Cangrejo Guisado (Stewed Crab)

Ingredients

• For the Crab:
• 2 lbs fresh blue crab, cleaned and cracked
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp adobo seasoning
• For the Stew:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 onion, diced
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sofrito (cilantro, culantro, garlic, and peppers blended)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup coconut milk
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• 0.5 tsp sazón (with annatto, for color and flavor)
• 0.5 cup seafood or chicken broth
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• For Serving:
• Steamed white rice
• Tostones or yuca fries
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the Crab
2. 21️⃣ Clean and Season – Clean and crack the blue crab, then season with lime juice, salt, black pepper, and adobo. Set aside. 🦀🍋
3. 3Make the Stew
4. 42️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot or caldero over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and sofrito until fragrant. 🧄🌿🔥
5. 53️⃣ Build the Base – Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, sazón, and red pepper flakes. Let cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors. 🍅🔥
6. 64️⃣ Add the Liquid & Simmer – Pour in coconut milk and broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. 🥥🍲
7. 75️⃣ Cook the Crab – Add the seasoned crab, stir well, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the crab is cooked through and tender. 🦀🔥
8. 86️⃣ Final Touches – Stir in fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. 🌿✨
9. 9Serve & Enjoy
10. 107️⃣ Plate It Up – Serve Cangrejo Guisado with steamed white rice, tostones, avocado slices, and lime wedges. 🍋🥑🔥