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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Crab for a Delicious Crab-Mien Stir-Fry

Introducing the ultimate delicacy that will tantalize your taste buds - crab, a favorite among children and adults alike for its sweet and delectable flavor. Crab is an incredibly versatile ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, offering a plethora of mouth-watering dishes. Today, we reveal the secrets to choosing the perfect crab for a scrumptious crab-fried mien dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

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22 July, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Meaty and Firm Sea Crabs

Green-legged crab: This variety typically has large claws, about a handspan long, with a green color and white spots. Males can grow up to 1.5 kg. Their meat is firm and sweet.

Red-legged crab (Spiny crab): These crabs are usually orange-red, with smaller claws than the green-legged variety. They are quite aggressive and rare, and are not farmed. Their price is usually half that of green-legged crabs. The meat is firm, sweet, and aromatic.

Lotus-legged crab: This species is quite similar to the green-legged crab but smaller, with yellow-purple spotted claws. The meat is thin, but they have a lot of roe.

Choose Male Crabs for Meatier Pickings

– Male crabs typically have triangular abdomens and round, fat claws. Their shells are duller in color compared to females.

– When selecting crabs, go for those with slightly dull shells. Press on their abdomen; if it’s firm and the crab puts up a fight, it’s likely to have more meat. Larger abdomens also indicate meatier crabs.

– Examine the inside of the crab’s elbow joint; if it’s pink or dark pink, and the shell is taut and shiny, it’s a good sign that the crab is meaty and tasty.

Creating a Crab Glass Noodle Stir-Fry

– Make a sauce with cooking oil, shallots, tomato paste, chili paste, soy sauce, and water. Add the picked crab meat to this sauce to infuse it with flavor.

– Stir-fry vegetables and season them, then add the prepared glass noodles, sauce, and crab meat to the pan and mix well.

– Once the noodles are cooked, garnish with spring onions, Vietnamese coriander, and chili, and serve.

With this information, we wish you success in creating a delicious crab glass noodle stir-fry. If you’re short on time, you can use our and to quickly achieve the same tasty results.

Frequently asked questions

Start by selecting live crabs, as these are the freshest. Look for active, lively ones with all their legs and claws intact. Check the underside of the crab; if it’s a male, there should be a V-shaped gap, and if it’s a female, the area will be more rounded. The shell should be hard and not easily breakable, indicating a healthy crab with plenty of meat.

In addition to the gender differences, you want to avoid crabs that have shed their shells recently. These are known as ‘soft-shell crabs’ and are best for different recipes. Also, check the color of the crab; a healthy crab will have a vibrant color, whereas a dull, pale crab may be an indication of illness.

Aside from choosing live crabs, you can also opt for frozen ones, but ensure they are frozen solid with no signs of thawing. Fresh crabs will have a pleasant seawater smell and should not be slimy. The gills should be a bright red color, and the eyes should be clear and not cloudy.

For a stir-fry, you’ll want to choose a crab with a good amount of meat. Some popular choices include the blue crab, Dungeness crab, or stone crab. These crabs have a sweet, delicate flavor and a good ratio of meat to shell, making them ideal for stir-fries.

After purchasing your crab, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. Use a brush to scrub the shell and remove any debris. You can also remove the gills and stomach, known as the ‘mustard,’ as these can be bitter. Finally, cook the crab soon after purchase to ensure the best flavor and texture.