How to Warm Up Already Cooked Dungeness Crab: Simple Recipes and Ideas

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Cooking already cooked Dungeness crab is quite simple since you only need to heat it through without overcooking it. Here are a few methods you can use to reheat your crab and enjoy its delicious flavor.

Steaming

Steaming is an excellent choice if you want to maintain the natural flavor and texture of your crab. Follow these steps:

Fill a pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the crab in a steamer basket or directly in the pot if you don’t have a basket. Cover the pot and steam for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Boiling

Another straightforward method is to boil the crab. Here is how you can do it:

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the crab to the boiling water. You can add some seasoning or lemon for flavor. Boil for about 3-5 minutes then remove and drain.

Baking

If you prefer a slight baking touch, you can bake the crab. Follow the steps below:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crab in a baking dish and add a little butter and seasoning if desired. Cover with foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes.

Microwaving

For the quickest and easiest method, you can microwave the crab. Here’s what you do:

Place the crab in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water to the dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for about 2-4 minutes, checking for doneness.

Tips for Perfectly Warming Your Crab

Avoid Overcooking: Since the crab is already cooked, be careful not to heat it for too long to prevent it from becoming tough. Serve with Sauce: Consider serving the crab with a melted butter, garlic sauce, or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor. Set the Temperature: Even though Dungeness crab is best served at cold or room temperature, warming it gently will still leave it tender and flavorful.

Additional Ideas for Serving Your Crab

Once your crab is warmed, you can enjoy it in many different ways:

Create a sauce remoulade or a delicate curry. Stir the cooked crab into the sauce while it's still hot. Wait just long enough for the crab to reheat and serve. Simmer the crab in a salad. No further prep needed, simply add it to your favorite salad and enjoy. Make a savory custard. Pre-bake a pie shell, spread the crab inside, add custard, and bake a crab quiche. Toast split English muffins, add the crab, and top with a rich hollandaise sauce. Or just put the crab in a pan or bowl of hot water, or in a steamer pan with only a little bit of water. You could also make it baked like you would a lobster pie in the oven!

But to be truthful, I like to eat them cold or at room temperature with some melted butter for dipping and a little squeeze of lemon on the crab meat too!

Enjoy your Dungeness crab in all its comforting splendor!