Fried crab sticks are a popular dish during Chinese New Year celebrations. These crispy and savory snacks are not only delicious, but they also hold symbolic meaning for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. While they may seem intimidating to make at home, this recipe will guide you through the process and help you create your own homemade version of this traditional dish.
Ingredients
Crab Sticks
To make fried crab sticks, you will need
crab sticks as the main ingredient. These can be found in most Asian supermarkets and are made from fish paste that is shaped and flavored to resemble crab meat. They are a convenient and affordable alternative to real crab meat, but still provide a delicious and satisfying taste.
Flour Mixture
The next key ingredient is the
flour mixture, which gives the crab sticks their crispy coating. This usually consists of a combination of
all-purpose flour,
cornstarch, and
seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The flour mixture not only adds flavor, but also helps the crab sticks achieve a golden brown and crunchy texture when fried.
Egg Wash
To help the flour mixture stick to the crab sticks, you will need to use an
egg wash. This is simply a beaten egg or egg whites that act as a binding agent. The egg wash also adds an extra layer of flavor to the crab sticks and helps them stay moist and tender on the inside.
Oil for Frying
Lastly, you will need
oil for frying the crab sticks. It is best to use an oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil, as these will not burn easily when heated to high temperatures. The oil should also be deep enough to fully submerge the crab sticks during frying.
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Sticks
Start by
defrosting the crab sticks if they are frozen, and then
cut them into half or bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to handle and also allow for more pieces to be fried at once.
Step 2: Make the Flour Mixture
In a
bowl, mix together the
all-purpose flour,
cornstarch, and
seasonings of your choice. You can also add a pinch of
Chinese five-spice powder for a more authentic flavor. Make sure to mix well so that the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Create the Egg Wash
In another
bowl, beat an
egg or
egg whites, depending on your preference. You can also add a splash of
milk or
water to thin out the mixture. This will make it easier for the flour mixture to stick to the crab sticks.
Step 4: Coat the Crab Sticks
Dip each crab stick piece into the egg wash and then roll it in the flour mixture until it is completely coated. Shake off any excess flour before setting it aside on a
plate. Repeat this process until all the crab sticks are coated.
Step 5: Fry the Crab Sticks
Heat enough oil in a
wok or
deep frying pan until it reaches about 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the coated crab sticks into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Use a
slotted spoon to remove the fried crab sticks from the oil and place them on a
paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve them hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as is!
HTML code:
Fried crab sticks are a popular dish during Chinese New Year celebrations. These crispy and savory snacks are not only delicious, but they also hold symbolic meaning for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. While they may seem intimidating to make at home, this recipe will guide you through the process and help you create your own homemade version of this traditional dish.
Ingredients
Crab Sticks
To make fried crab sticks, you will need crab sticks as the main ingredient. These can be found in most Asian supermarkets and are made from fish paste that is shaped and flavored to resemble crab meat. They are a convenient and affordable alternative to real crab meat, but still provide a delicious and satisfying taste.
Flour Mixture
The next key ingredient is the flour mixture, which gives the crab sticks their crispy coating. This usually consists of a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The flour mixture not only adds flavor, but also helps the crab sticks achieve a golden brown and crunchy texture when fried.
Egg Wash
To help the flour mixture stick to the crab sticks, you will need to use an egg wash. This is simply a beaten egg or egg whites that act as a binding agent. The egg wash also adds an extra layer of flavor to the crab sticks and helps them stay moist and tender on the inside.
Oil for Frying
Lastly, you will need oil for frying the crab sticks. It is best to use an oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil, as these will not burn easily when heated to high temperatures. The oil should also be deep enough to fully submerge the crab sticks during frying.
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Crab Sticks
Start by defrosting the crab sticks if they are frozen, and then cut them into half or bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to handle and also allow for more pieces to be fried at once.
Step 2: Make the Flour Mixture
In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and seasonings of your choice. You can also add a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder for a more authentic flavor. Make sure to mix well so that the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Create the Egg Wash
In another bowl, beat an egg or egg whites, depending on your preference. You can also add a splash of milk or water to thin out the mixture. This will make it easier for the flour mixture to stick to the crab sticks.
Step 4: Coat the Crab Sticks
Dip each crab stick piece into the egg wash and then roll it in the flour mixture until it is completely coated. Shake off any excess flour before setting it aside on a plate. Repeat this process until all the crab sticks are coated.
Step 5: Fry the Crab Sticks
Heat enough oil in a wok or deep frying pan until it reaches about 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the coated crab sticks into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried crab sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve them hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as is!
![[View 42+] Xo Sauce Shrimp Recipe](http://www.gastronomydomine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/P7053812.jpg)
