Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
We were in Sonoma for the weekend and really wanted to get oysters from Tomales Bay, but the weather just didn't work out [00:07, 00:15]. We still managed to get some fresh oysters from a local store [00:15], and we also found Dungeness crabs on sale [02:06]! In this video, we wanted to share how we clean and cook both the oysters and the crabs at home [00:37, 02:31]. I also share my tip for where we find the best prices on crabs—it's not where you'd think [02:13]!
FAQ: Q: Did you get these oysters from Tomales Bay?
A: That was our plan! We were in Sonoma and really wanted to stop by Tomales Bay for oysters [00:07], but the weather was just not cooperating. We ended up finding these fresh oysters at a local store instead [00:15].
Q: You seem very careful cleaning the seafood. Is that necessary?
A: You know, I'm always extra careful when I cook seafood at home [00:37]. I have a very sensitive stomach [01:59], so I always take the extra time to clean the outside of the shells really well, whether it's the oysters or the crabs [00:37, 02:31].
Q: What's the easiest way you've found to shuck oysters?
A: I'm definitely not an expert [01:01], but I've found it's less likely to break the shell if I stick the knife into the very bottom, right at the hinge [01:07]. After I get it open, I like to rinse it with a little salt water to get any broken shell pieces off [01:26, 01:30].
Q: Do you eat your oysters raw or cooked?
A: Because I have a sensitive stomach, I actually prefer to put some of ours on the grill [01:59]. This video just shows us prepping them, but grilling is a great option!
Q: You mentioned Dungeness crabs were on sale. Where do you find the best prices?
A: Oh, this is my favorite tip! We found these on sale at our local grocery store [02:06], but most of the time, I find much better prices at our local Asian grocery markets [02:13]. I've seen them for $13.99 a pound at places like Safeway, but when they're in season, I've found them for $4.99 or even $3.99 a pound at the Asian market [02:13, 02:22].
Q: What's your process for cleaning the crabs?
A: Just like with the oysters, I like to take my time and clean the outside of the crabs really well [02:31]. I make sure to get between all the legs and the claws [02:31, 02:58]. After that, I use scissors to cut out all the parts we don't eat and trim off any of the sharp edges [03:35].
We were in Sonoma for the weekend and really wanted to get oysters from Tomales Bay, but the weather just didn't work out [00:07, 00:15]. We still managed to get some fresh oysters from a local store [00:15], and we also found Dungeness crabs on sale [02:06]! In this video, we wanted to share how we clean and cook both the oysters and the crabs at home [00:37, 02:31]. I also share my tip for where we find the best prices on crabs—it's not where you'd think [02:13]!
FAQ: Q: Did you get these oysters from Tomales Bay?
A: That was our plan! We were in Sonoma and really wanted to stop by Tomales Bay for oysters [00:07], but the weather was just not cooperating. We ended up finding these fresh oysters at a local store instead [00:15].
Q: You seem very careful cleaning the seafood. Is that necessary?
A: You know, I'm always extra careful when I cook seafood at home [00:37]. I have a very sensitive stomach [01:59], so I always take the extra time to clean the outside of the shells really well, whether it's the oysters or the crabs [00:37, 02:31].
Q: What's the easiest way you've found to shuck oysters?
A: I'm definitely not an expert [01:01], but I've found it's less likely to break the shell if I stick the knife into the very bottom, right at the hinge [01:07]. After I get it open, I like to rinse it with a little salt water to get any broken shell pieces off [01:26, 01:30].
Q: Do you eat your oysters raw or cooked?
A: Because I have a sensitive stomach, I actually prefer to put some of ours on the grill [01:59]. This video just shows us prepping them, but grilling is a great option!
Q: You mentioned Dungeness crabs were on sale. Where do you find the best prices?
A: Oh, this is my favorite tip! We found these on sale at our local grocery store [02:06], but most of the time, I find much better prices at our local Asian grocery markets [02:13]. I've seen them for $13.99 a pound at places like Safeway, but when they're in season, I've found them for $4.99 or even $3.99 a pound at the Asian market [02:13, 02:22].
Q: What's your process for cleaning the crabs?
A: Just like with the oysters, I like to take my time and clean the outside of the crabs really well [02:31]. I make sure to get between all the legs and the claws [02:31, 02:58]. After that, I use scissors to cut out all the parts we don't eat and trim off any of the sharp edges [03:35].
