Spicy and Refreshing Blue Crab Ramen Recipe with One Whole Crab
How to Make Blue Crab Ramen ~ A Delicious Ramen Dish with One Whole Crab
Learn how to make a flavorful and invigorating blue crab ramen with just one whole crab! This recipe elevates a simple ramen into a luxurious seafood experience, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients- 1 fresh blue crab
- 1 packet of ramen noodles (choose mild or spicy to your preference)
- Scallions, chopped
- Red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish and mild heat)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for cleaning the crab)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing your fresh blue crab. It’s best to use live crabs, ideally sourced from a fresh seafood market like Daemyong Port. If you have leftover fresh crab from making crab stew or steamed crab, that works too. If the crab has been stored in a kimchi refrigerator, double-check its freshness.
Step 2
Clean the blue crab thoroughly. Crabs with longer abdomens are males and are typically meatier in the fall. Remove the crab’s apron (the triangular or shield-shaped flap on the underside). Scrub the shell clean under running water with a brush. (If the crab has been stored for a few days, the internal organs might not be in the best condition, so ensure the flesh is still fresh.) Cut the body into four serving-sized pieces.
Step 3
In a pot, add 500cc of water (a little more than the standard ramen water amount). Add the prepared crab pieces and the cleaned crab shell. Bring to a boil. Be aware that adding the internal organs can make the broth cloudy and less appealing. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface as it boils. This process helps to extract the crab’s natural sweetness and umami into the broth.
Step 4
Once the crab is fully cooked, add the ramen soup base. The choice of ramen will influence the final taste. For a cleaner broth, opt for a mild-flavored ramen. If you prefer a spicier kick, use a spicy ramen packet. For this recipe, I’ve chosen a mild ramen for a taste closer to steamed crab, but feel free to use your favorite.
Step 5
Now, add the ramen noodles. If you prefer thinner noodles that cook quickly, choose a ramen like ‘Snackmen’. Otherwise, use your preferred noodle type. Gently push the crab pieces to one side and ensure the noodles are submerged in the broth to cook evenly. If the broth level seems low, it’s crucial to add *hot* water. Adding cold water will prevent the noodles from cooking properly and can make them soggy and unappetizing.
Step 6
Since the noodles cook quickly, use tongs to gently lift and swirl them in the broth a few times while cooking. This action helps the noodles stay firm and perfectly cooked, preventing them from becoming mushy.
Step 7
While scallions are common in regular ramen, adding minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon) to blue crab ramen significantly enhances the flavor, making the broth even more savory and refreshing. The garlic complements the crab beautifully.
Step 8
Ladle the ramen into a serving bowl. Artfully place the whole cooked blue crab on top of the noodles – it truly makes a statement! Garnish with a few slices of red chili pepper for a pop of color and a hint of mild spice. Your visually appealing and incredibly delicious blue crab ramen is now ready to be enjoyed.
