Looking for a simple, satisfying, and fast-friendly meal? This Dungeness crab clusters sandwich is a perfect way to enjoy the delicate flavor of wild-caught crab while sticking to your fasting routine. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is balanced, delicious, and provides a protein-packed option during fasting days. 🦀
🥪 Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Dungeness crab clusters sandwich is inspired by the simplicity and nourishment we seek during fasting. Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B-12, Dungeness crab meat is a great addition to any fasting meal, especially for those looking to get a solid source of nutrients while keeping it light. With a balanced mix of fresh greens, a flavorful sauce, and the tender, sweet flavor of the crab, this sandwich will satisfy the whole family, including picky eaters. It's quick to make and customizable—perfect for a busy day when you need to feed your loved ones with minimal fuss!
🦀 Ingredients
1 - Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Dungeness crab clusters sandwich:
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 1 lb white crab meat (I order mine on GoldBelly from the famous Pike Place Fish Market. Their fresh, wild-caught Dungeness crab is cooked and ready to use. It’s a little pricey, but the quality and flavor are unmatched, and with their membership options, you can often avoid shipping fees.)
- Arugula or baby spinach
- 2-3 tablespoon veganaise
- 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 chopped sweet onion (optional)
- Tomato slices (optional)
- Pickles (I recommend Dijon brand) (optional)
- 4-6 drops Tabasco (optional)
2 - Variations
For those days when you can’t find Dungeness crab, or you’re looking for a variation, consider using frozen langostino tails from Trader Joe’s. Langostino has a firmer texture and a slightly sweeter taste than Dungeness crab. You can chop the meat to make it easier to handle in a sandwich. Lobster or snow crab meat also works great, but the texture is a bit denser, so be sure to chop it well to avoid the pieces falling out of the sandwich. And if you want to mix it up, try using a hot dog bun instead of sourdough for a more portable option.
🍞 Instructions
1 - Step by Step Instructions
- Lightly toast the sourdough bread. I like to do this on a pan with a bit of vegan butter for extra flavor, but you can skip this if you prefer your sandwich cold.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white crab meat with veganaise, wholegrain mustard, lemon juice, and avocado oil. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if your veganaise brand has a strong flavor.
- Spread the crab mixture evenly over two slices of toasted bread.
- Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Layer with arugula or baby spinach, and add sweet onion, tomato slices, pickles, and Tabasco, if you like a bit of heat.
- Top with the remaining slices of toast, press lightly, and cut the sandwich in half.
2 - Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Make sure your crab meat is fully dried before mixing it with the other ingredients, especially if it was previously frozen. Excess water will make the sandwich soggy.
- For a warm version of this sandwich, you can heat the crab mixture in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes before assembling the sandwich.
- This sandwich is great to take on the go. If you’re bringing it to work, I recommend keeping the greens separate until you're ready to eat, so they don’t wilt.
🧊 Storage Instructions
Making A Batch For Later
Making A Batch For Later
If you want to prepare these sandwiches in advance, you can make the crab mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat. If you plan on freezing the crab mixture, be sure to separate it from the bread and greens to prevent sogginess. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When storing, place the mixture in small, freezer-safe containers and use parchment paper to separate layers if you're making a larger batch.
Storing Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover crab mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. To extend its shelf life, make sure you pat the crab meat dry and avoid adding high-moisture ingredients (like tomatoes) until you’re ready to eat.
How to Thaw and Reheat?
How to Thaw and Reheat?
To thaw the frozen crab mixture, leave it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, use a low-heat pan for about 4-5 minutes to prevent drying out. For a more indulgent flavor, you can add a few drops of avocado oil while reheating.
🍟 Side Dishes
Looking for side dishes to pair with your Dungeness crab sandwich? Here are a few simple options:
- Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries add a touch of sweetness and crunch to balance the tender crab meat.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing salad with cucumbers, lemon slices, and fresh herbs is the perfect accompaniment.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning enhances the seafood flavors in the sandwich.
📝 Recipe Card
Wild Caught Cooked Dungeness Crab Clusters Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 lb white crab meat I order mine on GoldBelly from the famous Pike Place Fish Market. Their fresh, wild-caught Dungeness crab is cooked and ready to use. It’s a little pricey, but the quality and flavor are unmatched, and with their membership options, you can often avoid shipping fees.
- 1 cup Arugula or baby spinach
- 2-3 tablespoon veganaise
- 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 chopped sweet onion optional
- Tomato slices optional
- Pickles I recommend Dijon "cornichons" - optional
- 4-6 drops Tabasco optional
Instructions
- Lightly toast the sourdough bread. I like to do this on a pan with a bit of vegan butter for extra flavor, but you can skip this if you prefer your sandwich cold.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white crab meat with veganaise, wholegrain mustard, lemon juice, and avocado oil. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if your veganaise brand has a strong flavor.
- Spread the crab mixture evenly over two slices of toasted bread.
- Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Layer with arugula or baby spinach, and add sweet onion, tomato slices, pickles, and Tabasco, if you like a bit of heat.
- Top with the remaining slices of toast, press lightly, and cut the sandwich in half.
Video
Notes
- Make sure your crab meat is fully dried before mixing it with the other ingredients, especially if it was previously frozen. Excess water will make the sandwich soggy.
- For a warm version of this sandwich, you can heat the crab mixture in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes before assembling the sandwich.
- This sandwich is great to take on the go. If you’re bringing it to work, I recommend keeping the greens separate until you're ready to eat, so they don’t wilt.
Nutrition
This Dungeness crab clusters sandwich is not only a fast-friendly option but also a nutritious, balanced meal for the whole family. With a little practice, you'll be able to whip this up in no time, and it’s a great way to bring variety to your fasting meal rotation while staying connected to the season of fasting.
🦀 Frequently Asked Questions
Dungeness crab has a sweet, delicate flavor with tender meat, especially from the body and leg meat. It’s less briny than blue crabs or king crab, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. The meat has a mild, nutty taste, perfect for dishes like crab cakes or served with lemon wedges.
Dungeness crab tends to be more expensive due to several factors. First, it’s a seasonal catch, primarily harvested off the west coast in places like the Oregon coast and the coast of Alaska, which limits availability. Second, the labor-intensive process of catching live Dungeness crab in small fishing boats, often from small fishing villages, adds to the cost. Once caught, the crabs are often sold live or pre-cooked and shipped across the United States using dry ice or other temperature-controlled methods, which further raises the price. Additionally, the demand for the freshest seafood and high-quality wild-caught crab drives up costs, especially when combined with the logistical challenges of maintaining freshness during home delivery or following business day shipping.
You can find Dungeness crab legs at local seafood markets or online from vendors like Pike Place Fish Market. They offer live Dungeness crab or pre-cooked alaskan dungeness crab clusters with free shipping. Always check actual product packaging and delivery options to ensure freshness.
Most Dungeness crab legs are pre-cooked and flash-frozen. Reheating is easy—just steam them in a large pot for 4-5 minutes, or serve them cold with garlic butter sauce. This is the best way to enjoy their tender meat without overcooking.
Plan for about 1-2 pounds of whole crab per person for a main course or crab feast. If using just the body meat or leg meat, about ½ pound per person works. For sandwiches, 4-6 clusters of crab should be enough.
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