17 Chinese Hairy Crab Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, there are few dishes as iconic and beloved as the Chinese hairy crab. This delectable crustacean, also known as the Shanghai hairy crab or Chinese mitten crab, is a delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries in China and is now gaining popularity around the world. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of the Chinese hairy crab, as well as provide you with a mouth-watering recipe to recreate this dish in the comfort of your own home. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic Chinese delicacy.
Main Ingredients: Chinese Sausage, Dried Scallops, Shrimp, Crabmeat
Impress your friends and family with this delicious homemade XO Chinese sauce. Made with a blend of dried seafood, chili peppers, and spices, this sauce adds a burst of umami flavor to any dish. Perfect for marinating your beer can chicken before grilling, or as a dipping sauce for your crab rangoon. Plus, it's so easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for weeks.
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Crab Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil, Sugar, Ground
Upgrade your fried rice game with this mouthwatering crab fried rice recipe. Combining tender chunks of crab meat with fragrant rice, eggs, and a mix of vegetables, this dish is a must-try for any crab lover. Serve it as a side dish to your beer can chicken, or make it a meal on its own by adding some crispy bacon or spicy sausage. Either way, it's a winner!
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Crab Rangoon
Main Ingredients: Crabmeat, Cream Cheese, Scallion, Garlic
No Chinese feast is complete without some crispy and creamy crab rangoon. These fried wontons are filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, crab meat, and seasonings. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these addictive bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a perfect balance of flavors.
Treat yourself to a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine with this simple yet flavorful crab dish. The combination of fresh ginger, scallions, and soy sauce creates a savory and aromatic sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender crab meat. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice and enjoy the perfect balance of textures in every bite.
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Ginger and Scallion Crab (姜葱蟹)
Main Ingredients: Crab, Ginger, Scallion, Corn Starch, Cooking Oil, Oil
Another classic Chinese crab dish, ginger and scallion crab is a must-try for any seafood lover. The fragrant aroma of ginger and scallions infuses into the succulent crab meat, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. Don't be afraid to use your hands and get messy while cracking open those crab shells!
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Singapore Chili Crab
Main Ingredients: Crab, Oil, Shallots, Garlic, Minced Ginger, Red Bird S
A dish that needs no introduction, Singapore chili crab is a spicy and tangy seafood delicacy that has become famous all over the world. The rich and flavorful chili sauce, made with tender crab meat, tomatoes, and spices, is perfect for dipping your beer can chicken in. Be sure to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up all that delicious sauce.
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Chilli Crab
Main Ingredients: Crabs, Vegetable Oil, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger, Red
Similar to Singapore chili crab, this dish is a popular street food in Malaysia. The key to a good chili crab is the sauce, which should have a perfect balance of spiciness, sweetness, and savoriness. The juicy and tender crab meat is just a bonus. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken and some steamed buns for a complete meal.
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Crab Masala
Main Ingredients: Crabs, Fennel Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Star Anise, Cinnamon
Take your taste buds on a journey with this Indian-inspired crab masala dish. The crab meat is cooked in a flavorful spicy tomato-based sauce that is sure to awaken your senses. Serve it with some naan bread or basmati rice for a delicious and filling meal.
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Steamed Crab in Sauce
Main Ingredients: Crab, Lemon Grass, Galangal, Garlic, Ginger, Light Soya
If you prefer a healthier option, try steaming your crab instead of frying it. The delicate and tender crab meat is steamed to perfection and then coated in a savory sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a variety of flavors on your plate.
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XO Claypot Crab with Vermicelli (金沙粉絲蟹煲)
Main Ingredients: Crab, Pork Mince, Vermicelli, Onion, Spring Onion
This dish may sound fancy, but it's actually quite simple to make. The crab meat and vermicelli noodles are cooked in a claypot with a rich and flavorful XO sauce made with dried seafood and spices. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that will impress any guest.
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Flower Crab Hor Fun With Ginger Oil, Scallion And...
Main Ingredients: Crabs, Hor Fun, Oil, Coriander, Spring Onion, Light Soy
Hor fun, a type of flat rice noodle, is a staple in Cantonese cuisine. In this dish, it is paired with tender flower crab meat and a fragrant ginger oil sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is out of this world. Serve it as a main dish or alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Fried Crab in Chilli Sauce
Main Ingredients: Crabs, Cornflour, Oil, Egg, Chillies, Ginger, Chopped
If you love spicy food, this dish is for you. Tender crab meat is fried until crispy and golden brown and then coated in a spicy and tangy chili sauce. It's a flavor explosion in every bite. Serve it with some steamed rice and a side of your beer can chicken for a delicious and fiery meal.
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Stir Fried Hairy Gourd, Mungbean Vermicelli and Shrimps
Main Ingredients: Gourd, Shrimps, Pork Belly, Mung Bean Vermicelli
This dish may not have crab in the title, but it's worth a mention because it's just so good. The combination of hairy gourd, mung bean vermicelli, and shrimp is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish that goes perfectly with your beer can chicken. The crunchy and savory vegetables and tender and juicy shrimp make for a perfectly balanced meal.
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Crab Rangoon Dip
Main Ingredients: Won Ton Wrappers, Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream
If you love the flavors of crab rangoon but don't want to go through the hassle of making individual wontons, this dip is the perfect solution. Cream cheese, crab meat, and seasonings are mixed together and baked until hot and bubbly. Serve it with some wonton chips or crackers and enjoy the creamy and indulgent flavors.
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Chinese Corn And Crabmeat Soup
Main Ingredients: Crab Meat, Creamed Corn, Vegetable Stock, Ginger, Egg
This comforting soup is a staple in Chinese restaurants. The sweetness of corn and the savory flavors of crab meat come together in a hearty and flavorful broth that is perfect for a cold day. Serve it as a starter to your beer can chicken or as a light meal on its own.
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Chinese Soup Dumplings (Pork & Crab)
Main Ingredients: Shaoxing Rice Wine, Soy Sauce, Powdered Gelatin
Soup dumplings, also known as xiaolongbao, are a must-try for any food lover. These steamed dumplings are filled with a juicy and flavorful mixture of pork and crab meat, and are bursting with savory broth when you bite into them. Serve them as an appetizer before your beer can chicken, or make them a meal by themselves.
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Chinese Scrambled Egg White with Crab Meat & Dried...
Main Ingredients: Dried Scallops, Oil, Crab Meat, Egg Whites, Water, Fish
This dish may not have the catchiest name, but it's definitely worth a try. The fluffy and light egg whites are scrambled with tender crab meat and dried scallops, creating a delicate and flavorful dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a simple yet satisfying meal.
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Seafood Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Soy Sauce, Oil, Eggs, Carrot, Garlic
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and this seafood version takes it to the next level. The combination of seafood such as shrimp, crab, and scallops adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Serve it as a side to your beer can chicken or make it a meal by adding some vegetables or meat.
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Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Crab Meat, Cream Cheese, Garlic, Green
Take your crab rangoon to the next level with this fun twist. Instead of wonton wrappers, these egg rolls are filled with the creamy and delicious mixture of cream cheese and crab meat and then fried until crispy and golden. Serve them as an appetizer or snack alongside your beer can chicken for a fun and tasty meal.
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Classic Seafood Boil
Main Ingredients: Clams, Shrimp, Crab, Smoked Sausage, Corn On The Cob
Last but not least, we have the classic seafood boil. This messy and fun meal is perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply boil a mix of seafood such as crab, shrimp, clams, and lobster, along with some potatoes, corn, and sausages, and serve it all on a big platter. It's the perfect pairing for your beer can chicken and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
The History and Significance of the Chinese Hairy Crab
The Chinese hairy crab is a species of small freshwater crab native to the rivers and lakes of China. It is known for its distinctive hairy claws, which give it its name. This delicacy has been a staple in Chinese cuisine since ancient times and is considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. In fact, the Chinese believe that eating a hairy crab during the autumn season will bring them luck and wealth for the rest of the year.
The Season for Chinese Hairy Crabs
The best time to enjoy Chinese hairy crab is during the autumn season, specifically between September and November. This is when the crabs are at their fattest and most flavorful. In Chinese culture, the eighth month in the lunar calendar is known as "Crab Month" and is dedicated to the celebration of this prized crustacean. During this time, restaurants in China serve up a variety of dishes featuring the Chinese hairy crab, from steamed to stir-fried and even in soup.
How to Prepare and Cook Chinese Hairy Crab
To fully appreciate the flavors and textures of the Chinese hairy crab, it is important to know how to properly prepare and cook it. First, the crab must be cleaned and washed thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, it is typically steamed for approximately 10 minutes until the shell turns a bright orange-red color. For an added touch of flavor, some chefs will season the crab with Chinese cooking wine, ginger, and green onions before steaming.
A Delicious Recipe for Chinese Hairy Crab
Now, for the moment you've been waiting for – a recipe for Chinese hairy crab that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 live Chinese hairy crabs
- 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
- 2 slices of ginger
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Soy sauce for dipping
1. Clean and wash the crabs thoroughly, removing any dirt or impurities.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Place a steaming basket or rack in the pot.
3. Place the crabs in the steaming basket and season with the Chinese cooking wine, ginger, and green onions.
4. Cover the pot and steam for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the crabs from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. Crack open the crab shells and enjoy the succulent meat with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
Now, wasn't that simple and delicious? So why not give this recipe a try and experience the rich flavors and textures of the Chinese hairy crab for yourself?
In conclusion, the Chinese hairy crab is a beloved delicacy with a rich history and cultural significance in Chinese cuisine. With its unique appearance and delectable taste, it's no wonder that this crustacean has gained popularity around the world. So go ahead and impress your friends and family with this authentic Chinese recipe – they'll be begging for more!
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