Steamed Crab Recipe: Moist and Fragrant with Celery!
Steamed Crab Recipe: Moist and Fragrant with Celery!
Easy Home-Style Steamed Crab 🦀
Enjoying fresh crab as a steamed dish is easier than you think! By adding a special ingredient, celery, we can completely eliminate the fishy smell characteristic of crabs and add a subtle, pleasant aroma to enhance its flavor. Celery is also highly effective in removing unwanted odors when cooking broths or boiling pork belly, making it a versatile ingredient. Following this recipe, even those who are not fond of seafood will find it delicious. Experience the delightful combination of tender crab meat and fragrant celery!
Crab and Aromatic Ingredients- 3 fresh crabs
- 1-2 stalks of celery (adds aroma and eliminates fishiness)
Flavor-Enhancing Seasonings- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (or Mirin/cooking wine)
- 2 Korean chili peppers (seeds removed, finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Cheongju (or Mirin/cooking wine)
- 2 Korean chili peppers (seeds removed, finely chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your fresh crabs. Don’t worry if they’re missing some legs; you can often purchase them at a lower price! Use a small brush to meticulously scrub the crab’s shell and between its segments to clean them thoroughly. If the crabs are alive, you can temporarily place them in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to make them less active, allowing for safer and easier handling. (If steaming immediately, simply rinse them thoroughly under running water.)
Step 2
Pour 2 cups of water into a pot and dissolve 1 tablespoon of doenjang (soybean paste). Add 2 Korean chili peppers for a hint of spiciness and 4 pieces of celery stalks to infuse a wonderful aroma. The doenjang will enhance the crab’s natural umami, while the chili peppers and celery will help neutralize any fishy odors and add a refreshing taste.
Step 3
Line the bottom of your steamer with generous amounts of celery stalks. This layer of celery will help the steam distribute evenly during cooking and infuse the crab with a subtle celery fragrance. Arrange the cleaned crabs attractively on top of the celery. You can also add any remaining celery stalks or cores. Cover the steamer tightly with a lid and steam for approximately 20-25 minutes, once the water is boiling. As it steams, the unique, fragrant scent of celery will fill your kitchen, indicating a delicious dish is in the making!
Step 4
Once the crabs are fully steamed, turn off the heat and carefully remove them from the steamer. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces with kitchen shears or arrange them elegantly on a plate. Your perfectly moist and aromatic steamed crab is ready! The natural sweetness of the fresh crab combined with the subtle aroma of celery creates a delightful dish that will whet your appetite. It’s best enjoyed immediately while warm!
