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Nauruan Coconut Crab Curry Recipe

Nauru crabs in coconut milk are simple and quick to prepare, offering a delicate, tropical appetizer that highlights fresh seafood and creamy coconut.

On the tiny island nation of Nauru, crabs and coconuts are plentiful, making this dish a natural choice. You can use whole crabs, crab legs, or just crab claws depending on what’s available. For a light starter, crab claws work especially well.

In my version I served crab claws as an appetizer alongside two easy dipping sauces: melted garlic butter and a mayonnaise-based sriracha dip. Both complement the sweet, rich flavor of the crab and are effortless to make.

This recipe feels indulgent but comes together quickly, making it a great starter for a casual dinner or a special island-themed meal.

If you prefer homemade coconut milk, combine freshly grated coconut with warm water and strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth until smooth. Canned coconut milk is an easy and reliable alternative and works perfectly here.

Either method yields a lovely, fragrant broth that gently warms the crab without overpowering its natural flavor.

Nauru crabs in coconut milk

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Nauru Crabs in Coconut Milk

Course
Appetizer
Cuisine
Nauru
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Calories
208kcal
Author
International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs crab claws
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cube butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha

Instructions

  • Pour the coconut milk into a large pot and heat over medium until it is just below boiling—small bubbles should form at the edges.
  • Add the crab claws to the warm coconut milk and let them heat through for about 10 minutes, until fully warmed.
  • While the crab warms, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and heat until the butter foams and the garlic becomes aromatic, then remove from heat and transfer to a dipping bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sriracha to make the spicy mayo dip. Adjust the sriracha to taste, then transfer to a serving bowl.
  • Serve the crab in a shallow bowl with towels and tools for cracking the shells. Offer both the garlic butter and sriracha mayo for dipping.
  • Enjoy the fresh, creamy flavors—this makes a memorable starter for any gathering.

Nutrition

Calories: 208 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 2 g
|
Protein: 1 g
|
Fat: 22 g
|
Saturated Fat: 12 g