With a taste commonly described as sweet, clean and delicate, Dungeness Crab adds a touch of luxurious flavor and texture to fried rice. Aromatic garlic, ginger and chili pepper add just enough spice without overwhelming the crab. This deliciously creamy, savory, sweet and tangy dish is easy to make and perfect with leftover rice for a quick weeknight meal.
For the sauce
1/4 cup crab broth (option: buy crab in the shell and save the shells to make homemade crab broth) or substitute with chicken or vegetable broth
Additional ingredients if making homemade crab broth: 5-7 whole black peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, 4 cups water
2 tbsp Tamari
1 tsp agave
1 tsp Sriracha (or hot chili sauce)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
For the stir-fry
4 tbsp peanut oil
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tbsp red chili pepper or jalapeno, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
3 green onions, sliced (trim the tips and use both the white and green parts)
2 cups cooked basmati rice
Time saving tip: Use leftover rice. Make extra rice and reserve enough to make fried rice a couple days later
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 cups lump Dungeness Crab meat (or substitute for any fresh jumbo lump crab meat)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
lime wedges for serving
If shelling the crabmeat, place shells in a 6 quart pot with lid
Add whole peppercorns, bay leaves and 4 cups water
Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes
Reserve 1/4 cup broth and store the remaining broth in a container with tight fitting lid. Can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze. Crab broth is excellent with seafood risotto
In a small bowl combine all sauce ingredients: broth, tamari, agave, sriracha and sesame oil
Whisk until well blended and set aside
Heat a 12 or 14 inch wok or skillet over medium-high
Add 1 tbsp peanut oil and heat until shimmering
Add egg, allow the edges to stiffen then roughly break apart with spatula and finish cooking, approximately 1 minute
Add remaining 3 tbsp peanut oil to the wok
Add chili, ginger and garlic and stir constantly until fragrant, approximately 20 seconds
Add rice and stir until warmed through
Add green onion, peas and sauce
Stir until sauce is absorbed, approximately 5 minutes
Stir in the lump crabmeat
Cook, stirring occasionally, until crab is heated through, approximately 5 minutes
Remove from heat
Sprinkle with chopped parsley
Serve with a wedge of lime and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley
With only 90 - 140 calories, 1.6 grams total fat and 0.3 grams omega-3 fatty acids per 3 ounce serving, Dungeness Crab is a low calorie source of complete protein (offering 18 - 28 grams per 3 ounce serving). Dungeness crab is also an excellent source of vitamin B12, Selenium, Zinc and Copper. This combination of nutrients supports metabolism, lean muscle repair, offers antioxidant protection, immune system support and benefits skin, brain and heart health.
Protein is fundamental for overall health. Protein is integral for tissue repair and recovery such as maintenance of lean muscle and bone health. Protein is also involved in biochemical signaling pathways which regulate bodily functions including metabolism and cell cycle maintenance. Proteins are required for antibody production to support a healthy immune system.
B vitamins are essential for a healthy metabolism and energy production to support various bodily functions, maintain brain health and support a healthy nervous system. B vitamins also support skin health, heart health and red blood cell formation. B12 plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and in the metabolism and maintenance of homocysteine levels in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects which help reduce risk of chronic disease, support a healthy cardiovascular system and lower blood pressure. Notably, omega-3 fatty acids are a major component of brain cells. Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids can increase blood flow to the brain, improve neuroplasticity and help offset cognitive decline. Research also suggests the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 FAs may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and regulate mood.
Selenium, zinc and copper are trace elements with a wide range of functions including antioxidant protection, immune system support, brain and heart health.
Selenium also supports thyroid function and DNA synthesis and repair
Zinc is also involved in protecting against infections and inflammation, supports wound healing and plays a role in hormone production
Copper also supports iron absorption and bone health
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