Introduction
Japan is an archipelago surrounded by the ocean, which makes it the perfect place for seafood lovers. One of the most popular seafood found in Japan is crab or "kani" in Japanese. There are various types of crabs that can be found in Japan, but in this article, we will be focusing on the crabs found along the Japanese coastal area, particularly on the dams or "teibo" in Japanese.
Types of Crabs Found in Japanese Coastal Areas
Horsehair Crab or "Kegani"
Horsehair crab or "kegani" in Japanese is one of the most famous crabs found in Japan. It has a distinct long and narrow body covered with fine hair-like spines that give it a unique texture. Horsehair crabs are usually caught during the winter season, and they are commonly served as sashimi or boiled in hot water.
Blue Crab or "Sakura-gani"
Blue crab or "sakura-gani" in Japanese is another type of crab that can be found along the Japanese coastal area. It has a distinct bluish-green color and a sweet flavor that makes it perfect for grilling or frying. Blue crabs are usually caught during the spring season when they are at their fattest.
Snow Crab or "Zuwai-gani"
Snow crab or "zuwai-gani" in Japanese is a type of crab that is usually caught during the winter season. It has a delicate and sweet flavor and can be eaten either boiled or grilled. Snow crabs are usually found in the northern part of Japan, particularly in Hokkaido.
Red Snow Crab or "Seikogani"
Red snow crab or "seikogani" in Japanese is a type of crab that is usually caught during the winter season. It has a reddish color and a sweet and delicate flavor. Red snow crabs are usually found in the Sea of Japan, particularly in the Niigata and Ishikawa prefectures.
Tips on How to Choose and Cook Crabs
When choosing crabs, it is important to look for those that are alive and active. It is also important to choose crabs that are heavy for their size, which indicates that they are full of meat. When cooking crabs, it is important to boil them for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure that they are fully cooked. Crabs can also be grilled or fried, depending on your preference.
Cooking Recipes for Crabs
Horsehair Crab Sashimi
Ingredients: 1 horsehair crab, soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.
Instructions: Cut the horsehair crab into small pieces and arrange them on a plate. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.
Blue Crab Karaage
Ingredients: 2 blue crabs, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 egg, 1 cup of water, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Cut the blue crabs into small pieces. In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, egg, water, salt, and pepper. Dip the crab pieces in the batter and fry until golden brown.
Snow Crab Hot Pot
Ingredients: 1 snow crab, 1 leek, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1/2 cabbage, 1/2 pack of tofu, 1/2 pack of shirataki noodles, 1/2 pack of enoki mushrooms, 1/2 pack of shimeji mushrooms, 1/2 pack of maitake mushrooms, 1/2 pack of shiitake mushrooms, 1 liter of water, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, and salt.
Instructions: Cut the vegetables into bite-size pieces. In a pot, add the water, soy sauce, and salt. Bring to a boil and add the vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Cook for 5 minutes and add the snow crab. Cook for another 10 minutes and serve hot.
Conclusion
Crabs are one of the most popular seafood found in Japan, and there are various types of crabs that can be found along the Japanese coastal area. Whether you prefer sashimi, grilled, or fried crabs, there is always a recipe that will suit your taste. So the next time you visit Japan, don't forget to try their delicious crabs!
