When it comes to indulging in seafood, one has an array of options to choose from- shrimp, lobsters, octopus, mussels, and so on. However, among these delicacies, crab has always been a crowd-pleaser. With its sweet, succulent meat and tender texture, crab is a go-to dish for seafood lovers worldwide. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at two most popular varieties- the King crab and the Dungeness crab, their differences, and why one might be a better choice over the other.
King Crab:
The King crab, also known as the Alaskan King Crab, is a type of crab found mostly in the cold waters of the northern Pacific ocean, particularly in the Bering sea. It’s considered one of the largest crabs and can weigh up to 25 pounds. The King crab has a reddish-brown shell with thick, spiky legs that can be almost four feet long. Its meat is sweeter, firmer, and has a more delicate taste than most other crabs.
The King crab is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. It’s also low in fat and calories, which makes it a healthy protein option. However, due to its high demand, King crab can be an expensive delicacy. It’s available mostly in upscale seafood restaurants and markets during its peak season, which is from October to April.
Dungeness Crab:
The Dungeness crab, on the other hand, is a type of crab found mostly in the shallow waters of the Pacific coast, from Alaska to California. It’s named after the town of Dungeness in Washington state. The Dungeness crab has a hard reddish-brown shell with spiny legs and usually weighs between one to three pounds. Its meat is sweet and tender with a slightly nutty flavor and is considered more delicate than most other crabs.
The Dungeness crab is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Like the King crab, it’s low in fat and calories and contains omega-3 fatty acids. It’s available year-round, and due to its popularity as a local delicacy, it’s considerably cheaper than the King crab.
King Crab vs. Dungeness Crab
While the King crab and Dungeness crab share some similarities, they’re also quite different from one another in several ways. Here’s a closer look at some of those differences-
Size:
The King crab is much larger than the Dungeness crab, with an average weight of around 8-10 pounds, while the Dungeness crab weighs only around 2-3 pounds.
Flavor and Texture:
While both the King crab and Dungeness crab have a sweet, delicate flavor, the King crab is considered to be firmer and sweeter than the Dungeness crab. Dungeness crab meat is more tender and has a slightly nutty flavor.
Availability:
The King crab is found mostly in the cold waters of the Bering Sea and is available only during its peak season, which is from October to April. The Dungeness crab, on the other hand, is available year-round, and can be found in the Pacific coast from Alaska to California.
Price:
Due to its large size and limited availability, the King crab is an expensive delicacy, while the Dungeness crab is relatively cheaper and affordable.
Nutrition:
Both the King crab and Dungeness crab are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They’re low in fat and calories and contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Cooking:
The King crab is best cooked by boiling, steaming, or baking. It’s usually served with melted butter, lemon wedges, or cocktail sauce. The Dungeness crab, on the other hand, is mostly cooked by boiling or steaming and is usually served with melted butter or garlic butter.
Conclusion:
Choosing between the King crab and Dungeness crab comes down to personal preference, availability, and budget. While the King crab is larger and firmer with a sweeter taste, it can be an expensive indulgence. The Dungeness crab, on the other hand, has a tender meat with a slightly nutty flavor, is available year-round, and is affordable. Both the King crab and Dungeness crab are a healthy protein option and can be prepared in various ways to suit different tastes. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast looking for a special treat or a health-conscious individual looking for a nutritious meal, both the King crab and Dungeness crab can satisfy your cravings.