raw Crab in the Instant Pot
- Place the inner pot in the Instant Pot base. Add in two cups of water.
- Arrange the crabs in the inner pot make sure that the crabs are crisscrossed to each other.
- Cover with pressure cooker lid and push the pressure cooker button. Set the pressure on HI and set the timer to 8 minutes.Quick Release when done.
How to Cook Raw Dungeness Crab in the Regular Steamer
- Place the steamer base and add 6- 10 cups of water. Place the crab with shell down and cover with the lid. Steam the crabs stove for forty-five minutes.
How to Steam Pre Cooked Crab
- Do the the same process, but steam the crab for twenty m minutes.
- Please see notes for the dipping sauce for these crabs
How to Reheat Pre Cooked Crab in the Instant pot
- The crab can be frozen or raw.Place the crab in the criss cross fashion.Add one cup of water.Push the pressure cook button and set the pressure to Lo. Set the timer to zero. Quick releasewhen done.
Video
Notes
Welcome!
Hi, my name is Shobee. Welcome to The Skinny Pot, where we cook Easy Recipes from the available ingredients from our pantry and fridge! We’re your go-to source for simple and delicious recipes that make the most of what you already have at home. Talk about the pantry challenge. Read more...
Shobelyn Dayrit says
Thank you!
Jody says
Just did it last night with one crab. I lowered the time to 6 minutes and it came out awesome!!!
Shobelyn Dayrit says
If it is pre-cooked, one minute to two is fine.
Corwin says
if it’s already precooked from the store, is it still 8 min or less?
Anonymous says
Perfect nga♥️