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Crab and coconut curry served hot with herbs

Crab and Coconut: Your New Favorite Exotic Flavor Combination


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  • Author: Claire
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 34 servings 1x

Description

This spicy coconut crab curry blends the rich sweetness of coconut milk with tender crab meat and aromatic tropical spices. A signature crab and coconut dish inspired by coastal and island cuisines, perfect for a comforting main course that brings bold flavor and warmth to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

lbs fresh blue crab or Dungeness crab (cleaned and cut)

1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

½ cup freshly grated coconut (optional)

1 medium onion (chopped)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 inch fresh ginger (grated)

2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to heat preference)

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp ground coriander

68 curry leaves or 3 kaffir lime leaves

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 lime (juice and zest)

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a deep pan, heat coconut oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.

2. Toast Spices: Stir in chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and curry leaves. Let the spices toast for 30 seconds.

3. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a light simmer over medium heat.

4. Cook the Crab: Add the crab pieces and grated coconut. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until crab is fully cooked and infused with the sauce.

5. Finish & Serve: Stir in lime juice and zest. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with jasmine rice or flatbreads.

Notes

Blue crab is traditional, but Dungeness works equally well.

Add more chilies or chopped green peppers for heat.

For a thicker curry, reduce coconut milk slightly longer before adding crab.

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering / Stewing
  • Cuisine: Tropical Fusion / South Asian / Island

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1¼ cups)
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 24g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg