Thorough comparison of all kinds of crabs in Hokkaido! Difference between Hairy Crab, King Crab, Snow Crab, and Hanasaki Crab and how to eat them in season.
Table of Contents
- 1 A thorough explanation of crabs in Hokkaido! Learn about the varieties and attractions and enjoy the best flavors!
- 2 Types and characteristics of crabs available in Hokkaido
- 3 Thorough Guide to Crab Spots in Hokkaido
- 4 Hokkaido Crab Season and Best Season
- 5 Where to eat crab in Hokkaido? Recommended areas and popular restaurants
- 6 Hokkaido all-you-can-eat crab, direct sales and mail order recommendations
- 7 Tips on how to eat crab better and recommended ways to eat
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about crabs in Hokkaido
- 9 summary
A thorough description of crabs in Hokkaido!
Learn about the types and attractions and enjoy the best flavors!
Hokkaido is home to some of Japan's best seafood. Among themcrabis the king of winter delicacies, loved by both tourists and locals.
Four types of crabs can be enjoyed in Hokkaido: hair crab, king crab, snow crab, and Hanasaki crab, each with a different taste, season, and eating style.
This article provides a thorough explanation of the characteristics of crabs available in Hokkaido, when they are in season, popular areas, and even tips on how to enjoy them!
Before the tripinformation gatheringand gourmet purposes.
◆For those who want to know the difference between hair crab, king crab, snow crab, Hanasaki crab, etc.
◆Searching for the best crab restaurants in season and recommendations
◆For those who want to know about all-you-can-eat crabs, direct sales, and mail order.
◆If you want to know the best way to enjoy Hokkaido crabs.
Hokkaido "Activities
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Types and characteristics of crabs available in Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, various types of crabs are landed depending on the sea area and season.
Four types of crabs are particularly famous: hair crab, king crab, snow crab, and Hanasaki crab. EachflavorKnowing the season, the texture, and when it is in season will double the enjoyment of your trip.
hair crab (Erimacrus isenbeckii)
The sweetness of crab and rich crab miso, representative of Hokkaido
Hairy crab is a representative crab of Hokkaido, especially itsmiso-like paste found inside a crab's (and arthropods in general) intestinal areaThe richness and elegant sweetness of the "Meat" is popular.
Its entire body is covered with fine hair, and although it looks small, it has a concentrated flavor.
The season varies from region to region, with the peak season from winter to spring along the Sea of Okhotsk coast and summer in Eruption Bay in southern Hokkaido.
It is called "the king of crabs in Hokkaido" because it is fished in some areas throughout the year!
Steamed and eaten as is, or mixed with crabmeat and meatshellfish baked in the shellIt is also excellent to make it into
red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
Popular for its impressive size and plump texture
The king crab is actually a member of the hermit crab family, whichOverwhelming sizeand the eating experience is characterized by its richness!
The thick legs are filled with fibrous meat, and the texture is very firm. It is especially popular as boiled or grilled crab, and is a luxurious food. The season is winter and early summer, with the best meat from December to March, and peak catches from June to July in the Sea of Okhotsk.
Courses featuring king crab are also popular among tourists at crab restaurants in Sapporo.
queen crab
Elegant sweetness and tenderness of flesh
Snow crab is a high-end crab characterized by its slender but delicate sweetness.
In Hokkaido, it is a popular winter delicacy along with "Matsuba Gani" and "Echizen Gani.
Its tender flesh is delicious as sashimi or shabu-shabu.
The season is from November to March, and especially in the winter, most of the fish is landed on the Sea of Japan side (Shakotan Peninsula and Iwanai area).
In recent years, thanks to improvements in freezing technology, mail-order and direct sales outlets have also been able to sell the product.Fresh snow crabI can now enjoy the
blue king crab
Rare local crabs
Hanasaki crab is only caught in the very limited waters of the Nemuro region.Rare CrabsIt is.
The shell is thick and spiny, and the flesh is bright red. The taste is closer to shrimp than to crab, with a rich, full-bodied flavor.
The season is short, from July to September, and can only be enjoyed during summer trips to Hokkaido!
We recommend the Hanasaki Crab Teppo Soup. The miso-based soup with crab broth is unique to the local area.gemIt is.
Thorough Guide to Crab Spots in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is home to some of Japan's best seafood, and in particular, is widely known for its delicious crab and the wide variety of crabs available.
You can enjoy different crabs from different regions, such as hair crab, king crab, snow crab, and Hanasaki crab, and you can enjoy fresh crabs at markets and restaurants in each region. When traveling in Hokkaido, you will want to taste the crab in season according to the season.
You can enjoy local crab dishes unique to any area, so you can enjoy crabs according to the purpose of your trip!
Kani Honke
Sapporo Area
Kani Honke is a long-established crab restaurant that has been a favorite in Sapporo for many years.
Enjoy sumptuous kaiseki cuisine using hair, king, and snow crabs, with crab shabu and kani-sukiyaki being especially popular.
It is easily accessible and a great place to visit in conjunction with sightseeing. Reservations are recommended as it gets crowded during the tourist season.
Access: 3 min. walk from South Exit of JR "Sapporo" Station
Shrimp and crab battle
Sapporo Area
Ebikani Gassen is a crab restaurant located in the Susukino area of Sapporo, where you can enjoy fresh Hokkaido crabs such as king crab and snow crab.
All-you-can-eat crab and luxurious crab courses are also popular.
It is popular among tourists and features a lively atmosphere.
Access: 3 min. walk from "Susukino" subway station
Crab Shogun
Sapporo Area
Kani Shogun is a famous restaurant where diners can enjoy dishes featuring an abundance of Hokkaido red king crab and snow crab in a luxurious atmosphere.
A full-course crab dinner is available, and kani-sukiyaki and kani-shabu-shabu are especially popular.
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of "Susukino" subway station
Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate Area
At the Hakodate morning market, visitors can purchase fresh crabs at a direct sales counter and enjoy them on the spot.
Freshly boiled king crab and snow crab are especially popular. You can also enjoy crab sashimi and crab bowls at stores in the market.
Access: 5 min. walk from Hakodate Station
Seafood wholesaler Uochou
Hakodate Area
Seafood wholesaler Uochou offers a variety of Hakodate's freshest seafood dishes, and its crab dishes are especially popular.
You can enjoy various crab dishes including boiled king crab and snow crab.
Access: 8 min. walk from Hakodate Station
Kushiro Washo Ichiba (Kushiro Japanese Market)
Kushiro Area
At Kushiro Washo Market, fresh crabs are purchased directly from local fishermen, and many stores offer tastings.
You can enjoy freshly boiled crabs on the spot.
Access: 10 min. walk from Kushiro Station
KANIZA NISEKO
KANIZA NISEKO is a popular crab restaurant in Niseko, offering all-you-can-eat crab meals and luxurious crab courses.
Enjoy a variety of dishes using fresh crab.
Access: 12 minutes by car from Niseko Station
Hokkaido Crab Season and Best Season
Each type of crab in Hokkaido has a different season, and the types available vary depending on the time of year you travel.
To know "which crabs to eat" according to the season you visit,Best TasteThis is the point at which you meet the
Summer (June to August): King Crab and Hanasaki Crab season. Especially in Nemuro and Rausu, Hanasaki Crab Festivals are held and you can taste the crabs in season.
Autumn (September-October): The end of the Hanasaki crab season and the beginning of the opening of the snow crab season. This is the best season for both sightseeing and gourmet.
Winter (November to February): Hokkaido crab season is at its peak. This is the luxurious season when hair crab, snow crab, and king crab are all available, and markets in Sapporo and Hakodate are crowded.
Where to eat crab in Hokkaido?
Recommended areas and popular restaurants
There are many famous crab restaurants in Hokkaido, but the way to enjoy them differs depending on the area.
In Sapporo, where many tourists visit, there is easy access tospecialist storesare well-stocked. On the other hand, in areas where there are fishing ports, you can enjoy fresh local crabs at low prices.
This is the best place to eat crab in Sapporo!
A famous restaurant popular among tourists.
Sapporo is the gourmet center of Hokkaido. Among them, long-established restaurants such as "Kani Honke," "Kani Shogun," and "Ebikani Kassen" are especially famous.
At these restaurants, you can enjoy kaiseki meals and crab shabu with hairy, king, and snow crabs♪.
Reservations are essential, especially during the winter tourist season!
In the Sapporo Station area and Susukino area, there are many reasonably priced restaurants that are frequented by locals, so feel free to have lunch there.crab bowl with riceIt is also recommended to taste the
Another popular style is to buy food at Sapporo Nijo Market and eat it at the hotel while sightseeing.
Hokkaido all-you-can-eat crab, direct sales and mail order recommendations
I want to eat a full meal of crab! The most popular hotels and hot spring resorts areAll-you-can-eat crabPlan.
In Noboribetsu Onsen and Lake Toya Onsen, buffet-style meals featuring hairy crabs and snow crabs are the standard☆.
In addition, many markets in Hakodate and Otaru sell freshly boiled crab directly on the spot, allowing you to enjoy the freshest crab!
Sapporo Nijo Market, Hakodate Morning Market, and Kushiro Washo Market are popular spots for tourists.
Furthermore, in recent years, with the evolution of refrigeration technology,online shoppingBut you can enjoy the same taste as the local market.
Direct from the place of origin crab gifts occupy the top ranking in popularity on the official mail order site and Rakuten and Yahoo!
Tips for better crab eating
and recommended way to eat
To enjoy the best taste of Hokkaido crabs, it is important to choose the right cooking method for each type!
Boiling, baking, steaming, sashimi, etc., depending on the cooking method.How to bring out the best flavorwill change.
Boiled, grilled, steamed, and sashimi!
The best way to eat each type.
Boiling" is the standard for hairy crabs, and the key points are the amount of salt and the boiling time. Add about the same amount of salt as seawater (about 31 tp3t) to the boiling water and boil for about 15 minutes to plump up the meat.
Grilled king crab is recommended. The aroma and elasticity of the meat stand out, and a light drizzle of butter and soy sauceunique or superb articleOh my god!!!
Enjoy snow crab in "shabu-shabu" to savor its delicate sweetness.
Hanasaki crab is suitable for "teppo soup" or "steamed", and its rich broth and aroma are outstanding ◎.
King and snow crabs
Delicious baking and storage methods
When grilling crabs, the secret is to grill them slowly over medium heat, shell side down!
Care should be taken not to overcook the fish, as the flesh will become tough. When storing, it is important to keep frozen and sealed and not exposed to air.Maintain freshnessThe point of ☆.
When defrosting, allow to thaw slowly and naturally in the refrigerator to minimize dripping!
For grilled crab shells with crab miso, wrap them in aluminum foil and heat them over low heat to enhance the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about crabs in Hokkaido
It depends on personal preference,hair crab (Erimacrus isenbeckii)is the richness of miso,red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)is satisfying to eat,queen crabare popular for their sweetness. It is recommended to compare them when they are in season.
SapporoNijo MarketHakodatemorning marketKushiro'sJapanese commercial marketare also popular among tourists. Many stores offer fresh crabs purchased directly from local fishermen, and tastings are available.
Winter (November to February)are hairy and snow crabs,Summer (July to September)is the season for Hanasaki Crab. Choose the time of year according to the purpose of your trip to enjoy the most delicious crab.
summary
Each type of crab in Hokkaido has a different season and flavor, and can be enjoyed in any season.culinary gemIt is.
The rich miso of the hair crab, the satisfying taste of the king crab, the elegant sweetness of the snow crab, and the unique flavor of the Hanasaki crab - each one is a bounty of Hokkaido's nature and sea.
When visiting on vacation, you can enjoy the flavors of Hokkaido more deeply if you compare the different foods with an awareness of when they are in season and in which region they are from.
There are a variety of ways to enjoy them, including direct sales, all-you-can-eat, and mail order. This article will help you find your ownBest Crab ExperienceTry to find out!
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