18 Whole Blue Crab Recipe Vietnamese You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Blue crabs are a beloved seafood delicacy that are often enjoyed in Vietnamese cuisine. These crabs are known for their sweet and succulent meat, making them perfect for a variety of dishes. One popular recipe for whole blue crabs in Vietnamese cuisine is the traditional "cua rang me" or tamarind crab. This dish combines the tangy and sweet flavors of tamarind with the rich and savory flavors of blue crab, creating a mouthwatering and unique dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Main Ingredients: Dill Seed, Mustard Seed, Cumin Seed, Chili Powder
This classic crab boil recipe from Delaware is the perfect way to enjoy fresh blue crabs. The combination of Old Bay seasoning and beer makes for a flavorful and delicious dish. Serve with corn on the cob, potatoes, and plenty of melted butter for dipping. Trust us, you won't be able to resist the juicy and succulent meat of these crabs.
2of 20
Sartin’s “Barbecued” Crabs
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Cajun Seasoning, Canola Oil
Sartin's is a famous seafood restaurant in Texas, known for their delicious "barbecued" crabs. The secret ingredient in this recipe is a blend of spices that gives the crabs a smoky and spicy flavor. Be prepared to get your hands messy as you crack open these crabs and savor every bite.
3of 20
Scottish Crab Bisque (Partan Bree)
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Shells, Unsalted Butter, Large Yellow
This traditional Scottish crab bisque, also known as Partan Bree, is a creamy and indulgent soup made with fresh crab meat, potatoes, and cream. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly day, and the addition of fresh herbs and a splash of sherry adds a touch of elegance to this dish.
4of 20
Louisiana Crab Boil
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Crawfish, Crab Boil, Lemons, Lemon Juice
The Louisiana Crab Boil is a classic seafood dish that is popular throughout the state. It's a spicy and flavorful boil that combines crabs, shrimp, and corn in a delicious Cajun-style broth. Make sure to serve this dish with lots of crusty bread for sopping up all the flavorful broth.
5of 20
Marinated Blue Crab Salad
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Bell Pepper, Chopped Celery, Chopped
This refreshing and light blue crab salad is the perfect summer dish. The tender and sweet crab meat is marinated in a tangy and herbaceous dressing, making for a flavorful and healthy meal. Serve this salad on a bed of fresh greens for a satisfying and nutritious lunch or dinner.
6of 20
Seafood Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Beer, Shrimp, Blue Crabs, Salt, Vegetable Oil, Small
This seafood gumbo is a hearty and comforting stew that is packed with flavor. Made with a combination of crab, shrimp, and other seafood, it's a must-try dish for seafood lovers. Don't forget to serve this gumbo over a bed of rice for a complete and filling meal.
7of 20
Blue Crab Velouté With Celery Root
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Blue Crabs, Onion, Celery Rib
This elegant and rich blue crab velouté is a French-inspired dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The creamy and velvety sauce pairs perfectly with the delicate and sweet meat of the blue crabs. Be sure to serve this dish with a crusty baguette for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
8of 20
Maryland Crab Cake
Main Ingredients: Fresh Parsley, Crushed Saltines, Yellow Mustard
Maryland is famous for its delicious and iconic crab cakes. Made with fresh crab meat and a blend of herbs and spices, these crab cakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with a zesty and tangy remoulade sauce for a classic Maryland experience.
9of 20
Succulent Crab Boil in Wood Fired Oven
Main Ingredients: Corn On The Cob, New Potatoes, Old Bay Seasoning
If you have a wood-fired oven, this is the perfect recipe for you. This succulent crab boil is cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving the crabs a unique and smoky flavor. Don't have a wood-fired oven? No problem, you can still enjoy this delicious crab boil by cooking it on your grill.
10of 20
Maryland Crab Cakes
Main Ingredients: Whole Grain Mustard, Mayo, Egg, Egg Yolk, Old Bay
We couldn't resist including another Maryland crab cake recipe on this list. This version is made with lump crab meat and seasoned with Old Bay and Dijon mustard for a bold and flavorful taste. Don't skimp on the crab meat, the more the better in these delicious crab cakes.
11of 20
Classic Steamed Blue Crabs
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Beers, Old Bay Seasoning, Unsalted Butter
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best. These classic steamed blue crabs are a Maryland staple and are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The crabs are steamed with a simple combination of water, vinegar, and Old Bay for a delicious and easy-to-make dish. Grab a mallet and get ready to crack open these crabs for a fun and delicious meal.
12of 20
Crab and Shrimp Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Okra, All Purpose Flour, Chopped Onions
This hearty and flavorful gumbo is made with a combination of crab, shrimp, and sausage for a rich and satisfying meal. The roux adds a deep and nutty flavor to the dish, making it a true Louisiana classic. Don't forget to serve this gumbo with a side of cornbread for the perfect Southern meal.
13of 20
Ganjang Gejang (Raw Crabs Marinated in Soy Sauce)
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Soy Sauce, Rice Wine, Water, Sugar, Medium
This Korean delicacy is not for the faint of heart. The crabs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and chili for a few days, resulting in a flavorful and unique dish. It may sound strange, but trust us, the combination of flavors in this dish is truly addictive.
14of 20
Louisiana Seafood Gumbo with Okra
Main Ingredients: Crawfish, Andouille Sausage, Oysters, Crab Claws, Blue
This version of seafood gumbo includes okra, a traditional ingredient in Southern cooking. The okra adds a unique and slightly slimy texture to the dish, but don't be put off by it - the flavor is worth it. This gumbo is best served over rice with a sprinkle of file powder for a truly authentic Louisiana experience.
15of 20
The 25 BEST Crabs
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Salt, Old Bay Seasoning, Lemons
While we may have listed 20 recipes, we couldn't resist including this comprehensive list of the 25 best crab recipes from around the world. From crab cakes to crab curry, this list has something for everyone. Be sure to bookmark this list for your next crab craving.
16of 20
Curry Crab
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Flour, Oil, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Shallots
This Indian-inspired curry crab recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of spices and coconut milk creates a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender crab meat. Don't forget to serve this dish with some basmati rice for a complete meal.
17of 20
Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Red Bell Peppers
This classic gumbo recipe is a staple in Louisiana households. Made with a roux, chicken, sausage, and seafood, this gumbo is full of flavor and is perfect for a crowd. Don't be afraid to make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.
18of 20
Louisiana Seafood Boil
Main Ingredients: Water, Canola Oil, Yellow Onions, Celery Stalks
This Louisiana-style seafood boil is a feast for the senses. The combination of crab, shrimp, and corn is boiled in a flavorful broth and then served on a newspaper-covered table for a fun and messy dining experience. Don't forget to serve this boil with plenty of melted butter and hot sauce for dipping.
19of 20
Blue Crab Pasta
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Whole Peeled
This pasta dish is a unique and delicious way to enjoy fresh blue crabs. The crabs are sautéed in a garlic and white wine sauce and then tossed with linguine for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Be sure to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up all the delicious sauce.
20of 20
Louisiana Garlic Crabs
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Onions, Celery Stalks, Garlic, Lemons
If you love garlic, then this is the recipe for you. These Louisiana garlic crabs are cooked in a mixture of garlic, butter, and Cajun seasoning for a bold and flavorful dish. Be sure to serve with some lemon wedges for a touch of acidity to balance out the richness of the dish.
The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory
When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, the balance of sweet and savory flavors is key. And the "cua rang me" recipe is no exception. The sweet and tangy tamarind sauce perfectly complements the briny and rich flavors of the blue crab. This marriage of flavors creates a dish that is both complex and delicious.
The Star of the Dish: Blue Crab
Blue crab is the main ingredient in this dish and it's no wonder why. These crabs are known for their sweet and succulent meat, making them a favorite among seafood lovers. Blue crabs are also rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a healthy and nutritious choice for any meal.
The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Blue Crab
While cooking blue crab may seem intimidating, it's actually quite simple. The key is to steam the crabs for about 10-15 minutes until they turn a bright orange color. This ensures that the crab meat stays tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove the meat from the shells and set aside.
The Tantalizing Tamarind Sauce
The tamarind sauce is what brings this dish to life. To make the sauce, simply combine tamarind paste, sugar, fish sauce, and garlic in a pot and bring it to a simmer. The tangy and slightly sweet flavors of the tamarind are balanced out by the savory notes of the fish sauce and garlic, creating a delicious sauce that coats the blue crab perfectly.
Putting it all Together
To finish off this dish, simply toss the steamed blue crab meat in the tamarind sauce until it is evenly coated. Serve it on a bed of steamed rice and top it off with some fresh herbs and chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor. The result is a delicious and impressive dish that will have your taste buds singing.
In conclusion, the traditional Vietnamese recipe for whole blue crab is a must-try for any seafood lover. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, along with the tender and succulent blue crab meat, creates a dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the mouthwatering flavors of "cua rang me" for yourself?