Ingredients

• 2 Dungeness crab, shell off (save shells), claws cracked and body chopped up into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups cornstarch, for dusting and to make a slurry with 1 tablespoon
• 3 cups peanut oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rinsed fermented black beans, chopped
• 4 large slices bruised ginger
• 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 5 scallions, chopped into 2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup shaoxing(cooking wine)
• 1 tablespoon naturally brewed soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken stock
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• Small pot cooked Chinese rice

Instructions

1. In a large wok, bring peanut oil to high temperature. Dust the crab pieces with cornstarch and a little salt. Shallow fry the crab for only 1 to 2 minutes until the crab shells turn red. Drain on paper towels. Do the same with the 2 shells. Reserve oil and wipe wok clean. Add 2 tablespoons oil back to the wok on high heat. Stir-fry the beans, ginger, garlic and scallions for 1 minute until soft. Add back the crab and deglaze with shaoxing and add soy and stock. Check for seasoning and bring to a boil. Thicken with the slurry and cook 30 more seconds. Serve immediately with the cooked shells.
2. PLATING On a large oval, place the 2 shells down near both ends. Fill with hot rice. Mound the crab between the shells. Enjoy with your fingers. Can also serve with lemon finger bowls.
3. Wine suggestion: Marsanne, Bois du Renard, Languedoc 1998