How to Cook Flower Crab?

Are you a seafood enthusiast on the lookout for an extraordinary culinary escapade? Look no further than the exquisite flower crab! This delightful crustacean promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. In this blog post, we will embark on a culinary journey, unveiling straightforward yet effective techniques to master the art of cooking flower crab. From hand-selecting the freshest crab to savoring its succulent meat, we’ve got all the tips you need.

Choose the Best Flower Crab

The key to crafting an outstanding crab dish lies in selecting the freshest and most vibrant flower crab. Whether you explore a local seafood market or consult your friendly fishmonger, keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

1. Opt for crabs boasting a glossy and smooth shell, a sign of their youthful vigor and flavorful meat.
2. Look for crabs displaying lively movements, as sluggishness may indicate they are past their prime.
3. Consider the claw-to-body ratio; crabs with larger claws relative to their bodies tend to yield more succulent meat.

Preparing the Crab for Cooking

Before diving into the cooking process, a little preparation ensures an exquisite dining experience.

1. Begin by thoroughly rinsing the crab under cold, running water to eliminate any impurities or sand. Gently scrub the shell with a brush for a pristine finish.
2. Detach the top shell from the crab’s body with a firm grip. Discard the gills and rinse the remaining parts to ensure a clean slate.
3. For easy cooking and serving, divide the crab into halves using a sharp knife or cleaver. Slightly crack the claws to enhance the infusion of flavors during cooking.

How to Cook Flower Crab?

Now comes the thrilling part – cooking your flower crab to perfection! Below are three delectable and foolproof methods to elevate your crab dish:

Steaming

Ingredients

• 2 flower crabs
• 1 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
• 2 stalks of spring onions, chopped

Instructions

1. In a steamer, bring water to a gentle boil.
2. Place the flower crab halves on a heatproof plate.
3. Create a flavorful mixture by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Drizzle the mixture over the crab halves.
4. Sprinkle chopped spring onions on top
5. Carefully position the plate in the steamer, cover it, and steam for 12-15 minutes until the crab meat turns opaque and succulent.
6. Serve promptly with steamed rice and relish this delightful dish!

Stir-Frying

Ingredients

• 2 flower crabs, cleaned and halved
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of chili paste
• 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 green bell pepper, julienned
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Create a flavorful sauce by stirring in chili paste, tomato ketchup, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
4. Toss in the crab halves and generously coat them with the sauce.
5. Add julienned bell peppers and sliced onion to the wok, stirring continuously for about 6-8 minutes until the crab shells develop a vibrant orange hue.
6. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and relish this delightful concoction!

Grilling

Ingredients

• 2 flower crabs, cleaned and halved
• 3 tablespoons of melted butter
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a luscious basting sauce.
3. Generously brush the sauce over the crab halves, ensuring they are entirely coated.
4. Place the crab halves on the grill and cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until charming grill marks appear.
5. Once done, transfer to a plate, serve with lemon wedges, and relish this heavenly grilled delight!

Serving the Flower Crab

Congratulations! You’ve successfully prepared your flower crab using various culinary techniques. Now it’s time to savor the essence of its sweet and tender meat. Whether you steamed, stir-fried, or grilled your crab, each preparation promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Pair your delightful crab creation with steamed rice, a refreshing salad, or crusty bread. Consider adding tangy dipping sauces or spicy sambal for an extra kick. The options are limitless!

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FAQs on Cooking Flower Crab

How do I choose the best flower crab for cooking?

Look for a shiny shell, active movements, and a good claw-to-body ratio.

Should I clean the crab before cooking?

Yes, rinse it under cold water and remove the top shell and gills.

Can I grill flower crab for a delicious flavor?

Absolutely! Grilling imparts a heavenly taste to the crab meat.

What’s the best way to steam flower crab?

Steam it with a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger for amazing results.

How can I prevent the crab meat from becoming dry while cooking?

Avoid overcooking and use a moist cooking method like steaming.

Can I add spices to the crab for extra flavor?

Yes, experiment with spices like paprika or chili paste for a kick.

What side dishes go well with flower crab?

Try pairing it with steamed rice, salads, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook flower crab?

Cooking times vary with the method, but most take around 10-15 minutes.

Is it necessary to crack the crab claws before cooking?

Slightly cracking the claws allows flavors to infuse better during cooking.

Can I use flower crab in other recipes besides stir-frying and steaming?

Absolutely! Get creative by incorporating crab meat into pasta or soups.

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Conclusion

Cooking flower crab is an art that anyone can master with a little guidance and a zest for savoring sea flavors. From handpicking the freshest crab to experimenting with diverse cooking methods, each step contributes to an exceptional dining journey.

So, why wait? Embark on this culinary adventure and surprise your loved ones with a sumptuous flower crab feast. Be it a special occasion or a delightful weekend treat, your efforts will be rewarded with smiles and contented palates. Embrace the challenge, cook your flower crab with confidence, and relish every mouthwatering bite!