Spicy Mud Crab in Tangy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

Mud crabs

2-3, cleaned

Olive oil

3 tablespoons

Onions

1 large, diced

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Fresh tomatoes

2 cups, diced

Red chili peppers

2-3, sliced (adjust to taste)

Tomato sauce

1 cup

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Fresh parsley

1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Begin by cleaning the mud crabs thoroughly under cold running water. Ensure to remove the gills and any debris.
2. In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
5. Add the diced fresh tomatoes and sliced red chili peppers to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour in the tomato sauce, and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 3-4 minutes.
7. Carefully add the cleaned mud crabs to the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the crabs are cooked through and their shells turn a vibrant orange.
8. Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.