Vanuatuan Coconut Crab Curry

About This Recipe

Coconut crabs are a delicacy across the Pacific, and in Vanuatu they are traditionally prepared for important guests. This curry uses fresh or frozen crab pieces simmered in a fragrant sauce built on coconut cream, turmeric, ginger, and local aromatics. The result is intensely sweet crab meat infused with warming spice.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 800 gcrab pieces (or mud crab), cleaned
• 400 mlcoconut cream
• 1 tspground turmeric
• 1 tbspfresh ginger, grated
• 2 clovesgarlic, minced
• 2 tbspvegetable oil

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté aromatics

   Heat oil in a large pot. Fry garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. 2

   Add spice

   Stir in turmeric and cook 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add crab

   Add crab pieces and toss to coat in the spiced oil.

4. 4

   Simmer in coconut cream

   Pour in coconut cream, bring to a gentle simmer, cover and cook 20–25 minutes until crab is cooked through.

5. 5

   Serve

   Adjust seasoning with salt, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with steamed rice.

Variations

• •

  Add sliced green chillies for heat.

• •

  Substitute prawns if crab is unavailable.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions