Dallas might be landlocked, but its markets boast a bounty of fresh seafood flown in daily, with crab being a standout favorite. Whether you’re planning a decadent seafood boil, a gourmet dinner, or just want to indulge in the taste of the ocean, Dallas markets offer an impressive selection of crab varieties. Each type brings its unique flavor profile, texture, and culinary versatility, making it essential to choose the right one for your dish.
From the sweet, delicate meat of snow crab to the robust richness of king crab, Dallas’ seafood markets cater to every palate and occasion. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular crab varieties you’ll find and what makes each special:
King Crab
Known for its impressive size and sweet, tender meat, king crab is the star of seafood feasts. Its thick, spiky legs yield generous portions of rich, succulent meat that pairs beautifully with drawn butter. Markets often carry pre-cooked king crab legs, making it a convenient and luxurious option for your table. Perfect for holidays or special celebrations, king crab is as much about presentation as it is flavor.
Snow Crab
Smaller than king crab but just as flavorful, snow crab features long, slender legs with shells that are easier to crack. Its meat is sweet and flaky, ideal for seafood boils, pasta dishes, or simply dipped in garlic butter. Affordable and widely available, snow crab is a go-to choice for weeknight indulgences and casual gatherings.
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab brings a taste of the Pacific Northwest to Dallas. With a delicate, slightly nutty flavor, this crab is prized for its juicy body meat and tender legs. It’s perfect for crab cakes, soups, or simply steamed with Old Bay seasoning. Look for live Dungeness crabs at premium seafood markets for the freshest experience.
Blue Crab
Blue crab is a southern staple and a favorite among Texans. Known for its sweet, tender meat, blue crab is often enjoyed steamed, boiled, or in classic dishes like crab gumbo and crab cakes. For the adventurous, soft-shell blue crabs are a seasonal delicacy—fried to crispy perfection and served whole.
Stone Crab
Stone crab claws are a sustainable and prized delicacy thanks to their sweet, firm meat and unique harvesting process, where only the claws are taken, allowing the crab to regenerate. Typically served chilled with a tangy mustard sauce, stone crab is a popular choice for those seeking a more refined seafood experience.
Jonah Crab
Often overshadowed by its more famous relatives, Jonah crab offers a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing flavor. Its claw meat is rich and slightly sweet, making it ideal for dips, salads, or crab rolls. Jonah crab is a versatile and accessible option for home chefs experimenting with crab recipes.
Where to Find These Crabs in Dallas
Dallas markets like Central Market, TJ’s Seafood Market, and Dallas Farmers Market frequently stock a variety of crabs, ensuring freshness and quality. For live crabs, specialty Asian markets such as H Mart or 99 Ranch Market are excellent options, especially for blue crab and Dungeness crab.
Whether you’re preparing a southern boil, a creamy bisque, or an elegant seafood platter, Dallas has the crabs to match your culinary vision. Dive into the world of crab and let the flavors of the ocean elevate your next meal.
When we are out for restaurant crabs look at TJ Seafood Market, the restaurant and Truluck’s Stone Crab which will offer several types of crab including King and Stone. They fish for their own Stone when in season. We also like Nate’s Seafood, Sea Breeze Seafood and Shell Shack.
