Cooking Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs is a delicate process to ensure that you preserve the unique flavor and texture of this prized delicacy. Here is a simple and traditional way to cook Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs:
Ingredients:
- Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs
- Ginger
- Rice wine (optional)
- Vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Green onions
- Salt
Instructions:
- Clean the Crabs:
- Rinse the live crabs under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a small brush or toothbrush to gently clean the shells.
- Turn the crabs over and remove the top shell by twisting and pulling it off.
- Prepare the Steaming Setup:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Place a steaming basket or rack in the pot to keep the crabs above the water level.
- Seasoning the Crabs:
- Place slices of ginger on the bottom of a heatproof dish.
- Arrange the cleaned crabs on top of the ginger.
- Optionally, drizzle some rice wine over the crabs for added flavor.
- Steam the Crabs:Once the water is boiling, carefully place the dish of crabs into the steaming setup.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the crabs for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the crabs. Do not overcook to preserve the delicate texture of the meat.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce:
- While the crabs are steaming, prepare a dipping sauce by mixing vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, chopped green onions, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve:
- Once the crabs are cooked, carefully remove the dish from the steamer.
- Serve the steamed Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs hot with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.
Enjoy the succulent meat and rich roe of the Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs in this simple and delicious preparation method. Remember to savor each bite and enjoy the unique flavors of this prized delicacy.