Crab Xec Xec
A fiery and aromatic Goan crab curry made with a blend of freshly roasted spices, coconut, and tangy tamarind. This coastal classic brings the authentic flavors of Goa right to your kitchen, perfect with steamed rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Crabs and Tamarind
- b.In a large bowl, combine the cleaned crab pieces with 0.5 tsp turmeric powder and 0.5 tsp salt. Mix gently to coat and set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.
- c.Soak the tamarind ball in 1/4 cup of warm water for 15 minutes. Squeeze the pulp to extract the juice, strain it, and discard the solids.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Roast Spices and Coconut
- b.Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over low-medium heat. Add the coriander seeds, dried red chillies, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, poppy seeds, and star anise.
- c.Dry roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the spices are fragrant.
- d.Add the grated coconut to the pan. Continue to roast, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes until the coconut turns a deep, uniform golden-brown. Be careful not to burn it.
- e.Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grind the Xec Xec Masala
- b.Transfer the cooled roasted spice and coconut mixture to a high-speed blender or grinder jar.
- c.Add the chopped ginger and garlic.
- d.Add a few tablespoons of water and grind to a thick, smooth paste. Add more water as needed, a little at a time, to facilitate grinding.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Curry
- b.Heat oil in a large pot or kadai over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
- c.Add the ground xec xec masala paste and the remaining 0.25 tsp turmeric powder. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the paste is well-cooked, aromatic, and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- d.Add the marinated crab pieces to the pot. Gently toss to coat them thoroughly with the masala. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the crabs to absorb the flavors.
- e.Pour in the tamarind extract, the remaining 1 tsp of salt, and about 2 cups of warm water. Stir well to combine.
- f.Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the crabs are cooked through (they will turn bright orange-red). The gravy should thicken to your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Taste the curry and adjust the salt if necessary.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Serve hot with steamed rice, Goan pao (bread), or sannas (steamed rice cakes).
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use fresh, live crabs. The taste is significantly better than frozen ones.
- 2Roasting the coconut to a deep brown color is the secret to the rich, nutty flavor of the xec xec masala. Don't rush this step.
- 3Be careful not to overcook the crabs, as the meat can become tough. They are done when the shells turn a vibrant orange-red.
- 4Adjust the amount of water to achieve your preferred gravy consistency. Use less for a thicker, semi-dry curry.
- 5For a slightly balanced flavor, you can add a tiny piece of jaggery (about 1/2 tsp) to counteract the tanginess of the tamarind.
Adapt it for your goals.
Seafood Variation
This masala paste works wonderfully with other seafood. Try it with large prawns, clams (tisreo), or firm-fleshed fish like kingfish or pomfret. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Vegetarian VariationVegetarian Variation
For a vegetarian version, replace the crab with whole mushrooms, paneer cubes, or a mix of sturdy vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower.
Milder VersionMilder Version
To reduce the heat, use fewer dried red chillies (specifically the hotter variety) and black peppercorns. Using only Kashmiri chillies will provide color without intense heat.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, creamier gravy, you can add 1/4 cup of thick coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Do not let it boil vigorously after adding.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Crab is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Crab meat provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
The curry is made with a blend of spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which contain powerful compounds with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Boosts Metabolism
The presence of various spices like peppercorns, cumin, and chillies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Crab Xec Xec contains approximately 450-550 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of the crabs, the amount of oil used, and the fat content of the coconut.