Coconut crabs are endangered and are rarely found on islands inhabited by humans because of over-hunting. Their rarity has created a buzz among seafood lovers worldwide.
So, what does coconut crab taste like?
Coconut crabs taste similar to lobsters and ordinary crab meat. Some people even say the flesh of coconut crab tastes like peanut butter.
If you haven’t tried coconut crab meat, we’ll share everything you need to know about the taste and texture of coconut crabs. You’ll also discover helpful tips for cooking coconut crabs.
Let’s get started.
What Are Coconut Crabs?
The coconut crab has powerful pincers, which are one of the most dangerous weapons in the animal kingdom. Experts say a pinch from coconut crab can rival a lion’s bite. So there’s no question that they can do some scary things with their claws.
But the good news for humans is that coconut crabs don’t usually attack them. A coconut crab’s main source of food is coconuts. And since these creatures live on Islands in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, they have no trouble finding their favorite food.
Why is it called Coconut Crab?
Coconut crabs are among the largest hermit crabs that feed on everything from coconuts to rodents and birds. Because coconut crabs mostly eat coconuts, they’re named after them.
Can You Eat Coconut Crab Meat?
Coconut crab meat is edible and is considered a delicacy in many countries, such as Malaysia, Polynesia, and the Southern islands.
The meat of a coconut crab is remarkably good and full of nutrients. The health benefits are plenty, so it is favorite seafood for most people.
But some people think that coconut crab is poisonous to eat. Guess what? It is a complete myth.
Coconut Crab Flavor Profile
The most delectable components are the coconut crab eggs and the fat in the abdomen. Mostly, it is eaten with spicy sauces after being steamed or boiled.
Do Coconut Crabs Taste Good?
Do Coconut Crabs Taste Like Coconuts?
The taste of coconut crabs relies on their diet. Their diet mainly consists of coconuts, so they’ll taste more like coconuts. But if they eat rodents, they’ll taste terrible. Coconut crabs won’t taste exactly like coconuts, though.
How to Cook Coconut Crabs?
The coconut crab is very versatile, and you can cook them like many other kinds of seafood. Plus, cooking coconut crab is quick and easy.
Boiling Method
To prepare the coconut crab meal with this method:
- Cut the claws into six pieces.
- Put some onions in salted water and boil the coconut crab for 20 minutes.
- Remove the coconut crab from the boiling salted water, set it aside to cool, and then twist the meat outwards in a bowl to capture any excess moisture.
- Cut small coconut crabs in any shape or size you want and enjoy them with spicy sauces!
Coconut Crab Curry
You make a delicious coconut crab curry with coconut milk, chili, lime juice, and salt. Place the coconut crab in a pot and add your favorite ingredients. Then, boil the coconut crab for 1-minutes on medium heat. You can serve coconut crab curry with boiled rice and any sauce you desire.
Coconut Crab With Coconut Milk
Here’s another easy and tasty recipe for coconut crab. We recommend removing the coconut crab meat from its shell with a sharp knife for this recipe. Then, add some salt, pepper, and other spices you like. The next step is to heat the coconut milk until it is lukewarm and add the coconut crab meat into this milk. Finally, cover it with a lid and let it cook for up to 12 minutes.
Your delicious coconut crab milk recipe is ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are coconut crabs dangerous to humans?
Coconut crabs can be dangerous because their pincers are some of the most powerful in seawater animals. While attacks on humans are rare, coconut crabs can display aggressive behavior like other crabs if they feel threatened.
Who has been killed by a Coconut Crab?
Coconut crabs caused Amelia Earhart’s gruesome death in the Pacific islands.
Are coconut crabs actually ordinary crabs?
Coconut crabs, also called robber crabs, are large nocturnal land crabs of the southwest Pacific and Indian oceans. It is related to the hermit crab and king crab.
Are coconut crabs poisonous to humans?
While the coconut crab isn’t innately poisonous, it may become poisonous to humans depending on its diet, and few cases of coconut crab poisoning have occurred.
Can a coconut crab attack you?
Coconut crabs don’t usually try to attack people, but there have been exceptions. Humans are their only predators, and when coconut crabs are targeted, they will strike back. Typically, coconut crabs would give people the worst pinch of their lives.
Where do coconut crabs come from?
Coconut crabs are found across the Indo-Pacific, including the coast of Africa near Zanzibar to the Gambier Islands. They are found in coastal forests with rock crevices and soil for digging burrows.
How long do coconut crabs live?
Coconut crabs can live up to 50 years if no one harvests them. They are nocturnal, so their hunters have to catch them by staying up all night.
Where does the coconut crab live?
Coconut crabs are found on the islands and coasts of the sea. They are generally caught on Indo-pacific islands, Gambier islands, and East African coasts.
Are coconut crabs legal?
Coconut Crab species are illegal within the United States. And if you’re caught with one, it’s considered a Class C Felony.
