Dine with Dungeness Crab
Tender , somewhat salty , and slightly sweet — Dungeness crab has a unique flavor that will keep you reaching for more .
Milder than the often talked about king crab , Dungeness crabs , commonly referred to as “ Dungies ,” bring a delicate ocean taste to both comfort food and more refined dishes . They ’ re also the reason visitors and locals head to Halibut Point Crab and Chowder , a locally and family-owned operation located on the water at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal . The restaurant , which is currently under construction to be completed in 2022 , features a live crab tank stocked full of crab harvested in nearby Sitka waters by the Friske family , a husband and wife duo and their two kids . The new cruise terminal will also offer an adjoining tasting room showcasing locally brewed beer , root beer , and seltzers .
The owners strive to provide tasty options , like Dungeness crab cocktail , while also educating their customers about wild Alaska seafood and the importance of thoughtfully maintaining sustainable resources . Customers can commemorate their visit by taking a selfie with their Dungie before it is expertly cooked and served as lunch .
If you are lucky enough to have a kitchen while you are staying in Sitka , and you want to try your hand at cooking fresh Dungeness , stop by the Sitka Fresh Retail Store on Katlian Street . Customers can add to their order by purchasing other seafood , such as salmon filets or burgers , rockfish , halibut cheeks , and other shellfish , all of which are sustainably caught . You can also pick up fresh seafood products at Seamart Quality Foods on Halibut Point Road .
Hot Dungeness Crab Dip
Recipe by Laurie Booyse from Visit Sitka
s e r v e s 2 | prep 15 min c o o k 20 - 25 min
ingredients
1 cup shredded crab meat 8 ounces softened cream cheese 3 tablespoons milk
1 / 2 cup mayonnaise ( do not use Miracle Whip )
1 / 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish ( optional ) Salt & pepper to taste Cooking spray
directions
Soften cream cheese to room temperature . Stir in milk , mayonnaise , horseradish , salt and pepper . Blend well . Add crab meat and gently fold into the mix .
Lightly grease shallow baking dish , place crab mixture in the dish , sprinkle cheese on top .
Bake crab dip in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly .
Serve hot with sliced bread or crackers . Also tastes great as a topping for grilled steak .