If you’re a seafood lover and a fan of spicy flavours, you’re in for a treat with this Chilli Mud Crab recipe. Mud crabs can be caught around the rocks and in the creeks around Dundee Beach and are a favourite with the locals. Dry season is the best time for crabbing and you can use crab pots with bait or a hook to pull them out of the rocks. Be careful though, those claws are unforgiving and can cause damage if they grab you first!
Chilli mud crab is a simple yet incredibly delicious way to enjoy the rich and succulent meat of mud crabs. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savour the taste of Dundee Beach with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
2 large mud crabs
4 TBS vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-inch piece of ginger, grated
2-3 red chillies, finely chopped (add more if you like it hot!)
2 TBS tomato sauce
2 TBS soy sauce
½ TBS brown sugar
½ cup chicken or seafood stock
2-3 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
Method
1. Prepare the Mud Crabs
– First, clean and prepare your mud crabs. Remove the top shell, cut the crabs into halves or quarters, and crack the claws to make it easier to access the meat. Rinse them thoroughly.
2. Create the Chilli Sauce
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped red chillies. Sauté for a minute or until they become fragrant.
3. Add the Flavors:
– Stir in the tomato sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer for another minute.
4. Cook the Mud Crabs
– Carefully place the crab pieces into the wok or pan. Stir-fry them for a few minutes, ensuring they are well-coated with the spicy sauce.
5. Add Liquid and Simmer
– Pour in the chicken or seafood stock, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it come to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the crab meat turns opaque and the shells turn red.
6. Garnish and Serve
– Just before serving, toss in the chopped green onions and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Squeeze lime wedges over the crab for a zesty finish.
7. Dig In
– Serve your Chilli Mud Crab hot and steaming, accompanied by steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Don’t forget to provide finger bowls and plenty of napkins; eating mud crab can get delightfully messy!
Enjoy!
Mud crabs can also be boiled, steamed or cooked straight in the fire.