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Crab and Coconut Poriyal

5 from 2 votes
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Protein: Fish / Seafood
Cut: Dungeness Crab Legs & Claws
Diet: Dairy Free, Gluten Free
Course: Main Course
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ButcherBox Dungeness crab Crab Legs & Claws defrosted, pat dry
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1 dried red chili
  • 10 fresh curry leaves plucked off the stems (you can substitute dried or thawed frozen curry leaves)
  • 3 large shallots finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
  • 1 tsp finely grated ginger optional
  • 2 Thai green chiles (Bird’s Eye Chiles) or 1 small serrano chili sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded fresh or dried unsweetened coconut 
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • salt
  • 3 cups freshly cooked basmati rice
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Chopped cilantro leaves and stems for serving

Instructions

  • Cut the crab claw through the joint, creating two pieces. Cut each of the crab arms through one of the joints, creating two smaller pieces from each arm. If you don’t have crab crackers for serving, use a kitchen mallet to gently crack open more of the shell before sautéing, so it can soak up the mixture and be easier to pluck meat out later.
  • Heat the coconut oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and red chili; cook until the mustard seeds start to sizzle, stir gently as the chili starts to puff up and lightly blister, about 1 minute.
  • Working in batches, carefully stir in the curry leaves (watch out, the coconut oil will pop and splatter). Once they start to crisp, after about 1 minute, add the shallots, ginger and green chiles. Sautée to cook, stirring often, until the shallots are very soft, almost jammy, about 5 minutes. Add the coconut, turmeric and coriander and cook until the spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the crab pieces to the pan; season with salt. Toss in the mixture to coat and warm the crab legs thoroughly, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover until ready to serve. 
  • Serve the crab poriyal with the basmati rice and lime wedges. Garnish with cilantro. 
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