5 Things to Make During Dungeness Crab Season

The opening of Dungeness crab season marks a big weekend for west coasters. Dungeness crabs are prized by chefs in California, Oregon, and Washington. The variety is big and thick-shelled with sweet, tender meat. Here are five delicious Dungeness crab 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.