Instructions

1. Prepare a 12-quart or larger pot with steamer insert by filling it with 3 to 4 inches of water. Place a metal colander in the bottom of the pot if you do not have a steamer basket that is large enough. This will place the crabs above the water line.

2. Set the stove to high and bring the water to a boil.

3. Place the crabs in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes while the water is boiling. This will stun them for easier handling. Do not let the crabs fully freeze.

4. Remove the crabs from the freezer and rinse them in water. Place the crabs in the steamer basket in the pot. Cover the pot and steam for 10 to 15 minutes per crab or until the shells turn bright red. Add additional hot water to the pot if the water level gets low.

5. Remove the crabs once they are finished cooking. Rinse under cold water if serving immediately to cool the shell temperature.

6. Served steamed Dungeness crab with melted butter and lemon wedges.