Aromatic Stir-Fried Crabs with Scallions (Pange)
Aromatic Stir-Fried Crabs with Scallions (Pange)
Inspired by ‘Pa-dak’ (Chicken with Scallions), a Savory and Fragrant Crab Dish
Introducing ‘Pange,’ a delightful dish inspired by the popular ‘Pa-dak’ (Korean fried chicken with scallions). This recipe features fresh, tender crabs stir-fried with fragrant scallions and a savory oyster sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements a bowl of rice. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Main Ingredients- 7 small fresh blue crabs
- 4 stalks of scallions (or green onions)
- 8-10 Tbsp chopped scallions
- 3 Tbsp oyster sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh crabs. It’s best to select crabs that are as fresh as possible, ideally from a live seafood tank.
Step 2
Rinse the crabs thoroughly under cold running water. Seven crabs should be a good portion for 2-3 servings.
Step 3
Clean the crabs by removing any bits of grit or inedible parts. Then, cut each crab into 2-4 pieces using kitchen shears. This makes them easier to cook and eat, and allows the sauce to penetrate better.
Step 4
Heat 4 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or deep pan. Add the white parts of the chopped scallions and stir-fry over low heat to create fragrant scallion oil. (Tip: Using the white parts of larger green onions will yield a deeper flavor, but the white parts of smaller scallions can also be used.)
Step 5
Add the prepared crab pieces to the pan with the scallion oil. Stir-fry over medium heat until the crab pieces begin to change color and appear lightly cooked.
Step 6
Once the crabs are partially cooked, add the 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce. Stir well to coat the crabs evenly with the sauce. Continue to stir-fry for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the crabs to cook through completely.
Step 7
Turn off the heat. Generously add about 8 tablespoons of the chopped scallions to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the residual heat to gently cook the scallions. This preserves their fresh aroma and a pleasant crispness.
Step 8
Cooking the chopped scallions with residual heat helps them become translucent, enhances their color, and maintains a delightful crunch. While the preparation might seem a bit involved, the taste is absolutely worth it! The simple combination of scallions and oyster sauce creates a wonderfully complex flavor. Donning chopsticks in one hand and a disposable plastic glove in the other, you’ll find that even the slight messiness becomes part of the fun as you indulge in this delicious Pange. *^^*
