Dungeness Crab Tacos
Celebrate the Pacific Northwest with these fresh, light tacos! Sweet Dungeness crab - Oregon's prized coastal catch - is paired with tangy lime crema, crunchy purple cabbage, and fresh cilantro. Simple ingredients that let the crab shine.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Make the lime crema: Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the other components.
Prep the crab: Carefully pick through the crab meat to remove any shell fragments. Keep the pieces as large as possible - don't shred it. Dungeness has beautiful, sweet chunks that deserve to be showcased.
Gently warm the crab: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the crab meat and gently toss to warm through, about 1-2 minutes. Don't break up the chunks.
Season the crab: Remove from heat, add lime juice and a pinch of salt. Toss gently. The crab should be just warmed, not cooked further.
Prep the toppings: Finely shred the purple cabbage, thinly slice the radishes, and roughly chop the cilantro. Keep everything cold and crisp.
Warm the tortillas: Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30-45 seconds per side, or char lightly over a gas flame. Stack and wrap in a clean towel.
Assemble: Spread a layer of lime crema on each warm tortilla. Add shredded purple cabbage, then top generously with warm crab meat. Add sliced radishes and fresh cilantro.
Finish and serve: Drizzle with additional lime crema. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. A cold Oregon white wine or craft beer makes an excellent pairing!
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Source matters: Dungeness crab season on the Oregon coast runs December through August. Fresh is best, but quality frozen or canned works off-season.
- Don't overcook: The crab is already cooked. You're just warming it gently. High heat will make it tough and rubbery.
- Corn tortillas are traditional: Their earthy flavor complements seafood better than flour tortillas.
- Keep it simple: Dungeness crab has a naturally sweet, delicate flavor. Don't overwhelm it with heavy seasonings.
- Old Bay option: A light dusting of Old Bay seasoning is a tasty addition if you like that East Coast touch.
- Avocado upgrade: Sliced avocado or a simple guacamole makes an excellent addition to these tacos.