Crab Meat with Green Beans

Crab Meat with Green Beans Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crab Meat with Green Beans is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the delicate flavor of crab meat with the crispness of green beans. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal.

History

This recipe has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where seafood and vegetables are often combined to create flavorful and healthy dishes. Crab meat is a popular ingredient in many Chinese recipes, and when paired with green beans, it creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

3 red crabs
1 tsp rice wine
1 egg
2 tbsp corn oil

Sauce

0.5 cup green beans
1 tbsp rice wine
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 cup beef broth
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch

How to prepare

Scrub the fresh red crabs with a brush to clean them, then steam them for 5 minutes in boiling, salted water.
Break the shells, remove the meat, and sprinkle the meat with wine.
Parboil the green beans in salted, boiling water for 2 minutes, then cut them diagonally.
Beat the egg, add a dash of salt, and mix it with the crab meat.
Preheat the oil in a frying pan, pour the beaten egg and crab meat into the pan, and fry them slowly.
Mix the oil, wine, and soy sauce in a pan, then sauté the green beans in this sauce.
Add beef broth to the green beans and season with salt, sugar, and pepper.
Dissolve 1 tbsp of cornstarch in 2 tbsp of water, then add it to the green bean mixture, stirring for 1 minute until it thickens.
Place the fried crab meat on a serving dish and pour the sauce over it.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or lobster for the crab meat for a different flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the green bean sauce for extra vegetables.
Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to clean the crabs thoroughly before steaming them to remove any dirt or impurities.

- Parboiling the green beans before sautéing them will help them retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.

- Frying the crab meat slowly will ensure that it cooks evenly and retains its tender texture.

- Adding cornstarch to the sauce will help thicken it and create a glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crab Meat with Green Beans with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the crabs before removing the meat helps to cook them evenly and retain their natural flavors.

- Parboiling the green beans before sautéing them ensures that they are cooked through but still crisp.

- Frying the crab meat slowly helps to keep it tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use snow peas or snap peas instead of green beans for a different texture.

- Substitute fish sauce for soy sauce for a more intense umami flavor.

- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the crab meat and green bean sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and fry the crab meat just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fried crab meat on a platter and pour the green bean sauce over the top for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for added visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Crab Meat with Green Beans with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles complements the dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Crab Meat with Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crab Meat with Green Beans contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crab Meat with Green Beans contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crab Meat with Green Beans contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Crab Meat with Green Beans contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Crab meat is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. Green beans are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (crab) and eggs, which are common allergens. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Crab Meat with Green Beans is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a balanced meal that is perfect for a healthy diet.

Summary

Crab Meat with Green Beans is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family meal. With a balance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a healthy and delicious option for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Sarah's house for a little cooking get-together. As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of garlic and fresh seafood filled the air.

Sarah was busy chopping up green beans and tossing them into a sizzling pan with butter and garlic. She then added some succulent crab meat and a splash of white wine, letting it all simmer together until the flavors melded perfectly. The dish looked and smelled absolutely divine, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

As Sarah explained the recipe to me, I listened intently, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient. She told me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from a friend who had traveled to the coast and brought back the recipe as a culinary souvenir.

I was fascinated by the idea of recipes being passed down through generations and across continents. It was like a delicious game of culinary telephone, with each cook adding their own twist and flavor to the dish.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the crab meat with green beans recipe. I asked Sarah for a copy of it, which she gladly provided, and I immediately went home to try it out for myself.

The first time I made the dish, it didn't turn out quite as perfect as Sarah's had. But I kept at it, tweaking the recipe here and there, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that until I finally found the perfect balance of flavors.

I made the crab meat with green beans dish for my family one Sunday evening, and they absolutely loved it. My husband even said it was better than any restaurant version he had ever tried.

From then on, it became a staple in our household, a dish that we would enjoy on special occasions and lazy Sunday afternoons alike. It became a part of our family's culinary history, a recipe that I would pass down to my own children and grandchildren one day.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding different spices and herbs to give it a unique twist. I even tried substituting the crab meat with shrimp once, and it turned out just as delicious.

But no matter how many variations I tried, the original crab meat with green beans dish remained my favorite. It was a comforting blend of flavors that reminded me of that warm summer day at Sarah's house, where I first discovered the recipe that would become a beloved tradition in my own kitchen.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the recipes I have collected over the years, I can't help but smile at the memory of that first taste of crab meat with green beans. It was a moment that sparked a love for cooking and a passion for sharing recipes with others.

And so, I will continue to cook and create, to learn and experiment, passing down the flavors and traditions of my kitchen to future generations. Because in the end, food is not just sustenance – it is a celebration of life, love, and the joy of sharing delicious meals with those we hold dear.