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    Home / Dinner / Fijian Mud Crab Curry

    Fijian Mud Crab Curry

    Fijian mud crab curry recipe — sweet, meaty crab simmered in a spicy coconut and tomato curry, the magnificent centerpiece of Fijian feasts and celebrations.

    ⏱ 15 minPrep time
    🔥 30 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 DinnerCategory
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    Fijian Mud Crab Curry

    The Fijian mud crab, or qari, is one of the islands’ most prized catches, found in the mangroves and estuaries that fringe the coast. Catching them is an art, and cooking them in a rich curry is a tradition that blends the Fijian love of coconut with the spice heritage of Fiji’s Indian community.

    What makes it great: the sweet crab meat absorbs the fragrant curry sauce like nothing else, and cracking open the claws at the table is half the fun. It is a special-occasion dish, served with stacks of paper napkins, rice, and plenty of cold drinks.

    See where this dish fits among the world’s curries: World of Curries guide.

    Fiji recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Clean the crabs: remove the top shell, gills, and face, crack the claws lightly with the back of a knife, and cut each body into quarters.
    2. Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the onion, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, and chilies until fragrant, about 4 minutes.
    3. Add the curry powder and turmeric, then the tomatoes, and cook until the tomatoes soften into a paste.
    4. Pour in the coconut cream, season with salt, and bring to a gentle simmer.
    5. Add the crab pieces and simmer for 12-15 minutes, spooning sauce over the crab, until the shells turn bright red and the meat is cooked through.
    6. Serve hot with steamed rice and plenty of napkins.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Have the fishmonger clean and crack the crabs if you prefer a quicker route. Serve with finger bowls — this one is meant to be eaten with your hands.

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    Recipe details

    Prep15 min
    Cook30 min
    Servings4
    CategoryDinner
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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