Songkran, the Thai New Year, is a time for vibrant celebrations, family gatherings, and delicious food. This year, elevate your festivities with a refreshing and subtly spicy Mild Crab Salad featuring the sweet tang of green mangoes. This isn't your average crab salad; the delicate balance of flavors and textures creates a truly unique culinary experience, perfect as a light appetizer or side dish. Imagine the juicy sweetness of ripe mango contrasting with the delicate sweetness of crab meat, all tied together with a hint of chili for a delightful kick. The vibrant colors alone will add a festive touch to your Songkran spread.
This incredibly easy-to-make recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring only a handful of readily available ingredients. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to let their natural flavors shine. Ready to create this delightful Songkran snack? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- papaya grater
- scissors
Ingredients
- Green mangoes
- Raw crabs: 0.5 kg
- Bird's eye chili
- Red chili (Jinda Daeng)
- Shallots
- Salt
- Palm sugar
- Water
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- MSG
- Seasoning powder
- Vegetables
- Chinese celery
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut off the unwanted parts. Wash with salt water to reduce latex, then rinse with clean water. Shred or thinly slice the mangoes.
- Rinse crabs thoroughly with salt and then clean water. Trim the legs and remove the mouth and waste from the shell. Remove any soft foam.
- Rinse crabs until the water runs clear. For extra freshness, shock with water or add soda.
- Roughly chop bird's eye chili and red chili.
- Finely chop the shallots.
Step 2. Make the Dressing
- Combine chopped chili, palm sugar, water, fish sauce, and lime juice. Adjust to your preferred taste. Add MSG and seasoning powder.
Step 3. Combine and Mix
- Add the crab and green mango to the dressing. Mix well.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with vegetables and Chinese celery. Mix again before serving.
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- If using a male crab, the meat will be plentiful and firm.
- If you prefer, you can leave the mango peel on.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed before adding the crab and mango.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 200-250
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbs: 15-20g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use canned crab meat instead of fresh?
Yes, canned crab meat works well in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly to remove excess liquid before adding it to the salad.
2. What can I substitute for green mangoes if they're not in season?
A good substitute would be ripe mangoes or even a crisp, tart apple for a similar sweetness and texture. Adjust the amount of lime juice to balance the flavors.
This Mild Crab Salad with Green Mangoes is the perfect addition to your Songkran celebration, offering a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic. Its simple preparation and delightful taste make it an ideal appetizer or side dish that will impress your guests. Enjoy this vibrant and delicious recipe, and happy Songkran!