🍽️ How to Make Xie Jiao (Chilled Crab Legs)

🧆 Ingredients

• 300g cooked crab legs
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• Salt to taste

🍳 Steps

1. Selecting and Preparing the Crab Legs: Choose live or freshly cooked crab legs for the best flavor and texture. If using live crab, ensure the crab is lively and heavy for its size, indicating freshness and full meat. Rinse the crab thoroughly under running water, using a soft brush to remove any dirt or sand from the shell and joints. After steaming or boiling, allow the crab to cool before carefully removing the legs. For pre-cooked or frozen crab legs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Once thawed, rinse again to remove any ice crystals or packaging residue. Pat dry with a clean towel. Use a crab cracker or kitchen shears to gently crack the shells, making sure not to crush the delicate meat inside. Cut the legs into 2–3 inch sections for easy serving.

2. Ingredient Cleaning and Preparation: Before starting, sanitize your work area and utensils to prevent contamination. Wash green onions thoroughly and chop finely. Peel garlic cloves and mince them as finely as possible for a smooth sauce. Inspect all ingredients for freshness—discard any garlic that is sprouting or has green centers, and ensure sesame seeds are not rancid. If using homemade chili oil, strain it to remove any burnt particles for a cleaner flavor.

3. Cooking and Chilling the Crab Legs: If the crab legs are raw, steam them over vigorously boiling water for 8–10 minutes, or until the shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque and firm. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the meat tough. Immediately transfer the cooked crab legs to an ice bath (a large bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process and lock in moisture. Let them chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the signature texture of this dish. Once chilled, drain and pat dry again to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

4. Preparing the Garlic Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is homogeneous. Taste and adjust the seasoning, balancing the salty, sour, spicy, and aromatic notes. The sauce should be bold but not overpowering, enhancing the natural sweetness of the crab. For a smoother sauce, let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the garlic to mellow.

5. Arranging and Serving the Crab Legs: Arrange the chilled crab legs neatly on a serving platter, slightly overlapping for visual appeal. Pour the garlic sauce evenly over the crab legs, ensuring each piece is coated. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes so the flavors can penetrate the meat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for color and crunch. Serve immediately while cold for the best taste and texture.

6. Maturity Identification and Quality Check: Properly cooked crab legs will have meat that is firm, opaque, and easily separates from the shell. The shells should crack with minimal effort, and the meat should be sweet, moist, and tender. Avoid serving crab legs that are mushy, watery, or have an off odor, as these are signs of poor quality or improper handling. If the meat is translucent or sticky, it is undercooked; if rubbery, it is overcooked. Always use your senses—look, touch, and smell—to judge doneness and freshness.

7. Additional Tips for Success:

   • Use only fresh, high-quality crab for the best results.
   • Clean all ingredients and utensils thoroughly to avoid off-flavors.
   • Adjust the amount of chili oil and vinegar to suit your taste.
   • For a more aromatic sauce, briefly toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling.
   • Serve the dish as soon as possible after assembly to preserve the delicate texture of the crab.
   • Provide crab picks or small forks for easier eating.
   • Pair with a light, crisp white wine or chilled tea for a refreshing meal experience.

💡 Tips

• Use fresh crab legs for best flavor and texture.
• Adjust chili oil and vinegar to taste.
• Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
• Crack crab shells for easier eating.