Step 1: Wash the crab
Scrub the bounded crab with a brush under running water. DO NOT untie the crab.
Step 2: Prepare the steamer
Half fill a wok with water. Put some perilla leaves into the water. Cover and wait till the water boils before placing the crabs in.
Step 3: Prepare the crabs for steaming
Place slices of young ginger flat on the plate. Lay the crabs on top of the plate BELLY SIDE UP and place the plate in the wok.
Step 4: Steaming
Steam the crabs accordingly to size and number of crabs in your steamer
The basic rule of steaming hairy crabs is 1 min per 10g. For eg, 200g hairy crabs would take 20mins to steam while 250g hairy crab will take 25 mins
If you have more crabs in your steamer, you may need to increase the time. The crabs are done when their color change from a green/grey color to a nice orange crimson color.
Step 5: Prepare the vinegar sauce
Add 1/4 cup of chinese black vinegar, some brown sugar (add more/less accordingly) and some minced young ginger.
