Sea to Table: Beer Steamed Dungeness Crab

Posted by: 50 Campfires in Lunch & Dinner

It’s easy to fall into the same old routine when camping, especially when it comes to preparing your food. While we all love grilling up brats and big, juicy hamburgers, we at 50 Campfires challenge you to break the mold and try new things – like this tasty beer steamed Dungeness crab recipe.

Crab season has finally arrived on the west coast and we’re excited to share this new seafood recipe with you!

This recipe is especially fun for the little ones. Get the kids involved and teach them about cooking and seafood – and pincers! They are going to love having real Dungeness crabs at the campsite and you’re going to love the help from your tiny sous chefs.

Just wait until you try this recipe. The tender Dungeness crab meat and savory broth will fill you up and have you begging for more. Tip: If you’re new to cooking fresh crab, you’ll need a seafood cracker (for serving).

Author: Neil Davidson

Recipe type: Entree

Ingredients

10 fresh live Dungeness crabs
1 beer (12 oz. or enough to fill the bottom of a large pot)
½ cup Old Bay seasoning
1 bulb fennel, cut into quarters
6 cloves of garlic
Melted butter for serving (optional)

Instructions

Fill the bottom of the steamer with beer, fennel, and garlic – bring to a boil.
Place the live crabs on the steaming rack (don’t get pinched!) and sprinkle garlic cloves and seasoning over them.
Cook for 20 minutes on low heat (until simmering).
Pull crabs out of the steamer and set aside until they’re cool enough to handle.
Crack ‘em open and dip the crabmeat into buttery bliss. Yum!