The Chinese mitten crab, also known as river crab, hairy crab, clear water crab, or simply crab, is a renowned delicacy in China. They are widely distributed in lakes along the coasts of both northern and southern China. Over time, many cooking techniques have been developed for this culinary treat.
Delicious Chinese Mitten Crab: Crab Mushroom and Egg Custard
Ingredients Needed
4 Chinese mitten crabs, 2 eggs, 240g lukewarm water, more than 10 goji berries, 2 wild mushrooms, 1 teaspoon of salt.
Cooking Steps
1. Clean the crabs with a toothbrush and steam them for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the steamed crabs from the pot, open the lid, eat the legs and crab meat first, and reserve the shells and roe. Soak the wild mushrooms and goji berries.
3. Prepare a clean small bowl, add the eggs, water, and chopped wild mushrooms, then stir in one direction until evenly mixed.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the crab shells, covering the roe.
5. Cover the dish with cling film and steam for about 8 minutes.
6. After the time is up, remove the dish, uncover the cling film, place the goji berries on top while hot, and cover again with the cling film to steam for another minute.
7. Serve immediately while still hot.
Tips for Cooking
1. To make delicious Chinese mitten crabs, choose larger female crabs that are plump and full of roe.
2. Using cling film prevents steam from affecting the texture of the egg custard; do not skip this step.
3. For a smooth egg custard, follow a ratio of 1:2 for eggs to water, using lukewarm water for an even smoother texture.
Delicious Chinese Mitten Crab: Crab Meat Sushi Rice
Ingredients Needed
Mushrooms, snow peas, Chinese mitten crabs, white vinegar, sugar, scallop essence, soy sauce.
Cooking Steps
1. In a pot, combine white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and scallop essence.
2. Boil the mixture, then add the mushrooms. Once boiling, add the snow peas but be careful not to overcook them, as this can affect their color.
3. Mix the crab meat into the rice and add a suitable amount of white sesame seeds, stirring well.
4. Use a mold to shape the sushi, then remove it. Finally, garnish with mushrooms, snow peas, and crab roe on top.
Authentic Chinese Mitten Crab: Winter Melon and Chinese Mitten Crab Soup
Ingredients Needed
2 Chinese mitten crabs, 150g winter melon, coriander, ginger slices, fried bread sticks, salt, and cooking wine as needed.
Cooking Steps
1. Peel and slice the winter melon. Clean the Chinese mitten crabs and cut them in half.
2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté the ginger slices. Add the Chinese mitten crabs and stir-fry.
3. Pour in an appropriate amount of cooking wine and stir evenly. Then, add the winter melon slices and stir-fry for a moment.
4. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil until the winter melon becomes translucent. Turn off the heat and season with salt to taste.
5. Finally, add the fried bread sticks and coriander, cover, and let sit for one to two minutes before serving.
Tips for Cooking
1. When preparing Chinese mitten crabs, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the hair on the large legs.
2. This soup is not recommended for pregnant women.