Roasted Crab with Pak Choi
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
2
Difficulty
Medium
Succulent whole crabs roasted until golden, served alongside tender pak choi dressed in garlic and ginger-infused butter. A restaurant-quality seafood dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 2whole live crabs(about 1.5 lbs each)
- ½ kgpak choi(halved lengthwise)
- 4 tablespoonsunsalted butter
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tablespoonfresh ginger(grated)
- 2 tablespoonssoy sauce
- 1 tablespoonrice vinegar
- 1 teaspoonsesame oil
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- 2scallions(sliced for garnish)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the crabs dry with paper towels and rub with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Tip: Dry crabs will roast more evenly and develop a better crust.
- 2
Arrange the crabs on a large roasting pan, shell-side up, and roast for 18-20 minutes until the shells turn a deep orange-red color.
Tip: Check at 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- 3
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pak choi halves, cut-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden. Transfer to a plate.
Tip: Don't move the pak choi while searing to achieve a crispy exterior.
- 4
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
Tip: Watch carefully to prevent the garlic from burning.
- 5
Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, then return the pak choi to the skillet. Toss gently to coat all pieces with the sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Tip: The pak choi should still have a slight bite to it.
- 6
Drizzle the sesame oil over the pak choi and remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- 7
Remove the roasted crabs from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Arrange on a serving platter alongside the pak choi and spoon any remaining sauce over the top.
Tip: Resting allows the meat to stay tender and juicy.
- 8
Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately with crusty bread or steamed rice.
Tip: Provide crab crackers and small forks for easy meat extraction.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Chinese Egg Salad
Here's a recipe I've been making all summer that my friends absolutely love. This Chinese egg salad comes together in under an hour and costs practically nothing to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this dish is how refreshing and light it feels, especially on warm days. Eggs are packed with choline, which supports brain health, and when you combine them with all these crisp vegetables and that tangy sesame oil dressing, you get something that's both satisfying and incredibly good for you. It's perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, or even a quick dinner when you don't feel like cooking anything complicated.
Chinese Black Bean Salad
This Chinese black bean salad is one of my go to weeknight dinners because it comes together in under an hour and tastes absolutely delicious. Black beans are packed with fiber and protein, making them incredibly filling and nutritious, so you get a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it really is, just fresh vegetables tossed with a punchy ginger garlic dressing that brings everything to life. I love serving it cold or at room temperature, which means you can prep it ahead and grab it whenever you need a quick, wholesome lunch or side dish.
Chinese Quinoa Salad
This Chinese Quinoa Salad has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in under an hour and tastes absolutely restaurant quality. The best part? Quinoa is packed with complete protein, so you're getting all nine essential amino acids in every bite, making this a genuinely satisfying meal that keeps you full. I love how simple it is to assemble once the quinoa cooks, and you can prep all the vegetables while it simmers away. The sesame oil and ginger dressing gives it such an authentic flavor that your friends will be amazed you made it at home, but honestly, it's easier than ordering takeout.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.