Tiger Mike's Puu Jaa (Darling Crab)

Tiger Amir Cik Dollah & OP Sham,

I have previously given you the recipe for baked crab. Now, if I may, give you a Thai version which is easy to make. The best place to buy frozen crab meat remains the outlet in Pudu Market (RM 14.00 per pkt), and the other is TMC/Giant in Bangsar. Jaya Grocer sells but at a very high price. Do not be bothered by the slight colourization in the crab meat. Its normal. Freeze it until the time to use.

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 the juice of lime
125 g (1 cup ) crab meat
80 g (1/2 cup) ground pork or chicken
130 g (1/2 cup ) mashed potato
1 sprig fresh coriander, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
4 clean perfect crab shells
500 ml ( 2 cups ) oil

METHOD:
1. Thaw out the crab meat in a strainer. Squeeze the water out. Mix the lime juice with the crab meat and allow it to marinate for 10 mins.
2. Combine the crab meat, pork or chicken, potato, the fresh coriander, garlic, fish sauce, egg, salt and pepper. Fill the 4 crab shells with this mixture.
3. Steam the shells over high heat for 15 mins.
4. Heat the oil in a wok over high heat. Fry the shells, meat side down, until brown.
If desired, serve the crab with black pepper sauce and a small bowl of salad.
Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 mins
cooking time: 25 mins