Steamed Dungeness Crab with Lemon Butter

Ingredients

Live Dungeness Crab

2-3 crabs (about 2-3 pounds total)

Sea Salt

1/4 cup

Water

4-5 quarts

Unsalted Butter

1 cup (2 sticks)

Fresh Lemon

2, cut into wedges

Fresh Parsley

1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with 4-5 quarts of water and stir in the sea salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Carefully add the live Dungeness crabs to the boiling water, making sure to cover the pot immediately to trap the steam and retain the oceanic flavors.
3. Steam the crabs for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant orange color. The general rule is to steam for about 7-8 minutes per pound of crab.
4. Once cooked, use tongs to carefully remove the crabs from the pot and place them on a large platter to cool.
5. After the crabs have cooled sufficiently, clean them by removing the gills (the feathery parts), the apron (the triangular flap on the underside), and rinsing under cool water to eliminate any debris.
6. To serve, crack the crab into quarters using a seafood cracker or mallet, ensuring the meat stays intact as much as possible.
7. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
8. Serve the cracked crab with the melted butter on the side and fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.