Everything You Need to Know About Popular Varieties of Edible Crab

Most Popular Types of Crab (And How to Differentiate Each)

As any true crab connoisseur knows: not all types of edible crab are created equally. The differences in size, origin, texture, and flavor can make a huge impact on the overall eating experience – so it’s crucial to know what to expect before you order. Of course, not everyone has the same favorite, and your choice of crab may vary based on taste preferences and dining context. For example, certain varieties are better for integrating into dinner recipes, while others should be enjoyed right off the claw. For any seafood lovers out there – it’s important to know these distinctions when making your choice.

That’s why we’ve rounded up seven of the most popular varieties of edible crab and broken down the characteristics that may affect your purchasing decision. Read on to learn more about Snow crab, Dungeness crab, King crab, Stone crab, Jonah crab, Softshell crab and Blue crab.

Snow Crab

Earning its name from the bright white meat it produces when cooked, Snow crab is most commonly sourced from the east coast of the United States, though it can also be found in the Pacific Ocean. Known for their long spindly legs, Snow crab meat is generally more firm and slightly less sweet than other crab varieties. Many crab lovers enjoy eating Snow crab legs because their shells can be easily broken apart by hand.

Dungeness

Found along the Pacific Coast of the U.S., Dungeness crabs are one of the most abundant varieties on the market. Often brown or purple in color, these crabs are larger than many common varieties (like Blue crab), but have much shorter legs than most of the largest varieties (like Snow or King crab). In fact, in order to catch and sell Dungeness crabs, their bodies must measure at least 6.5 inches.

King Crab

Weighing in at up to 25 pounds, there’s a reason this variety is hailed as “king”! The largest concentration of King crab is found in Alaskan waters, where at least 18 species are currently known to exist, including golden, red and blue King crab. Prized all over the world for their monstrous legs and sweet, tender meat – King crab outshines the rest of the pack with unparalleled size, taste and texture.

Stone Crab

Primarily sourced from Florida, Stone crabs are unique because only their thick, squat legs are eaten. In fact, since Stone crabs can regenerate new legs within 18 months, fishermen remove the claws and toss them back. While the legs are shorter than many other crabs prized for their claw meat, they are thick, producing firm, sweet meat.

Jonah Crab

Praised for its melt-in-your-mouth meat, Jonah Crab is similar to its deep-sea relative, the Dungeness crab, but slightly smaller. However, what this variety lacks in size, it makes up for in sweet, delicate flavor. When properly sourced along the Eastern Seaboard, Jonah crabs are a delectable sustainable option year-round with a similar diet to lobsters.

Blue Crab

Praised for its melt-in-your-mouth meat, Jonah Crab is similar to its deep-sea relative, the Dungeness crab, but slightly smaller. However, what this variety lacks in size, it makes up for in sweet, delicate flavor. When properly sourced along the Eastern Seaboard, Jonah crabs are a delectable sustainable option year-round with a similar diet to lobsters.

Softshell Crab

While this particular variety might differ completely from the other hard-shelled crabs on this list, Soft Shell crabs are actually Blue crabs that have molted their shell in favor of growing a larger one. Caught during the molten process, these tender-bodied crabs can then be eaten whole. Pro tip: keep this fact in your back pocket for the next trivia match!

With unique appearances, flavors, preparation methods and sizes, each variety of edible crab brings something different (and usually, delicious) to the table. While it’s difficult to dispute the superiority of some types of crab to others… the choice is ultimately a personal preference. So, tell us: what’s your favorite?

Crab Meat

Crab meat is a delicious and versatile seafood product that comes from various species of crabs across the world. It’s treasured for its sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. Crab meat can be used in numerous dishes, ranging from simple crab salads to more sophisticated recipes like crab cakes, bisques, and crab imperial.

Benefits of Crab Meat:

• High in Protein: Crab meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle development and overall health.
• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are essential fats that help in reducing inflammation and heart disease risk.
• Low in Calories: Crab meat is low in fat and calories, making it a good choice for those looking to maintain or reduce their weight.
• Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: It’s a great source of vitamins such as vitamin B12 and minerals like zinc and selenium, which are important for the immune system.

Popular Crab Meat Dishes:

1. Crab Cakes
   Simple and savory, crab cakes are a crowd-pleaser and can be served with a variety of sauces.
2. Crab Bisque
   A creamy and comforting soup, crab bisque is flavored with aromatics and sherry, and is perfect for colder days.
3. Crab Rangoon
   These are deep-fried dumplings stuffed with cream cheese and crab meat, a popular item in American-Chinese cuisine.
4. Crab Salad
   Quick and refreshing, a crab salad can be made with a light mayonnaise or vinaigrette dressing.
5. California Sushi Rolls
   Sushi rolls filled with crab meat, avocado, and cucumber, they are a Western favorite in Japanese cuisine.

How to Cook Crab Meat:

• Steaming: This method preserves the delicate flavor and moisture of the crab meat.
• Boiling: A quick boil in seasoned water is a common way to cook crab, especially for dishes like crab boil or salads.
• Sautéing: Crab meat can be quickly sautéed with butter and garlic for a succulent filling in pastas or omelets.
• Grill: Or simply by grilling your crab at the BBQ for example.

Tips for Buying Crab Meat:

• Freshness: If possible, buy fresh crab meat from a reputable fishmonger or market.
• Types: Claw meat is darker and has a stronger flavor, while lump crab meat is lighter and more delicate.
• Sustainability: Opt for crab meat from sustainable fisheries to help protect ocean life.