Q: What’s special about Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs?
A: Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are renowned for their size and flavor, particularly the rich and creamy roe of the female crabs and the sweet meat of the males.
Q: How long should the crabs be steamed?
A: The crabs should be steamed for about 20 minutes, depending on their size, and then left to simmer for an additional 5 minutes after turning off the heat.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the crabs while steaming?
A: Yes, adding slices of ginger and a spoonful of scallion and ginger cooking wine can enhance the flavor. However, it’s best to keep seasonings minimal to enjoy the natural taste of the crabs.
![](https://www.microwave.recipes/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/how-to-perfectly-steam-yangcheng-lake-hairy-crabs-a-step-by-step-guide-11-500x500.jpg)
Steamed Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crabs
Notes
- Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs: 2
- Fresh ginger: a few slices
- Tai Tai Le scallion and ginger cooking wine: 1 large spoonful
- Tai Tai Le fresh scallop sauce: 1 spoonful
- Garlic: a few cloves
- Clean the Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, remove the gills and apron, and place them in a steamer with a few slices of ginger.
- Pour a large spoonful of Tai Tai Le scallion and ginger cooking wine over the crabs. Ensure there's slightly more water in the steamer for ample steam.
- Cover the steamer, and once the water boils, steam for 20 minutes. Adjust the time based on the size of the crabs.
- While the crabs are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce by finely chopping garlic and ginger.
- Add Tai Tai Le fresh scallop sauce to the chopped garlic and ginger, and mix well.
- After 20 minutes of steaming, turn off the heat and let the crabs sit in the steamer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the crabs and serve hot with the prepared sauce. Optionally, brush the crabs with oil for an added sheen.
- Enjoy the crabs, starting with the female for its rich roe, followed by the male for its sweet meat.
- Calories: Moderate (mainly from the crabs)
- Protein: High (excellent source of marine protein)
- Fat: Low to moderate (natural fats from crab meat)
- Carbohydrates: Low (primarily from the sauce ingredients)
- Beneficial nutrients: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and selenium