Teresa's Recipes
Cua Rang Me - Crispy Tamarind Crab
Savor the flavors of Vietnam with this traditional dish of Cua Rang Me. This culinary delight features succulent crab, deep-fried to perfection and then coated in a tangy tamarind sauce that balances sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Finished off with a sprinkle of roasted peanuts and fresh green onions, this dish is a true feast for the senses and a beloved staple in Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons, crushed Roasted peanuts
- 2, chopped Green onions
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2, sliced Red chili peppers
- 2, sliced Shallots
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Tamarind paste
- 1 large, cleaned and cracked Crab
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons Water
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 2-3
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Sugar: 10g
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, sugar, fish sauce, and 1/4 cup of water until well combined to create the tamarind sauce. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and sliced red chili peppers to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cleaned and cracked crab to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the crab turns red and is cooked through.
- Pour the tamarind sauce over the crab in the pan. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the crab is thoroughly coated in the sauce.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan and stir well for another minute until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the pan from heat and transfer the crab to a serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and crushed roasted peanuts.
- Serve hot, preferably with steamed jasmine rice or Vietnamese-style baguette for an authentic experience.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add more red chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes.
- To ensure the crab is cooked thoroughly, look for a bright red color and a firm texture in the meat.