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Main course Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥460kcal
💪40gProtein
🌾9gCarbs
🥑30gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️400 gServing

* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.

Allergens

🦐 Shellfish

Shanghai Hairy Crab

How to order / say it
Say it 上海大闸蟹 — [shahng-high dah-chah-sheh]
Order I'd like to order a Shanghai Hairy Crab.
Locally 我要一只上海大闸蟹。
Say locally

Seasonal delicacy of steamed freshwater crabs known for their sweet meat.

Why try it?

This dish epitomizes Shanghai's culinary love affair with seafood; it's a much-awaited seasonal feast celebrating local water produce.

How it tastes

The crab meat is sweet and succulent, with a rich, buttery roe that’s considered a delicacy, complemented by fragrant ginger and black vinegar.

Origin & History — first documented: 1600

Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, hairy crabs were introduced to Shanghai's cuisine through its intricate waterways, becoming a luxury item by the early 20th century.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🦐 4 pcs hairy crab
  • 🧂 20 g ginger
  • 🧄 20 g spring onion
  • 🥣 50 ml black vinegar
  • 🫒 10 ml sesame oil

Method

  1. 1 Clean and prepare fresh hairy crabs.
  2. 2 Steam crabs with ginger and spring onion until cooked.
  3. 3 Serve with a dipping sauce of black vinegar and sesame oil.

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All Asia recipes — China — Shanghai — Shanghai Hairy Crab
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