Coconut Chili Crab
Dive into the bold, tropical flavors of Coconut Chili Crab, a show-stopping seafood dish that’s equal parts luxurious and comforting. Featuring tender mud crab simmered in a rich, aromatic coconut milk-based sauce infused with red chilies, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, this recipe delivers a harmonious balance of spice, sweetness, and tang. The fish sauce and lime juice add a savory depth, while brown sugar softens the heat for a well-rounded flavor profile. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce, this dish makes an impressive centerpiece for any gathering. Ready in under an hour, Coconut Chili Crab is the ultimate indulgence for lovers of Southeast Asian cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized live mud crabs (cleaned and cut into pieces)
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 3 pieces red chilies (adjust to spice preference)
- 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 pieces shallots, finely chopped
- 1 piece lemongrass stalk, bruised
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or coconut oil)
- 200 ml water
Instructions
Prepare the crabs by cleaning them thoroughly and cutting them into manageable pieces. Crack the claws slightly for the flavor to seep in during cooking.
Blend the red chilies, garlic, ginger, and shallots together to form a smooth spice paste.
Heat the oil in a large wok or deep pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
Add the bruised lemongrass stalk and stir for another minute.
Pour in the coconut milk and water, then mix in the fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the crab pieces to the simmering sauce, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, turning the crab pieces halfway through for even cooking.
Once the crab turns bright red and is cooked through, check the seasoning and adjust with extra fish sauce, lime juice, or sugar as needed.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed white rice or crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1389 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.3 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.4 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 530 mg | 177% | |
| Sodium | 5534 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.9 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.1 g | ||
| Protein | 186.4 g | 373% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 623 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 3556 mg | 76% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
