Understanding "Serving Size" for Crab
Unlike more straightforward protein sources, the term "serving size" for crab is complex because of the non-edible shell. The amount you need to buy will be significantly higher than the actual meat yield. For two servings, you must first clarify what kind of crab you are purchasing and whether it will be the main course or an appetizer. This guide will break down the ideal amounts based on the most common types of crab and preparation styles.
How Much is Two Servings of Crab Legs?
Crab legs are a popular choice for home cooking due to their impressive size and relatively easy preparation. For a substantial main course for two people, a good rule of thumb is to purchase 1.5 to 2 pounds of crab legs per person, which accounts for the weight of the shell. Therefore, for two servings, you should plan on buying between 3 to 4 pounds of raw crab legs total.
The most common varieties sold as legs are:
- King Crab Legs: These are the largest and most impressive legs. Two servings would typically consist of 3 to 4 pounds, which might be just a few legs due to their large size.
- Snow Crab Legs: Smaller and more delicate than king crab, snow crab legs are often sold in clusters. For two servings, a 3-pound package is ideal and explicitly marketed for two people by many sellers.
- Dungeness Crab Clusters: Dungeness clusters are often smaller than snow crab. A serving size is typically 2-3 clusters per person, equating to approximately 1.5 pounds per person. Therefore, for two servings, you would need about 3 pounds of Dungeness clusters.
How Much is Two Servings of Whole Crab?
When dealing with whole crabs, the portion size depends heavily on the specific species and size. Because you are buying the entire animal, the meat yield is much lower as a percentage of the total weight compared to pre-sectioned legs.
- Whole Dungeness Crab: An average Dungeness crab from the market weighs between 1.5 and 2 pounds. A single crab can be a filling entree for one person, so two whole Dungeness crabs would be appropriate for two servings. This would be 3 to 4 pounds of total weight.
- Whole Blue Crabs (Maryland-style): These are smaller and famously served steamed in large quantities. For two people, a generous serving would be between 6 and 10 crabs each, or 12 to 20 crabs total, especially if this is the main event.
Portioning Two Servings of Picked Crab Meat
If you are using pre-shelled, picked crab meat for recipes like crab cakes, pasta, or salads, the portioning is much more precise. The standard serving size for picked crab meat is typically 4 to 6 ounces per person for an entree portion. For two servings, this means you will need 8 to 12 ounces of picked crab meat. The higher end of this range is recommended if crab is the star of the dish, while the lower end is sufficient for dishes where it is an accent.
Factors Influencing Your Order
Several variables can influence the ideal amount of crab you should purchase beyond just the raw numbers. Considering these factors will help prevent over-ordering or leaving guests hungry.
- Appetite of diners: Not all appetites are created equal. If you are serving big eaters, it is always safer to lean towards the higher end of the recommended ranges. It is also easier to deal with leftover crab than to have hungry diners.
- Availability of side dishes: If you are serving a full meal with numerous hearty side dishes like corn on the cob, potatoes, or bread, you can aim for a slightly smaller crab portion. If the crab is the primary focus of the meal, stick to the larger portion recommendations.
- Meal context: Is the crab an appetizer, a main entree, or part of a larger seafood boil? An appetizer portion of picked crab meat is just 2 to 3 ounces per person. For a crab boil, where the focus is on the communal experience, a higher volume might be necessary.
- Cooking method: The way you prepare the crab can affect how much is needed. Steamed blue crabs, for example, involve more work and therefore take longer to eat, which can naturally spread out consumption.
Comparison Table: 2 Servings by Crab Type
To simplify your meal planning, here is a quick reference table for ordering two servings of different types of crab for a main course.
| Crab Type | Per Person (Raw Weight) | 2 Servings (Raw Weight) | Estimated Cooked Meat (2 Servings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Crab Legs | 1.5–2 lbs | 3–4 lbs | ~12–16 oz |
| Snow Crab Legs | 1.5–2 lbs | 3–4 lbs | ~12–16 oz |
| Dungeness Crab (Whole) | 1.5–2 lbs | 2 whole crabs | ~10–14 oz |
| Blue Crabs (Whole) | 6–10 crabs | 12–20 crabs | ~8–12 oz |
| Picked Crab Meat | 4–6 oz | 8–12 oz | N/A |
Conclusion
When determining how much is 2 servings of crab, the correct amount is not a single, universal figure. It is a decision that requires careful consideration of the crab type, the form it's in (whole, legs, or picked meat), and the role it plays in your meal. For a generous main course, 3 to 4 pounds of crab legs is a safe bet for two people, while 8 to 12 ounces of picked crab meat is appropriate for a recipe. For whole crabs, the quantity varies greatly by species. By using the guidelines and table provided, you can confidently prepare a delicious crab meal without the stress of portioning. It is always wise to err on the side of slightly more, as leftover crab can be used in a variety of delicious recipes later. Alaska King Crab Co. offers further resources on portioning for larger feasts.
Can you eat too much crab?
While delicious, consuming brown crab meat too frequently is cautioned by some health authorities due to potential contaminants. However, there is generally no need to limit white crab meat consumption.
Is 2 servings of crab a lot of food?
For two people, 2 servings, equating to 3-4 pounds of crab legs, can be a very filling meal, especially when served with side dishes. It's considered a generous portion size.
