Vietnamese Crab Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 live mud crabs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds each), cleaned and cut into quarters
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, bruised and chopped
• 3 red bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1-inch piece ginger, julienned
• A handful of fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 2 teaspoons palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• Salt, to taste (usually minimal due to fish sauce)