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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
- Roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons, crushed
- Green onions
- 2, chopped
- Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons
- Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon
- Red chili peppers
- 2, sliced
- Shallots
- 2, sliced
- Garlic
- 3 cloves, minced
- Fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons
- Sugar
- 1 tablespoon
- Tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons
- Crab
- 1 large, cleaned and cracked
- Water
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons
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.
Dietary Information
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
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