My favorite Mummy Special Indian Crab Curry Recipe. I have been eating this Crab Curry since my childhood. I just go crazy and love the taste of this curry. I have asked my mummy several times if its goan cuisine or any specific cuisine. To which she cutely replies its Indian Cuisine. All the credit goes to her for this curry. Today I will share this secret ………..How to make this special indian crab curry. Crabs are also called as Khekda and Shimori in Mumbai-India.
My relatives, close family, friends all love this Crab Curry. Its made with Indian spices. The spice makes it spicy and heavenly.This curry goes well with steamed rice, Bread or Chapatis. You could also make this curry as a main course in your meal.
This Indian crab curry has blend of good spice and coconut. All this makes this curry special and mouth watering. Once you have this I bet you will make it always. The crab curry taste will linger on your taste-buds always.
Crab and Mussels are my hot favorite. That too made by mum. My mouth starts watering even when I talk about it. Crab has to be diced properly. The hygiene is important you need to clean the crabs thoroughly. If you are using alive crabs be careful before dicing them. As crabs can give you crab bites. The pain is harsh and acute.
I have tried some of delicious crab curries like green crab curry and goan crab curry.
Mummy Special Crab Curry step by step details below:
1. Firstly dice the crab and wash it properly.
2. Take a tawa or pan add little oil. Once hot add fennel seed and cumin seed. When they crackle.
3. Add 2 sliced onion. Keep one onion aside for Tadka (tempering).
4. Now put Garlic cloves, desiccated coconut, 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves, Ginger and green chilies. Saute until onion all mixture becomes dark brown. Combine this fried mixture in the grinder. Grind until it forms a smooth paste. Add little water if required.
5. Take little oil in the same pan. Add now fresh grated coconut to it.
6. Saute until they are brown.
7. Grind to form a smooth paste. Add water if required.
8. Get a wok or vessel add 3 tbsp Oil. Add the remaining chopped onion. Saute for 2 mins on low flame.
9. Add tomatoes and saute for a minute.
10. Mix all spices except salt. Stir for sometime.
11. Let the mixture become brown. Roughly after 5 to 6 mins.
12. Add the fresh coconut spice paste to the curry. Its time to add crabs to it.
13. Combine well. Now add the desiccated coconut paste to the gravy.
14. Check the consistency add water as required. Stir well cover with a lid for 5 mins. Stir again. Once the curry starts bubbling add salt as per taste.
15. After 3 to 4 mins taste the curry. See if more salt or spice required. Switch off the gas. Your Crab Curry is ready now. Before Serving garnish with coriander leaves. Serve This Crab curry with Pav, Bread Or Rotis. This crab curry goes well with steamed rice or pao.
If you are looking for more seafood recipes then do check Goan prawns curry, dry shrimp curry, clams dry recipe, mandeli fish fry, goan fish curry, goan prawn curry, mince potato chops, goan shark fry, green crab curry andgoan piri piri sauce.
Mummy Special Crab Curry recipe details below:
- 1 tbsp oil for frying + 1.5 tbsp oil for curry
- 5 to 6 Big sized Crabs Or about 10 small sized Crabs
- 18 to 20 Garlic Cloves
- 1 inch Ginger Chopped
- 3 Sliced Onion
- 1/2 cup Desiccated Coconut
- 3 t/s Fennel Seeds
- 2 t/s cumin seed
- 1/2 cup Coriander Leaves
- 1 Green Chili
- 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
- 2 tbsp Red Chili Powder
- 2 tbsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tbsp Turmeric
- 1 tbsp Coriander Seed Powder
- 1 Tomato
- 2 cups Water
- Salt as per taste
- Firstly dice the crab and wash it properly.
- Take a tawa or pan add little oil. Once hot add fennel seed and cumin seed-. When they crackle.
- Add 2 sliced onion. Keep one onion aside for Tadka.
- Now put Garlic cloves, desiccated coconut, 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves, Ginger and green chilies. Saute until onion all mixture becomes dark brown. Combine this fried mixture in the grinder. This mixture is of fried onion, ginger-garlic, cumin seed, coriander leaves, green chilies and desiccated coconut. Grind until it forms a smooth paste. Add little water if required.
- Take little oil. Add now fresh grated coconut to it.
- Saute until they are brown.
- Grind to form a smooth paste. Add water if required.
- Get a wok or vessel add 3 tbsp Oil. Add the remaining chopped onion. Saute for 2 mins on low flame.
- Add tomatoes and saute for a minute.
- Mix all spices except salt. Stir for sometime.
- Let the mixture become brown. Roughly after 5 to 6 mins.
- Add the fresh coconut spice paste to the curry. Its time to add crabs to it.
- Combine well. Now add the desiccated coconut paste to the gravy.
- Check the consistency add water as required. Stir well cover with a lid for 5 mins. Stir again. Once the curry starts bubbling add salt as per taste.
- After 3 to 4 mins taste the curry. See if more salt or spice required. Switch off the gas. Your Crab Curry is ready now.
- Before Serving garnish with coriander leaves. Serve This Crab curry with Pav, Bread Or Rotis. This crab curry goes well with steamed rice.
Anamika says
Can you please specify the number of cups / tbsp / tsp for onion, garlic and ginger. The cloves of garlic are huge here and 18 would be too many. Thank you!
maria says
Hi Anamika,
You can use 2 tbsp garlic and ginger respectively. Hope this helps you.
Matin says
Hi Maria ,
IS it okay , if we use dry roasted coconut instead of fresh coconut ?
maria says
Sure Matin you can try.
matin says
Whenever i want to prepare crab curry , i search for recipes , i always end up using this recipe , no other recipe seems better than this ….. already more than 10 times used this recipe in past few years
maria says
Hi Matin,
So pleased to hear this and yes its one of my favorite crab curry.
florence coutts says
Hi,
My husband, a Goan, and myself, Canadian/Polish/Dutch live in Canada. It was our 40th anniversary this past weekend and I made your crab recipe. Absolutely delicious. Thanks for making our day special. Much better than going to a restaurant to celebrate…especially during these covid times.
Thx
florence
Pritika says
Hi Maria
I absolutely loved the way you explained everything step by step.My husband wanted to eat crabs for a really long time .. and I honestly was hesitant to even try but I am so glad I found your receipe.. it turned out to be soooo good ! It’s very similar to my mum’s crab curry. Next time when I go home to Mumbai I am making it for my family☺️☺️ Thank you sooo much
maria says
Most welcome Pritika, Pleased to know your husband likes the crab curry recipe. Thanks for positive views 🙂
Debolina Biswas says
Thanks for sharing your recipe. My husband and I absolutely loved it.
I also tried using the recipe with some small tweaks with chicken. Turned out great as well.
maria says
Pleased to know this Debolina 🙂 thanks for positive views 🙂
bob says
A friend was telling me about the crab curry his grandad used to make and how much he loved it, so as a treat I followed your recipe for him for him.
He was delighted by how close it was to that dish. We all really enjoyed it too. Great recipe Maria so many thanks.
(6 years and counting, good job 🙂
maria says
Pleased to know this Bob thanks for your kind and encouraging words 🙂 you are welcome. Also thanks to my mom its her signature crab curry.
Nagendra D Bhavasar says
Mam, can I skip desiccated coconut? The place where I live,i can’t get that. What to do? Thank u
maria says
Nagendra you can use fresh coconut instead, hope this information helps you.
Deeba says
Me and my husband loved the taste of crab when we tried them in havelock island in Andamans..
Since then I wanted to taste them again luckily I found fresh sea crabs in pune few days ago and I prepared them by your method… And they were delicious 🙂
Thanks for your sharing…
maria says
Deeba thanks for positive views 🙂 glad your family loved the crabs curry. You are welcome 🙂
Jayanthi says
I am Bangalore based . Here we do not get fresh crabs often , they are rather small. So we normally do not buy crabs but yesterday we were lucky to get some mudcrabs here and I did not want to do my usual crab curry so I was browsing and happen to get this nice one. I prepared as per your recipe and my kids loved it. Thanks for sharing.
maria says
Pleased to know your kids loved the crab curry 🙂 Thanks for positive views. Do try more recipes and let us know how it was? you are welcome.
Mick Drew says
About to get prepared for round 2 with this amazing recipe! My youngest hates spices but she too got into the dish that quickly turned into a fight like a pack of hungry lions! I struggled to catch 12 blue swimmer crabs 2am this morning as the local spot was packed with people,all of them steadily pulling up crabs…did 20 in the cook up last time and that got absolutely smashed in no time! Will savor every mouthful! thank you Maria for this little pot of gold!
maria says
Thanks Mick for your positive views 🙂 you made my Sunday! Glad your kids and family loved the crab curry, thanks to my mom that’s her recipe. You are welcome there are more crab curries on my blog you could try those as well.
vani says
I tried this recipe, it was fantastic, yummy.thanku
maria says
Pleased to know this Vani, thanks for positive feedback. You are welcome 🙂
vani says
I tried this receipt it was fantastic, yummy.thank u
Anitha says
Mind blowing recipe….stumbled across the recipe, when hunting for crab curry recipe..
Hats off to your mom and to you.
Never ever tasted crab curry sooooo good…..I don’t think even the best restaurant can make it soooo yummy
maria says
Thanks so much Anitha for your kind and positive words 🙂 will convey to my mom.
Ran says
Hi could I substitute crab meat for this recipe?
maria says
Ran you may substitute crab meat however the crab shells imparts a great flavor than just the meat. But if it’s not available then use crab meat.
swastik says
Awesome.My mom tried this crab dish yesterday and it was fantastic.yummy.thank you maria.
maria says
pleased to know swasik your family liked the crab curry this recipe belongs to my mom and thankyou 🙂 for trying them.
Sheetal says
Looks Awesome!
maria says
Thankyou Seema 🙂
Dr. Ian D'Souza says
Hi Maria. I tried you crab curry recipe last night after I got it on an internet search.
It was superb! I must say I’m not much of a cook but your step by step instructions were great and (with substantial help from my wife :)) cooking was as enjoyable as eating…almost!
Many thanks for sharing this and I’m looking forward to trying out other recipes!!
PS this is the Facebook link to the end result: https://www.facebook.com/ian.dsouza.712?fref=nf
The gravy seems thicker but it was delicious!
maria says
Thankyou Dr Ian for your positive and kind words here and also on Facebook. I am pleased to know your family loved the crab curry 🙂 surely try other recipes as well take care and have a lovely weekend.
susila says
Hi , i tried this recipe earlier n its turns yummy. Happy to see my husband n kids enjoyed until last drop of curry. Thks Maria for the recipe. N this is one of the best crab curry i tasted.
Sun says
Hi – I have a questions about this recipe. You mention fennel seeds for the recipe, except at one step where you mention the same mixture with “cumin” seeds. Could you please clarify what you used? I’d love to try this out.
maria says
Sun I have used both cumin and fennel. Have rectified and made the necessary changes. Thanks for pointing out my mistake. Do try and keep me posted.
payal says
Awesum crab curry..!! I cooked ths recipe.. the oly compliment I got was its jst awesum..^_^ thnks.. do post more seafood recipes
maria says
Sure Payal I would do that thankyou for trying. There are more fish recipes on the blog do check them out.
Dave says
Hello Maria
Oh yum am on my way to buy crabs now. I bet you mommy knows where it is from and its from Kerala with no doubt. Even my mom used to cook the same using coconut n stuffs. Thanks for the post you really deserve a medal for this.
maria says
Thanks Dave actually mummy hails from Goa and both states Goan and Kerala use coconuts widely in their cuisine. You are welcome do keep me posted how was the crab curry???
Christina says
Hi Shamima – I live in Cape Town (where there definitely no fresh coconuts) but I find I can get them at my local Pick and Pay, or Spar.
maria says
Thankyou Christina for your help 🙂
shamima vawda says
dear maria my name is shamima i am from durban south africa, we hve a prob getting fresh coconut is there a subsistute i could use.
maria says
Shamima you could use desiccated coconut instead of fresh coconut. If you are unable to find coconut then use 1 cup coconut milk the taste would differ but would taste great still. Hope this helps you but add coconut milk towards the end of the dish else it might cuddle.
Paul says
This looks delicious, but I wonder, how do you eat this curry?
Are you supposed to crack the claws open with your fingers, or has the meat already been taken out and added to the curry (and the shell is just for presentation)?
Also that steel bowl you cook with, does it have a special name?
Thanks!
maria says
Paul the crab meat is not taken out it’s as it is. You are suppose to bite them with your teeth then use your finger to eat the flesh. You could use some device or tool to crack open the crab. But we eat with our teeth and hand at home. You could use any deep vessel or wok to make this curry no special bowl required. Thank-you for writing hope this helps you do lemme know how was the crab curry???
Paul says
Thanks for the reply Maria. I didn’t think of using teeth to crack them open
I have a wok and lots of pans which would be suitable, but I really liked the bowl you were cooking with. Luckily I’ve since found a similar one on the internet.
I haven’t cooked your curry yet. Its difficult to get fresh coconut in the UK, and the desiccated stuff is not quite as nice. I will be trying it very soon though 🙂
maria says
Thankyou Paul 🙂 take your time do keep me posted once you make them. Also should I parcel you some fresh coconut 😉 take care.
ALEX says
REALLY VERY GOOD
maria says
Thanks Alex 🙂
Ved Manu Moola says
Really good.. did add sour mango powder for a little more zing.. fab tho !!! Tks
maria says
Thanks Ved for trying the recipe 🙂 I am glad you liked it and liked the addition of mango powder.
rozanne says
Hey darling jus wanted to know if crab curry is healthy for my pregnancy as I am craving it but ppl r saying its nt gud for the child.u shud no better,a lil help?
maria says
Hi Rozanne,
Eating too much crabs is not good as it could produce heat in your stomach during pregnancy even prawns would create the same effect. You could eat crab in small quantities to reduce your craving but don’t make a habit. Hope this helps you.
Rimas says
Hi Maria,
Amazing recipe .
maria says
Thankyou Rima did you try the crab curry?
Christina says
This was amazingly delicious. I am now about to whizz all the leftovers, shells and all, in my food processor. Shall then carefully strain and freeze for a sublime curried crab bisque.
maria says
Thanks Christina 🙂 for trying the crab curry and I am glad you found them delicious 🙂
sayoop says
It was really awesome . Thanks for the recipe.
maria says
I am glad you liked them you are welcome and thanks for trying the crab curry 🙂
wilson says
i’m trying hope it goes well
maria says
Sure Wilson do try and don’t forget to share your views.
Jennifer says
Awesome recipe! tried it out and tastes great!!
maria says
Thankyou Jennifer for trying and I am glad you liked it.
nitasha says
Thanks a lot for the recipe. My husband just bought crabs yesterday and i had no idea how to prepare them. I went through a lot of recipes on the net and your recipe looks the best. Will be trying out for sure.
maria says
Thanks Nitasha 🙂 do try and lemme know if you require any help ? do share your feedback.
Estrelina Dias says
I tired your receipe it was super my family enjoyed thanks.
Suba says
Helo there ,Im Suba frm Malaysia ..I live ur crab curry so much ..but i have some doubts on below especially on the 2 type of grind paste.Pls correct is im wrong .
The first paste is the mixture of Garlic cloves, 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves, Ginger and fresh grated coconut right ???
The 2nd paste is only desiccated coconut after saute it .
Pls let me know on above ..Thanks dear
maria says
Hi Suba nice to see you here 🙂 it’s only one paste only dry coconut is roasted with onion and other ingredients. Later roast fresh coconut separately until brown and grind all together. Hope your doubts are clear also have explained in detail below. Keep me posted how was the curry 🙂
suzzanne says
Dear Maria,
Thank you for this receipe, After 10 years i have made this dish, i use to eat it when my granny would prepare it. she passed away and so the receipe. I hear that crabs are heaty and wanted to try for my 3 years old daughter who got cold. I got this recepie and when i seen the pic it looked just like my grannys dish. Made it 3 times in 15 Days. Want to thankyou from my heart. THANKYOU.
maria says
Thanks Suzanne for trying them and you are right crabs are heaty I am happy you liked the crab curry you are welcome Suzanne keep cooking hope your kid is alright now 🙂
Rupal says
Great recipe it turn out so good. I made it first time in my life but your step by step recipe made it so easy for me. Thank you for sharing the wonderful recipe with us.
maria says
Thanks Rupal for trying them 🙂 I am happy you liked them keep cooking have fun 🙂
Rakshita Bhatkar says
Hey Maria,
I am too from Mumbai, may be that is the reason my mom also cooks crab in the same way. I am also in love with crab…..just like you…
maria says
Nice to know mom connection Rakhsita 🙂 take care enjoy!
Ammy says
Your recipes are execellent………
Maria the pictures and the explaination too good
I want to know what is this garam masala exactly the preparation your mom makes for Crab curry
maria says
Thanks Ammy 🙂 garam masala is the readymade masala we use mostly everest brand Or for our homemade garam masala refer to this link http://www.flavorsofmumbai.com/indian-garam-masala-powder-garam-masala-powder-recipe/ also ensure the homemade garam masala is slightly strong so do watch out while cooking… Hope this helps you! My mom uses readymade Or homemade as per her mood.
Swaps says
Hey …… the sequence of pictures showing the recipe are so amazing…that I almost felt the taste the Crab curry while looking at them!!!! Your presentation is fantabulous….it reminded me my Mom’s crab curry!!Yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!
maria says
Thanks Swap 🙂 …………. do try them for sure 🙂
RUPAL says
TURNED OUT JUST AS SHOWN! GREAT… THANK YOU
maria says
Hey Rupal….. thanks keep cooking have fun gurl!
Sera says
mix n match ur 2 crab recipe yesterday night…… basically followed this recipe and added malwani masala along with the red chilly pwdr ….. also in d end added solas (dry mango) …. n voila it was yum yum ……………. cant wait to go back home n dig into the leftover m sure it will be more yum tonite ……
thank u Maria n ur mum for this wonderful recipe ……
maria says
Hey Sera,
Great combo I must say… I am happy you enjoyed them. You are welcome buddy.
Love,
Maria
Riaan says
Hi,
I am so glad I found your recipe. I am from South Africa and while my father was stil alive, he made us crab curry. I’ve been wanting to make it for about 15 years now and always thought that it wont be good.
This recipe was the best crab curry I have ever tasted in my life.
Thanks very much for sharing
Regards,
Riaan Augustyn
maria says
Hi Riann,
Thanks for stopping by I am happy you loved the crab curry. Actually I am thankful to my mom for that. Guess our ancestors and parents have been great chef which gets passed on to us. Be happy and keep cooking.
Lot’s of Love,
Maria
sakthi says
hey, its turns very yummy, thanks for sharing maria 🙂
maria says
Hey Sakthi,
Thanks for trying and I am glad you liked it. Keep Cooking 🙂
Cheers!
Maria
Manisha says
Thanks a ton for adding that info and yes, I saw the other crab curry, too! And the bombil! *drool*
maria says
Hey Manisha,
U welcome … do try all of them and lemme know your views!
Love,
Maria
Manisha says
You just killed me with all those delightful pictures of a droolworthy crab curry! Oh my! I haven’t had one in years and years. I thought I might on my recent trip to Bombay but it was not meant to be. I will have to fix that by making it in my own kitchen soon! How many crabs did you need for this curry? What size were they or was it by weight?
maria says
Hey Manisha,
Thanks for your lovely comments and views. You would require about 5 to 6 big sized crabs otherwise about 10 small crabs. In Mumbai you don’t get crabs measured by weight. You could buy one vata (One bunch of Crabs which they sell individually in the fish market). Thank you for asking me as I haven’t put the quantity of crabs required for the curry. I have added that as well. Hope my response helps you. Do try this crab curry and lemme know how was it? Also I am adding one more Crab Curry soon so check that as well.
Love,
Maria
Kulsum at JourneyKitchen says
I never ending up trying Indian recipes with crab, wonder why! this looks great
maria says
Hey Kulsum,
Thanks a ton. Do try out this crab curry. Also thanks for coming to my blog
Love,
Maria
Happy Cook says
Wowo I have not had crab curry for ages and ages and just seeing ths picture i am droling, wish I had this delicious curry with hot rice, just the thought makes me indeed drool all over again.
maria says
Hi,
Thanks do make one I am sure you would love this crab curry!
Love,
Maria
Michaela says
Lovely!!
maria says
Thanks buddy!