Dungeness Crab vs. Snow Crab — What's the Difference?

Dungeness Crab, harvested mainly from the Pacific Northwest, is celebrated for its rich, buttery taste. It's a preferred choice for gourmet dishes due to its larger size and the substantial amount of meat inside its shell. In contrast, Snow Crab, with its long, spindly legs and smaller clusters, is prized for its fine, sweet meat that's easier to extract from its thinner shell, making it a favorite in buffets and seafood platters.

Dungeness Crabs can weigh up to 4 pounds, offering a generous yield of meat, while Snow Crabs, though lighter, compensate with their elongated legs packed with accessible, flavorful meat. This difference in meat yield influences their culinary uses and market price, with Dungeness often being more expensive.

In terms of habitat, Dungeness Crabs thrive in the sandy bottoms and eelgrass beds of the West Coast's cooler waters, influencing their unique taste. Snow Crabs prefer the cold, deep waters of the Atlantic and Arctic, contributing to their distinct, slightly briny flavor.

Cooking methods for both crabs vary due to their shell strength and meat texture. Dungeness typically requires careful steaming or boiling to preserve its delicate flavor, while Snow Crab’s thinner shell makes it suitable for a range of cooking methods, including steaming, boiling, and grilling.

Both crabs are nutritional powerhouses, offering high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, Dungeness Crab tends to have a slightly higher calorie and fat content, reflecting its richer taste and texture.