Go Back
Crabs in Oyster Sauce
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Crabs in Oyster Sauce

Crabs in oyster sauce is a flavorful Filipino seafood dish where fresh mud crabs are simmered in a rich, savory sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Seafood Recipes
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: alimango, crab recipe, crabs in oyster sauce, mud crabs in oyster sauce, mudcrabs
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 289kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo mud crabs or alimango
  • 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 3 Tbsp. ginger chopped finely
  • 1/4 cup oyster sauce
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. rock salt
  • 1 bunch spring onion

Instructions

How to cook Crabs in Oyster Sauce:

  • Prepare and clean the mud crabs by washing it in running water and using a toothbrush, clean the shells specially the abdomen, claws and feet.
  • Chop and divide each crab into four pieces. Set aside.
  • Heat sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  • Saute garlic and ginger until fragrant for 1 minute.
  • Add in oyster sauce, water, salt and sugar.
  • Bring to a boil then simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened.
  • Add in the crabs and spring onion and stir cook to coat the crabs with the sauce.
  • Cover and simmer until the crabs are cooked. Serve hot.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Choose the Right Type of Crab for Best Results

For crabs in oyster sauce, always choose mud crabs (alimango) if you want firm, meaty pieces that hold their shape while cooking. Their thick shells protect the delicate meat inside, even when tossed in a rich, sticky sauce. If mud crabs aren’t available, large blue crabs can work, but they tend to be more fragile and better suited for soupy dishes.

Clean the Crabs Thoroughly Before Cooking

Make sure to clean the crabs under running water, scrubbing every corner — from the claws to the crevices in the shell — to remove dirt and grit. This step is essential, not just for hygiene, but also to ensure the sauce sticks well to the smooth, clean shells. A clean crab absorbs flavors better and gives the dish a fresh, briny taste instead of a muddy one.

Let the Sauce Simmer to the Right Consistency

The secret to a perfect crabs in oyster sauce is in the sauce itself — let it simmer until slightly thickened before adding the crabs. A thicker sauce clings beautifully to the shells, ensuring each bite is rich with flavor. If you add the crabs too soon, the sauce may become too watery, diluting the bold, savory taste that makes this dish so irresistible.