Crab is a delicacy loved by many, not only for its delicious meat but also for its versatility in cooking. Today, we will introduce you to 11 of the most delicious and popular edible crabs around the world!
1 Alaska King Crab
Alaska King Crab, also known as the emperor crab, is often imported to Vietnam and commands a high price. They dwell in the cold waters near the Arctic, at depths of 200-400 meters, and are significantly larger than other crab species.
An Alaska King Crab can weigh up to 10kg, with legs spanning 2 meters. Its body is adorned with small, sharp spines. The meat of this crab is considered top-notch, with sweet and tender white meat that is often steamed and served with garlic butter or lemon aioli, making it a favorite among many.
Alaska King Crab (Emperor Crab)
2 Ranina Red Crab
The Ranina Red Crab, often mistaken for the emperor crab, goes by the scientific name Ranina Ranina. It is predominantly found in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and temperate seas, including the coastal waters of central Vietnam.
This crab typically has a size equivalent to a human handspan, with a bright reddish-pink carapace that is somewhat square-shaped and sturdy. Its meat is firm, aromatic, white, and rich in protein. In Vietnam, the Ranina Red Crab is commonly found in clean, clear waters such as those off the coasts of Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), and Sa Huynh (Quang Ngai). It is also a valuable seafood commodity.
Ranina Red Crab
3 Hong Kong Hairy Crab
The Hong Kong Hairy Crab is renowned for its high price tag and is sought after by many. It is distinguished by its small size and hairy legs. When steamed, its meat is firm, sweet, and complemented by rich, fatty roe—a true delicacy.
The Hong Kong Hairy Crab is best enjoyed for its roe, and steaming is all it takes to savor its exquisite flavor.
Hong Kong Hairy Crab
4 Tasmanian Giant Crab
The Tasmanian Giant Crab resembles Vietnamese crabs but is ten to twenty times larger.
Native to Australia, this crab species is classified as one of the heaviest in the world, with some individuals weighing up to 10kg.
Tasmanian Giant Crab
5 Snow Crab
The Snow Crab bears a striking resemblance to the emperor crab, boasting large legs packed with meat. However, it is only of medium weight, not as hefty as the emperor crab.
Snow Crabs are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, steaming, boiling, or even stir-frying in a tangy tamarind sauce.
Snow Crab
6 Australian Crystal Crab
The Australian Crystal Crab has a small body and large, outstretched spider-like pincers, resembling Vietnamese spider crabs but on a much larger scale.
Dwelling at depths of 300 to 1200 meters and burying itself in mud and sand, this crab has a pale, milky-white carapace. Its meat is firm and chewy, concentrated in the legs, while its roe boasts a sweet, buttery flavor. It can be prepared in a multitude of delicious and nutritious ways.
Australian Crystal Crab
7 Alaskan Ruby Crab
The Alaskan Ruby Crab is renowned for its unique, sweet-tasting meat. It inhabits rocky crevices and buries itself in thick layers of sand in the cold, deep waters of Alaska in North America.
Its legs are short and slightly curled inward, and its outer shell is rough. When cooked, it turns a vibrant red, weighing up to 9kg and measuring about 60cm long. It resembles a large, beautiful ruby.
The Alaskan Ruby Crab is best enjoyed steamed or grilled, showcasing its delicious meat. Alternatively, it can be stir-fried with chili, garlic, or added to hot pots.
Alaskan Ruby Crab
8 North American Stone Crab
The North American Stone Crab is native to Monterey, California, and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. It inhabits the seabed off the west coast of North America.
This crab has a large, sturdy, and robust body, with a carapace width of up to 25cm in adulthood. Its meat is exceptionally sweet and tasty, and it is best prepared with simple cooking methods to let its natural flavor shine.
North American Stone Crab
9 Dungeness Crab (Canadian Stone Crab)
The Dungeness Crab, or Canadian Stone Crab, is considered one of the four most prestigious seafood delicacies in the world. Its pincers are enormous yet have thin shells, packed with firm, sweet meat and rich, non-bitter roe.
This crab is so revered that it is celebrated annually at the International Los Angeles Harbor Seafood Festival in October.
Dungeness Crab (Canadian Stone Crab)
10 Norwegian Brown Crab
The Norwegian Brown Crab is a rare delicacy sourced from the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, specifically the coastal waters of Norway. Its carapace is large and slightly flattened, and it only inhabits clean, clear waters.
The meat of this crab is of premium quality, with a sweet and refreshing taste and tender, chewy texture. It boasts a similar nutritional profile to other crab species.
Norwegian Brown Crab
11 Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese Spider Crab is one of the largest crab species in the world, found in the Pacific Ocean near Japan.
Its legs can span up to 3.7 meters, with a body length of about 40cm, and a weight of up to 19kg for mature males. It has a bright orange carapace adorned with white spots on its legs. This crab is highly valued and commands a high price due to the challenges of catching it.
Japanese Spider Crab
We hope you found this overview of 11 delicious and popular crab species from around the world informative and engaging.
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