Spicy Crabs With Coconut Dumplings

4.00 (3)
⏱ 95 mins 🍽 4 main dish, 4 serving(s) 🌶 chinese 🏷 One Dish Meal

This traditional Chinese one dish meal is a seafood lover's delight. Whole crabs are marinated in a vibrant blend of curry, cumin, and allspice, then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with coconut milk and tomato ketchup. The dish is completed with soft, boiled dumplings crafted from grated coconut and flour, making for a satisfying and aromatic meal that serves four.

Spicy Crabs With Coconut Dumplings

Ingredients

  • 3 limes, halved
  • 4 large crabs
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded & finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons oil
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped and seeded
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 quart coconut milk
  • 1 cup tomato ketchup
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces finely grated coconut
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch salt

Method

  1. Prepare the crabs by cleaning them and rubbing with halved lime juice, then place in a bowl.
  2. Combine the curry powder, coriander, cumin, black pepper, paprika, allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, and scotch bonnet pepper in a bowl to create a spicy seasoning.
  3. Pour the seasoning mixture over the crabs and stir thoroughly to coat them.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the crabs for 2-3 hours.
  5. For the sauce, warm the olive oil and butter together in a large saucepan.
  6. Cook the finely chopped onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers until the onions become translucent.
  7. Stir in the curry powder followed by the quart of coconut milk.
  8. Once the mixture reaches a boil, add the marinated crabs to the saucepan.
  9. Reduce the heat and allow the crabs to simmer for about 20 minutes until their colour changes and the meat is tender.
  10. Mix in the tomato ketchup, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for a further 10 minutes.
  11. To prepare the coconut dumplings, combine the grated coconut, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt.
  12. Incorporate enough coconut milk to form a firm dough.
  13. Shape the dough into small balls similar to golf balls, then flatten them with your palms.
  14. Bring a quart of water to a rolling boil and add the dumplings.
  15. Boil the dumplings for 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked.
  16. Drain the dumplings and serve them hot alongside the spicy crabs.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium989300 mg

Recipe details

CategoryOne Dish Meal
Cuisinechinese
Authorjenny butt