Alaskan king crabs are some of the most prized crustaceans in the world, known for their delicious meat and generous size. There are dozens of king crab species in the Pacific, but there are currently three varieties that are commercially harvested in Alaska.
King crabs are not true crabs. Despite the resemblance to species like Dungeness, king crabs are more closely related to hermit crabs. However, like true crabs, Alaskan kings are decapods. That means they have ten legs — two sets of 5 legs — including a pair of claws.
Types of Alaskan King Crab
There are three different types of king crab in Alaska that are commercially harvested for their delicious meat, including red king crab, blue king crab, and golden king crab. Each species has a spiky appearance and long legs, where most of its meat can be found. Experts estimate that king crabs can have a maximum lifespan of 10 to 30 years, depending on the species.
Red King Crab
Red king crab is the largest and most valuable species of king crab in Alaska. They can grow to over twice the size of their female counterparts, weighing in at up to 24 pounds and with a leg span of up to 5 feet. Its long legs are covered in large spikes that protect its tender, delicately textured meat from predators.
This colossal species has a spiny exoskeleton that’s red on top with a creamy white underside. It can be found on the seafloor in the deep waters along the coast of Alaska and in the Bering Sea.
Blue King Crab
Blue king crabs are the rarest species of king crab in Alaska. They’re a fairly large species, weighing up to 18 pounds. Like red king crab, blue king crab has spines across its body and legs, but its shell has a blue-ish appearance. Its meat is sweet and buttery.
Golden King Crab
Golden king crab is the smallest species of the three commercially harvested Alaskan king crabs, with an average size of 5 to 8 pounds. Its spiny shell has a golden appearance.
When is king crab in season?
Depending on the region and species, king crab is typically harvested in the fall and winter, between October and January.
However, the commercial harvest season for king crab is subject to change depending on factors like population size and commercial harvest quotas.
What does king crab taste like?
Each species of Alaskan king crab has a slightly different taste and texture, but king crab is generally known for its naturally sweet and buttery flavor. Red king crab meat is especially delicate and moist, making it the most prized variety.
Why is king crab so expensive?
Red king crab from Alaska is one of the most expensive crab species in the world due in part to its amazing taste and texture, as well as the unique level of care and sustainability involved in harvesting and processing the species. Red king crab is also more expensive than other types of king crab because it’s especially sweet and succulent.
Generally though, any variety of Alaskan king crab is considered expensive compared to other crabs. There are many factors that can cause the market price of Alaskan king crab to fluctuate, including population size and international trade agreements.
King Crab Nutrition Facts
Different species of king crab have different nutritional profiles, but you can generally expect any variety of king crab to be a healthy seafood option. Red king crab, for example, is high in protein but low in fat, making it a lean and healthy* choice. *See red king crab nutrition information for sodium content.
Nutrition per 3-ounce serving of Alaskan Red King Crab:
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Calories: 80 calories
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Fat: 1.5 gram
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Protein: 16 grams
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Calcium: 50 milligrams, or 4% RDI
Is king crab high in cholesterol?
Red king crab contains 15% RDI of cholesterol per 3 oz. serving. That’s less cholesterol than a single boiled egg.
King Crab Sustainability in Alaska
In Alaska, fisheries are managed to support healthy king crab populations from season to season. To ensure a sustainable yield each year, harvests are limited by weight, sex, and size. For example, only the male red king crabs are harvested in Alaskan fisheries, which allows the females to reproduce and replenish the population.
Alaska also adheres to strict gear standards that reduce the impact of king crab harvest on the surrounding environment. Red king crab is harvested from large pots that rest on the seafloor. These pots are designed to catch mature king crab, with built-in “escapement rings” that allow smaller crabs and other species to escape the pots unscathed.
Alaskan King Crab Fishery Closures
When king crab stocks are too low in a particular fishery, the Alaskan fishing industry proactively closes the fishery until the population has a chance to recover. Fishery closures can last for several years, depending on how quickly the population regenerates.
Environmental factors like ocean temperature and resource availability can affect king crab stocks, causing populations to flourish or shrink depending on whether these factors are favorable or harmful for king crab populations.
Where to Buy Alaskan King Crab
Most Alaskan red king crab ends up going to white tablecloth restaurants — but Wild Alaskan Company delivers this incredible species of crab directly to your doorstep. For a very limited time, members can enjoy an exclusive offer for premium red king crab from Alaska. The portions are pre-cooked and split down the middle for ease of eating.
Choose your fish subscription box today to enjoy real, sustainable red king crab at home.
