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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
Prepare Crabs and Tamarind
Roast Spices and Coconut
Grind the Xec Xec Masala
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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.
This goan recipe takes 65 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 508.28 calories per serving with 48.89g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cook the Curry
Garnish and Serve
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.
For a vegetarian version, replace the crab with whole mushrooms, paneer cubes, or a mix of sturdy vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower.
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.
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.
Crab is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Crab meat provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
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.
The presence of various spices like peppercorns, cumin, and chillies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism.
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.
Crab Xec Xec can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Crab is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The curry also contains beneficial spices like turmeric and ginger. However, it is rich due to the coconut and oil, so portion control is recommended.
Yes, you can use frozen crabs if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them completely before marinating. While fresh crabs offer the best flavor and texture, frozen crabs will still yield a delicious curry.
To reduce the spice level, decrease the number of dried red chillies and black peppercorns. You can use primarily Kashmiri red chillies, which are known for their vibrant color and mild heat.
Traditionally, Crab Xec Xec is served with steamed rice to soak up the delicious gravy. It also pairs exceptionally well with Goan breads like Pao or Poi, or with steamed rice cakes called Sannas.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seafood curries are best consumed fresh. Reheat gently on the stovetop until hot, without boiling, to prevent the crab meat from becoming tough.