Crab Fried Rice: The Ultimate Crab Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction to Crab Fried Rice

Crab fried rice is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of crab meat with the comforting essence of fried rice. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying, offering a taste of the sea right from your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.

A Personal Story Behind My Crab Fried Rice Journey

Growing up, my family often enjoyed seafood dishes, especially on special occasions. One of my fondest memories is sitting around the dinner table with loved ones, savoring a big bowl of crab fried rice, where everyone shared stories and laughter. This recipe reminds me of those joyful moments, and I love recreating it to share the same warmth and happiness with my family and friends.

What Makes This Crab Fried Rice Recipe Special?

This crab fried rice recipe stands out due to its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. The use of lump crab meat adds a touch of luxury, while the combination of garlic, soy sauce, and fish sauce creates a flavorful base that elevates the dish. Plus, the addition of fresh vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color to the plate. It’s a perfect meal that balances richness with freshness, making it suitable for any occasion.

The Full Crab Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups day-old long grain rice
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 can lump crab meat (6-oz / 170 g can), drained (yield 1/2 cup)
• 1/3 cup finely diced carrots (or frozen carrots)
• 1/4 white onion, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced (or 1/2 small white onion, diced)
• Side Sauce (Prik Nam Pla) (Optional):
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, sliced
  • 1 bird’s eye chili, sliced (or 1/2 small serrano pepper)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Garnish (Optional):
  • 1 persian cucumber, sliced on a bias
  • 1 lime wedge
  • Sprig of cilantro

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine all the side sauce ingredients and set aside. This adds a zing to your fried rice!
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle the garlic.
3. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until it starts to brown, releasing a wonderful aroma.
4. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook until the bottom is set, then lightly scramble them for a fluffy texture.
5. Once the eggs are mostly cooked, add the day-old rice. Break apart any clumps and mix it with the eggs, toasting until fully separated.
6. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well to coat the rice with all the flavors.
7. Stir in the unsalted butter and continue to toast for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Add in the crab meat, diced carrots, chopped white onion, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together for another minute to combine the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
9. Transfer the crab fried rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve hot with cucumber slices, a lime wedge, and the side sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Crab Fried Rice

Crab fried rice is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the crab meat and add more colorful vegetables like peas or bell peppers. If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to increase the amount of chili in the side sauce for an extra kick. Pairing it with a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade can complement the dish perfectly, making it a refreshing meal for warm days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crab Fried Rice

Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat can enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the rice.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, crab fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it thoroughly before enjoying.

Can I freeze crab fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

What can I add to make it more filling?
Adding more vegetables or protein such as shrimp or chicken can make this dish even heartier.

How do I make it gluten-free?
You can use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free while still enjoying its great flavor.

Recipe Stats

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 350
• Servings: 4

Crab Fried Rice

A delightful crab fried rice recipe that combines lump crab meat with flavorful rice and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet For stir-frying the rice and ingredients.

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs beaten
• 3 cups day-old long grain rice
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 4 white pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 can lump crab meat (6-oz / 170 g can) drained (yield 1/2 cup)
• 1 3/4 finely diced carrots (or frozen carrots)
• 1 4 white onion, finely chopped

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, combine all the side sauce ingredients and set aside.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add minced garlic and stir-fry until it starts to brown, releasing a wonderful aroma.
• Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook until the bottom is set, then lightly scramble them for a fluffy texture.
• Once the eggs are mostly cooked, add the day-old rice. Break apart any clumps and mix it with the eggs, toasting until fully separated.
• Add soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well to coat the rice with all the flavors.
• Stir in the unsalted butter and continue to toast for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Add in the crab meat, diced carrots, chopped white onion, and sliced green onions. Stir everything together for another minute to combine the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
• Transfer the crab fried rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve hot with cucumber slices, a lime wedge, and the side sauce.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit the crab meat and add more vegetables like peas or bell peppers. Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili in the side sauce.

Keyword Crab Fried Rice Recipe