Ingredients and Weight:
- 5 pounds live blue crabs, cleaned
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 2 teaspoons red curry paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (optional, for spiciness)
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
20-25 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot and sauté until fragrant and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in red curry paste and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add crabs to the sauce and cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. If desired, add Sriracha sauce for additional spiciness.
- Transfer the crabs to a large serving dish and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 500 kcal per serving
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 40g
Dish Characteristics:
- Savory and spicy
- Rich and flavorful
- Aromatic with Thai spices
- Perfect for a special occasion or a group gathering
User Comments:
- "Wow, this dish was amazing! The sauce was perfectly balanced and the crabs were cooked to perfection."
- "I love the combination of Thai and American flavors in this recipe. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy crabs."
- "The cilantro adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that complements the spicy sauce really well."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Wear gloves when handling live crabs.
- Be careful not to overcook the crabs, as they will become tough and chewy.
- If you can't find live blue crabs, frozen crabs can be used instead. Just thaw them completely before cooking.
- Serve the dish with jasmine rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.