How to Make Chinese Crab with Garlic and Soy Sauce

Chinese crab with garlic and soy sauce is a delectable dish that combines the succulent flavor of fresh crab with aromatic garlic and savory soy sauce. It's a relatively simple recipe that can impress your guests and bring authentic Chinese flavors to your home kitchen. Follow these steps to create this mouthwatering delicacy.

Ingredients

To make Chinese crab with garlic and soy sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:

2 large crabs (preferably live or fresh)
6 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of rice wine or cooking wine
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon of sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crabs

Start by cleaning the crabs thoroughly under cold running water. If you're using live crabs, you can steam them for about 10 minutes to stun them before preparation. Once cleaned, break them into manageable pieces, ensuring to remove the gills and any unwanted parts. You can cut the crabs in half or into quarters for easier handling.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, minced garlic, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Crabs

Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the crab pieces to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. This helps to seal in the flavors and gives the crab a nice texture.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the crab pieces in the pan. Ensure that each piece is well-coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crabs are cooked through and well infused with the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the crabs are cooked, remove the pan from heat and transfer the dish to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top as a fresh garnish. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Dish

Choose fresh crabs for the best flavor and texture.
You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste. Add more for a garlic-forward flavor.
For a spicy twist, consider adding red chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce.

With this simple recipe, you can enjoy delicious Chinese crab with garlic and soy sauce at home. This dish showcases the sweet and briny flavor of the crab, perfectly balanced with the rich and savory sauce. It's an ideal dish for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner that brings the taste of Chinese cuisine right to your table.