Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that's as vibrant as it is delicious—Steamed Crab with Hot Sauce Poo Neung! This Thai-inspired recipe combines the succulent sweetness of fresh crab with a zesty, spicy marinade that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, this dish is sure to impress. With just 45 minutes of your time, you can create a seafood masterpiece that’s not only visually stunning but bursting with flavor. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this culinary adventure that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 whole crabs
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the crabs. If they are live, place them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to sedate them. This makes handling easier and more humane.
- Once the crabs are chilled, rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. If desired, you can also remove the top shell and gills for easier eating later.
- In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place the cleaned crabs in a large steamer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pour about 2 inches of water into a large pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a steady simmer.
- Carefully place the steamer basket with the crabs over the pot, cover with a lid, and steam for about 20-25 minutes or until the crabs turn bright red and are fully cooked.
- During the last few minutes of steaming, drizzle the hot sauce mixture over the crabs, allowing the flavors to infuse as they finish cooking.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot and let the crabs cool for a few minutes.
- Serve the steamed crabs hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired, and accompanied by lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy your Steamed Crab with Hot Sauce Poo Neung as a delicious and spicy seafood dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Crabs: For the best flavor, opt for live crabs if possible. They are fresher and provide a sweeter taste compared to pre-cooked varieties.
- Sedate Humanely: If using live crabs, chilling them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cooking is a humane way to handle them and makes the process easier.
- Enhance the Marinade: Feel free to experiment with the hot sauce—adding a dash of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar can elevate the flavor profile even more.
- Steaming Technique: Ensure your steamer basket is not overcrowded. This allows the steam to circulate evenly, ensuring all crabs are cooked to perfection.
- Check for Doneness: Crabs are fully cooked when they turn a bright red color. If they’re still a bit brown, give them a few more minutes in the steamer.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Steamed Crab with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh salad to balance the spice and enhance the overall meal experience.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges not only adds color but also a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.Enjoy the process and savor every bite of your delicious creation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
