Steamed Crabs with Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe

Name: Steamed Crabs with Soy Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Salt to taste; 20 live blue crabs; 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 3 scallions, trimmed and roughly chopped; 3 slices fresh ginger, smashed; 1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice, black, or white vinegar; 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil; 2 teaspoons sugar; Minced scallion for garnish, optional; Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish, optional

Servings: persons

Salt to taste
20 live blue crabs
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
3 scallions, trimmed and roughly chopped
3 slices fresh ginger, smashed
1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice, black, or white vinegar
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
2 teaspoons sugar
Minced scallion for garnish, optional
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish, optional

1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
2
Boil the crabs for about a minute (you may have to do this in batches), then rinse them in cold water.
3
Combine the wine, scallions, and ginger slices in a large bowl and add the crabs.
4
For the dipping sauce, combine the minced ginger with the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar and stir to blend.
5
Let sit for about 30 minutes.
6
Put about an inch of water in a steamer, wok, or roasting pan.
7
Place the crabs on a plate and put the plate in the steamer or on a rack in a wok or other pan.
8
Cover and bring to a boil, then steam for 5 to 10 minutes, until hot.
9
Garnish the crabs if you like and serve with the dipping sauce.

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Salt to taste, 20 live blue crabs, 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, 3 scallions, trimmed and roughly chopped, and more.

Yes, Steamed Crabs with Soy Dipping Sauce falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Steamed Crabs with Soy Dipping Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions