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Spicy Caribbean Coconut Curry Crab with Lime Zest

Name: Spicy Caribbean Coconut Curry Crab with Lime Zest
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 large crabs, cleaned and halved; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 teaspoons curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 1 cup fish stock; Zest of 2 limes; 1 tablespoon honey; Zest of 1 lime; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked

This Spicy Caribbean Coconut Curry Crab infused with lime zest is a bold and colorful dish that brings the tropical feel of island cuisine to your table.

4.2(913 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 15, 2025

Spicy Caribbean Coconut Curry Crab with Lime Zest — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Crab Marinade

For the Coconut Curry Sauce

For the Lime Zest Garnish

For the Side

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 529 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbs: 35.75 g
Fat: 26.25 g
Fiber: 1.75 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2114 kcal
Protein: 136 g
Carbs: 143 g
Fat: 105 g
Fiber: 7 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
4 large crabs, cleaned and halved	600	120	0	6	0
2 tablespoons lime juice	8	0	3	0	0
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon black pepper	6	0	1	0	1
2 tablespoons vegetable oil	240	0	0	27	0
1 onion, finely chopped	40	1	9	0	1
3 cloves garlic, minced	13	0	3	0	0
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated	5	0	1	0	0
2 teaspoons curry powder	14	0	2	1	1
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper	8	0	2	0	1
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk	700	6	14	70	2
1 cup fish stock	10	1	1	0	0
Zest of 2 limes	3	0	1	0	1
1 tablespoon honey	64	0	17	0	0
Zest of 1 lime	2	0	1	0	0
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped	1	0	0	0	0
2 cups jasmine rice, cooked	400	8	88	1	1

Nutrition estimates are approximate and not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Crab

1
Mix marinade
In a large bowl, mix the lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
2
Coat the crab
Add the crab halves and toss to coat evenly.
3
Marinate
Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator.
Tip: Marinate for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Curry Sauce

1
Heat oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2
Sauté aromatics
Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until the onion is translucent.
Tip: Do not overcook the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3
Add spices
Stir in the curry powder and cayenne pepper, cooking for another minute.
Tip: Toasting the spices briefly boosts their flavor.

How to Make Spicy Caribbean Coconut Curry Crab with Lime Zest

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Sauteing
Brown the onions, garlic, and spices for 5 minutes until fragrant.
2
Simmering
Add the coconut milk and fish stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
3
Steaming
Place the marinated crabs in the sauce and cover to cook for 15 minutes.