Ingredients

12 -14 blue crabs , live ( substituting 2 live Dungeness crabs , about 3 pounds each OK )
1 cup peanut oil , for frying
2 cups flour ( seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper )
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 stalks lemongrass , fresh ( grassy tops discarded and bulbs finely chopped )
4 tablespoons garlic , minced
2 tablespoons hot pepper flakes
3 inches gingerroot , fresh , peeled and julienne
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 bunch green onion , finely chopped
4 -5 serrano chilies , sliced into thin rounds ( optional )
Vietnamese Stir-Fried Crab with Lemongrass and Garlic is a classic seafood dish that originated from the coastal regions of Vietnam. It is a popular dish that is enjoyed in Vietnamese restaurants and homes throughout the world. The dish features live blue crabs or Dungeness crabs if blue crabs aren’t available. The crispy fried crabs are then stir-fried with a combination of fragrant herbs and spices, including lemongrass, garlic, chili peppers, and ginger, creating a delicious and aromatic flavor in every bite. Served with steamed rice, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Instructions

1.Clean and rinse the crabs, then pat dry with paper towels.
2.Heat 1 cup of peanut oil in a wok over high heat.
3.Dust the crabs with flour mixture, then shake off any excess flour.
4.Add the crabs into the hot oil and fry until crispy and golden brown.
5.In a separate pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
6.Add in lemongrass, garlic, hot pepper flakes, ginger and serrano chilies, stir frying for a minute.
7.Add in tomato paste, kosher salt, sugar and green onions, stir frying for another minute until fragrant.
8.Add in the fried crabs, tossing everything together until the crabs are coated with the sauce. Serve immediately.

PROS

This dish is bursting with bold and fragrant flavors.
The crispy, golden-brown crabs are perfectly balanced with the zesty and slightly spicy sauce.
It’s a unique seafood dish that is sure to impress your guests.

CONS

This dish can be quite messy to eat, as the crabs require cracking open to get to the meat.
It can also be time-consuming and challenging to clean and prepare the crabs for cooking.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Crab is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals such as zinc, copper and selenium. Lemongrass has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while ginger helps with digestion and reduces inflammation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.