Chinese-Style Soft-Shell Crabs

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Servings: 2 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Crispy, golden soft-shell crabs tossed in a savory ginger-scallion soy glaze.
Chinese-Style Soft-Shell Crabs recipe image
Chinese-Style Soft-Shell Crabs recipe image
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Chinese-Style Soft-Shell Crabs

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 2 Calories: 87.0

Description

These Chinese-style soft-shell crabs offer a delightful contrast of textures, with a crispy, golden exterior giving way to tender, sweet meat. The dish is built on a quick stir-fry method that coats the crabs in a savory umami-rich sauce made from soy sauce, sherry, and fresh aromatics. The sharp bite of ginger and the mild sweetness of scallions balance the richness of the fried crab perfectly. This is an impressive yet approachable seafood dish, ideal for a special weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. It captures the essence of home-style Chinese cooking, delivering bold flavors with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Thaw frozen crabs if necessary, then rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Remove the apron from the tail and pull out the feathery gills from the sides of the body cavity.
  3. Lightly sprinkle the crabs with cornstarch, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, crispy coating.
  4. Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over high heat until it is very hot and just beginning to smoke.
  5. Carefully place the crabs into the hot oil, ensuring they do not overlap, and immediately cover with a tight-fitting lid to prevent splattering.
  6. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the initial splattering subsides and the bottom side is golden and crisp.
  7. Remove the lid, flip the crabs, and cook the second side for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and crispy.
  8. Add the slivered ginger and scallions to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Drizzle with soy sauce and sherry, tossing the crabs to coat evenly in the sauce.
  10. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until the sauce has mostly absorbed into the crabs.
  11. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with a small amount of sesame oil before serving immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 87.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.1g2%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Cholesterol 71.0mg24%
Sodium 290.0mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 18.0g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chinese, crab, seafood, stir-fry, soft-shell, crispy, ginger, scallion, soy sauce, sherry, dinner, quick, pan-fried, umami, traditional, appetizer, main course, asian cuisine, shellfish, gluten-free option
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