Chinese Mitten Crab
A simple, classic preparation for whole mitten crabs, steamed with ginger and scallion, served with a tangy dipping sauce. Perfect for a special treat.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 20g
Ingredients
- 4 whole live mitten crabs
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger
- 2 stalks scallions
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- 1
Scrub the 4 live crabs under cold water with a brush to remove mud, then rinse well. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
Slice the 1-inch ginger into thin strips; cut the 2 scallions into 2-inch pieces. Place half the ginger and scallions in a steamer basket.
- 3
Arrange the crabs on the steamer basket, top with remaining ginger and scallions. Bring water to a boil in a wok or pot, then steam the crabs over high heat until the shells turn bright orange, about 15 minutes.
- 4
While crabs steam, make the dipping sauce: in a small bowl, mix the 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- 5
Carefully remove the hot crabs from the steamer using tongs. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
- 6
To eat, twist off the legs and claws, crack the shell, and enjoy the meat with the sauce.
Tools you’ll need
- steamer basket
- large pot or wok with lid
- tongs
- small bowl
- brush
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