How to Cook and Clean a Fresh Dungeness Crab

Step 9 Break in half

Turn the crab upside down, grip it on either side, and place your thumbs near the midline on the back (where the carapace used to be.) Push up with your thumbs and pull down with your hands; the crab should crack easily and cleanly along its center line (where the apron used to lie.)

Pull these pieces fully apart.