Originally Posted by
braslvr
I know nothing about cooking east coast crab, but Dungenness are simply boiled for 15-17 minutes in very salty water (1/4 cup/gallon). Easy-peasy.
I have always thought that shellfish gets tough when it is boiled and should be cooked gently--steamed. Shrimp can also be oven roasted (my preferred way). I guess that hasn't been your experience.