Frost brings rich crab roe—perfect time to enjoy a pot of spicy crabs for a satisfying feast!

Here's a recipe for **Spicy Crab Pot** that captures the rich and satisfying flavors of crab roe and spicy seasonings. It's perfect for chilly days when you want a hearty and festive feast!

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### **Spicy Crab Pot with Crab Roe**

**Ingredients:**
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh crabs (blue crabs, mud crabs, or your preferred variety)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2-3 dried red chilies (adjust for spiciness)
- 2 tbsp doubanjiang (fermented chili bean paste)
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for a numbing kick)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish

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### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crabs:**
- Clean the crabs thoroughly, removing the gills and unwanted parts. Crack the claws slightly to allow the flavors to seep in.
- If the crabs have roe, be gentle to preserve it during cleaning.

2. **Sear the Crabs:**
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the crabs and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright red. Remove and set aside.

3. **Build the Flavor Base:**
- In the same wok, add 1 tbsp of oil. Stir-fry the minced garlic, ginger, white parts of the green onions, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add the doubanjiang and stir-fry for another minute to release its deep, spicy aroma.

4. **Create the Sauce:**
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken stock. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer.

5. **Cook the Crabs:**
- Return the crabs to the wok, tossing them gently in the sauce to coat evenly. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the crabs to cook through.
- If desired, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. **Serve:**
- Garnish with the green parts of the onions and fresh cilantro. Serve the crabs hot in the wok or transfer to a large serving dish.

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### **Tips for Enjoying Your Spicy Crab Pot:**
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For extra indulgence, crack open the crab shells and savor the rich roe inside.
- Add vegetables like potatoes, corn, or lotus root to the pot for a complete meal.

This spicy crab pot is the ultimate comfort food to warm you up and bring everyone together around the table. Let me know how your feast turns out! 😊