9 Things to Make During Dungeness Crab Season

© Petrina Tinslay

Last weekend was a big weekend for west coasters—it marked the opening of Dungeness crab season. Big and thick-shelled with sweet, tender meat, Dungeness crabs are prized by chefs in California, Oregon and Washington. Lucky for them and for crab-loving home cooks, this year's season could be record-breaking. Here are five delicious recipes for the West Coast's favorite crustacean.

1. Dungeness Crab Cioppino 

Chef Michael Mina's late mother-in-law, Judith Tirado, always prepared cioppino for Christmas Eve dinner. Now he carries on the tradition by making her hearty, briny recipe, full of crab, shrimp and clams.

2. Crab Louie 

This fresh, classic salad is filling enough to be a perfect lunch or light dinner.

3. Brioche Crab Melts 

Vitaly Paley, the chef and owner of Paley's Place, created this indulgent version of the classic tuna melt while competing in a cook-off sponsored by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission. He won first place.

4. Spicy Crab Bisque 

This luxe crab bisque is studded with plenty of crabmeat. Thanks to a hit of cayenne and Tabasco, the soup has a sneaky heat.

5. Coconut-Crab Cocktail 

Bobby Flay combines morsels of sweet crab with Asian flavors—coconut milk, piquant lime juice and aromatic cilantro—then serves it with salty chips.

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