Spicy Crab with Coconut is my go-to recipe when I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I learned this recipe from my aunt, who loves mixing seafood with Indian spices. The combination of fresh crab with toasted coconut and warming spices creates an amazing aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for celebrations.
About the Recipe
This recipe brings together the best of coastal and Indian cooking. The crab stays juicy while soaking up the flavors of freshly ground spices. The coconut adds a lovely sweetness that balances the heat from the chilies. If you’ve never tried Indian-style crab before, this is a perfect starting point. It’s not too spicy but packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how quick and straightforward this recipe is. The ingredients might seem like a lot, but they work together to create amazing flavors. The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. The combination of spices creates wonderful aromas, and the final result looks stunning on the plate. Plus, the cooling yogurt sauce helps balance the heat just right.
Spicy Crab with Coconut
Cooking Tips
– Toast the spices briefly before grinding for better flavor
– Don’t overcook the crab – it only needs a few minutes
– Keep stirring while cooking to coat the crab evenly
– If you can’t find crab claws, regular crab meat works too
– Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serves 4 people as a main course. Total prep and cooking time: 30 minutes. Serve hot with rice or bread. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the crab.
Similar Recipes
- Coconut Shrimp Curry
- Spicy Garlic Crab
- Kerala-Style Fish Curry
Nutrient Benefits
Crab is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Coconut provides healthy fats, while the spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric is known for its antioxidant properties, and ginger aids digestion. The yogurt adds calcium and probiotics.
Spicy Crab with Coconut
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Coconut (desiccated)
- 2 clove Garlic
- 2 inch Root Ginger (fresh, grated)
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 stick Cinnamon Stick (small)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric (ground)
- 2 Red Chillies (dried)
- 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Poppy Seeds
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Onion (medium, sliced)
- 1 Green Pepper (small, seeded and cut into strips)
- 16 Crab Claws
- Coriander Sprigs (to garnish)
- 2/3 cup Natural Low-Fat Yogurt (to serve)
Instructions
- Put the coconut in a food processor and add the garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, turmeric, red chillies, coriander and poppy seeds. Process until well blended.
- Heat the oil in a kadai. Add the onion slices and fry over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until softened but not coloured.
- Stir in the green pepper strips and toss over the heat for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables from the pan and place them in a bowl.
- Place the pan over a high heat. When it is hot, add the crab claws and stir fry for 2 minutes. Return the vegetables to the pan with the coconut mixture. Toss over the heat until the mixture is fragrant and the crab claws and vegetables are coated in the spices. Serve on individual plates, garnished with the coriander.
- Serve the yogurt separately in a cup/bowl.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen crab instead of fresh?
Yes. Just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen crab works well, though fresh crab will give you the best flavor and texture. Make sure to adjust cooking time slightly as frozen crab is often pre-cooked.
How spicy is this dish?
With two dried red chilies, it’s moderately spicy. You can reduce the heat by using fewer chilies or removing the seeds. The coconut and yogurt help balance the spiciness.
What can I serve with this dish?
This crab dish pairs perfectly with plain rice, naan bread, or even crusty bread. A simple cucumber salad on the side works great too. The yogurt sauce helps complete the meal.
