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Stir-Fried Crab Curry (Poo Pad Pong Garee)

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This stir-fried crab curry is a delicious and easy way to cook crab. The curry powder, fish sauce, and sugar give the dish a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes

ingredients

1 1/2 pound whole crab
3 tablespoons oil
4 cloves minced garlic
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup fish sauce (nam pla)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths

directions

Remove the shell from the body of the crab only. Pull the legs off and crack the shells with a mallet or crab cracker. Rinse the crab to remove any small shell fragments. Let drain and set aside.

Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil, garlic, and onion. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.

Add the crab pieces and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the fish sauce, sugar, curry powder, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well, then cover the wok and let the mixture cook for 3 minutes, or until the crab is cooked.

Add the beaten egg to the wok and stir constantly until it is cooked.

Remove the crab curry from the wok and place in a serving dish (or divide between individual serving plates). Garnish with cilantro and green onions.

Serve immediately.

recipe tips


Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving for a little fresh flavor.

For an impressive presentation, serve the crab curry in a hollowed-out pineapple for a tropical touch.

Gently stirring the egg into the curry helps create soft ribbons of egg that are visually appealing and add texture to the dish.

Prepping all ingredients before you start cooking is key to stir-frying, as the process is quick and requires continuous stirring.

common recipe questions


Can I use crab meat instead of whole crab?

Yes, you can use lump crab meat if whole crab is not available. Adjust the cooking time since crab meat will cook faster than whole crab pieces.

Is there a substitute for fish sauce?

Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but it will slightly alter the flavor. For a closer match, consider using a combination of soy sauce and a little bit of Worcestershire sauce.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

The spiciness in this dish primarily comes from the curry powder. Use a mild curry powder or reduce the amount to adjust the spice level to your preference.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

For a vegetarian version, replace the crab with firm tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the wok, stirring well until the sauce thickens.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for additional texture and color.

How do I serve Stir-Fried Crab Curry?

This dish is best served with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles to complement the flavors and soak up the sauce.

What can I do if the dish is too salty?

If the dish becomes too salty, adding a bit more sugar or a squeeze of lime juice can help balance the flavors.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Technically, yes. The crab and egg may become a bit watery or tough after being frozen and reheated but not to the degree that the dish is inedible. It's not as good as when served fresh (or even refrigerated and reheated) but if you need to freeze it, you can.

What kind of crab do I use?

Dungeness or blue crabs work best but you can make it with other crab meat as well.


nutrition data

313 calories, 13 grams fat, 16 grams carbohydrates, 33 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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