Rich Crab Aglio e Olio Spaghetti
Rich Crab Aglio e Olio Spaghetti
The Ultimate Crab Aglio e Olio Spaghetti Recipe Using Frozen Crabs
After enjoying steamed and stewed crab dishes with fresh frozen crabs from Baengnyeongdo, try making a special Aglio e Olio spaghetti with the remaining crabs! You can easily recreate the deep sea flavor, rivaling that of high-end restaurants, in your own kitchen.
Ingredients- 2 Frozen Crabs (1 large crab for meat, 1 small crab for garnish)
- 3 servings of Spaghettini (thinner than regular spaghetti)
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (for boiling pasta)
- Olive Oil, generous amount
- 5 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Diced Onion
- 2 Tbsp White Wine
- 2 Cheongyang Peppers (adjust to taste)
- 1 pinch Parsley Flakes (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh frozen crabs from Baengnyeongdo. It’s best to use them directly without thawing.
Step 2
Clean the crabs. For the larger crab used for meat, focus on extracting the body meat. The smaller crab can be used whole for garnish, adding visual appeal.
Step 3
Place the crabs in a large pot with their shells facing down. Add half a cup of water, cover, and steam. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and steam for at least 5 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing with a chopstick. If not fully cooked, steam for a little longer.
Step 4
While you can extract the crab meat raw, steaming it slightly beforehand makes it easier to separate the meat from the shell.
Step 5
Carefully extract all the edible crab meat into bite-sized pieces. The generous amount of crab meat will enhance the pasta’s flavor. Do not discard the liquid from steaming the crab; set it aside. This liquid will add a rich depth of flavor to your pasta.
Step 6
Spaghettini is thinner than regular spaghetti, allowing it to absorb sauce well and providing a pleasant texture. Refer to the package instructions for cooking time, but usually, 4-5 minutes will result in an al dente texture.
Step 7
In a wide pan, bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Salting the pasta water seasons the pasta subtly, making it more delicious.
Step 8
Add the pasta to the boiling water. You can spread it out like a fan or stagger it as you add it, ensuring it doesn’t clump together. Cook it the way that feels easiest for you! Gently stir with chopsticks to prevent sticking.
Step 9
Prepare the garlic by thinly slicing half of it and finely mincing the other half. Finely dice the onion as well. These ingredients will create the deep flavor of Aglio e Olio.
Step 10
Add a generous amount of olive oil to a wide pan. Start by sautéing the sliced garlic over medium-low heat to infuse the oil with garlic aroma. Once the garlic turns golden, add the minced garlic and diced onion, and stir-fry until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 11
Drain the cooked pasta slightly and add it to the pan. Sauté with the garlic and onion mixture for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the pasta is coated with the oil.
Step 12
Pour in 1 cup of the reserved crab steaming liquid into the pan. Let it simmer and thicken, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta evenly. This liquid will add a luxurious umami flavor to the pasta.
Step 13
The natural umami and saltiness from the crab itself will season the pasta sufficiently, so you likely won’t need to add extra salt. Taste and add a tiny pinch of salt only if necessary.
Step 14
Add the reserved crab meat to the pan and gently toss with the pasta. Mix carefully to avoid breaking up the delicate crab meat.
Step 15
The generous amount of crab meat makes for a visually appealing dish. One crab provides a substantial quantity of meat.
Step 16
Add the chopped Cheongyang peppers for a touch of spice, and add plenty of pepper to your liking. Freshly ground black pepper will provide a more intense aroma.
Step 17
Plate the finished pasta beautifully. Use a long chopstick or similar utensil to twirl the pasta onto the plate. Arrange the whole steamed small crab on top as a garnish. Then, artfully place the generous portions of crab meat, red chili, and Cheongyang pepper. Finally, drizzle generously with good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor. A sprinkle of parsley flakes can add a touch of color.
