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Best Easy Hunan Spicy Crayfish Recipe

Name: Best Easy Hunan Spicy Crayfish Recipe
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 330 g
Ingredients: live crayfish 2 lbs; scallions 3 pieces; fresh ginger 2 oz; garlic 8 cloves; red chilies 8 pieces; vegetable oil 3 tbsp; light soy sauce 2 tbsp; Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp; sugar 1 tsp; salt 1 tsp; Sichuan peppercorns 2 tsp; water 1 cup

Hunan spicy crayfish cooked in a fiery chili and garlic sauce is a beloved street food. A high protein, fresh seafood dish perfect for family gatherings.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 295 kcal

#high protein #seafood #spicy #chinese street food

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

live crayfish 2 lbs
scallions 3 pieces
fresh ginger 2 oz
garlic 8 cloves
red chilies 8 pieces

Seasonings/Sauce

vegetable oil 3 tbsp
light soy sauce 2 tbsp
Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp
sugar 1 tsp
salt 1 tsp
Sichuan peppercorns 2 tsp
water 1 cup

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 10 g 14%

Protein 26 g 35%

Fat 16 g 51%

Serving size 330g

Cooking steps

1

Scrub and rinse the live crayfish thoroughly under cold running water; drain well. Trim the ends of crayfish as needed for easier eating.
2

Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add Sichuan peppercorns and red chilies; stir-fry for 1 minute to infuse the oil.
3

Add sliced ginger, whole garlic cloves (crushed), and chopped scallions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, adjusting heat to medium-high to avoid scorching the aromatics.
4

Increase heat to high and add the crayfish. Stir-fry vigorously until shells begin to turn red, about 3-4 minutes.
5

Pour in Shaoxing wine and light soy sauce, sprinkle with sugar and salt, and continue to toss. Add 1 cup water, cover, and simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes, until crayfish are cooked through and sauce is slightly reduced.
6

Remove lid and continue cooking on high, tossing occasionally, for 2 more minutes to thicken and concentrate the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh scallion if desired.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The star ingredient is live crayfish, which provides the dish's signature sweet, succulent seafood flavor and meaty texture. The combination of red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns defines the Hunan fiery aroma and heat.

Q. Which seasoning gives Hunan Spicy Crayfish its bold flavor?

The powerful flavor comes from using both Sichuan peppercorns and red chilies, balanced with ginger, garlic, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce. These build layers of savory, spicy, and tongue-tingling sensation in the sauce.

Q. How do I keep the crayfish juicy and not overcooked?

Be sure to stir-fry the crayfish quickly over high heat until their shells just turn red, then reduce to a simmer for only 8 minutes. Avoid overcooking after this, as prolonged heat will toughen the meat and dry it out.

Q. How many calories and protein does one serving contain?

Each serving has about 295 kcal and 26g protein. This makes it a high-protein dish, with protein contributing 35% of calories and carbs just 14%, ideal for those seeking a protein-rich meal.

Q. What is the ideal heat control for this recipe?

Start with high heat to sear the aromatics and crayfish, then reduce to medium as you simmer in the sauce. This technique ensures deep flavor penetration while keeping the flesh tender.

Best Easy Hunan Spicy Crayfish Recipe

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