How to Cook Crabs in Oyster Sauce
Crabs in oyster sauce is a simple yet savory Asian crab dish. Cooking this recipe requires the use of alimango or mud crabs.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Course: Seafood Recipes
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: alimango, crabs in oyster sauce, mudcrabs
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 89kcal
Author: Manny
- 1 kilo mud crabs or alimango
- 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 3 Tbsp. ginger chopped finely
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. rock salt
- 1 bunch spring onion
How to cook Crabs in Oyster Sauce:
Prepare and clean the mud crabs by washing it in running water and using a toothbrush, clean the shells specially the abdomen, claws and feet.
Chop and divide each crab into four pieces. Set aside.
Heat sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Saute garlic and ginger until fragrant for 1 minute.
Add in oyster sauce, water, salt and sugar.
Bring to a boil then simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Add in the crabs and spring onion and stir cook to coat the crabs with the sauce.
Cover and simmer until the crabs are cooked. Serve hot.
Cooking Tips of Crabs in Oyster Sauce:
1. Choose Fresh and Quality Crabs: To ensure a delicious outcome, start with the freshest and highest-quality crabs available. Whether you're using mud crabs or blue crabs, look for ones that are lively, with intact shells and a clean, ocean-fresh scent. Fresh crabs will have firm, white meat and a sweet, briny flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
2. Properly Clean and Prepare the Crabs: Cleaning and preparing the crabs correctly is crucial for both flavor and safety. Rinse the crabs thoroughly under running water to remove any sand or debris. Use a brush or a toothbrush to clean the shells, claws, and feet. When cutting the crabs into pieces, make sure to use a sharp knife to minimize the effort and ensure clean cuts. Proper preparation ensures that the flavors penetrate evenly and that the final dish is both safe and delicious.
3. Monitor Simmering Time Carefully: Achieving perfectly cooked crab meat is a matter of timing. When simmering the crabs in the oyster sauce, be vigilant about the cooking time. Overcooking can make the meat tough and dry, while undercooking can result in raw or unpleasantly textured crab. Keep the pan covered, and check the crabs regularly for doneness. They are ready when the meat turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork. The simmering process usually takes around 15-20 minutes, but this may vary depending on the size of the crab pieces and the heat level. Adjust accordingly to achieve the desired consistency and tenderness. 