Deep-Fried Crab

This is my parent's favorite crab dish.  We use to order our deep-fried crabs from Aling Letty's at  the Seaside Market in Baclaran, but we have not ordered from there in  years.  So when I found a recipe I had to make it.  The first time I made this dish Mom and Dad upon taking their first bites both looked towards me, with smiles on their faces, and they gave me the thumbs up.  My Dad says that my version is even better than that of  Alling Letty's.  I don't quite believe him, I think that's just him being  encouraging and a loving Dad. 

May I suggest that when you make this dish, eat it with your loved ones.  It makes it a more fun and fulfilling eating experience.  I have plenty of fond memories eating crabs, not just with my family but with my dear friends. I have enjoyed several crab meals with my Mars Jen and Joan.  Both of whom I have not seen for a long time and miss dearly.  I hope to sit down at the table with my Mars soon and enjoy eating crab while sharing stories and laughs.  

Here is the recipe:

2 large live crabs

minced ginger (optional, I don't use ginger because my parents don't like the taste of it)

chopped siling labuyo

2 tablespoons sesame oil

salt and pepper to taste

flour

cayenne pepper

oil for deep frying

1. Wash the crabs, then place in the freezer for about 2 hours to put them to "sleep".

2. After 2 hours take the crabs out of the freezer, take off the talukap (top shell) and the claws. Then chop the body in half.  Crack the claws using the back of your knife or cleaver.

3. In a bowl mix together the minced ginger, finely chopped siling labuyo, salt and pepper, and the sesame oil.

4. Pour the mixture over the crab, make sure to coat each piece.  Marinate for 30 minutes.

5. Lightly season flour with cayenne pepper.  If you like it hot you can add more cayenne pepper.

6. Dredge each crab piece in the seasoned flour. If you like a thick coating for you dish, add water to the flour to create a thick batter, then dip each piece in the batter instead of dredging.

7. Deep-fry in hot oil until cooked.  Drain on paper towels, then serve immediately, and most importantly happy eating :-)