Method

Step 1: For the crab, remove the top shell from the crabs and remove the dead man’s fingers and intestines. Cut each of the crabs into 8-10 pieces and crack the claws with the back of a large knife. On a large metal tray, sprinkle cornflour, 1 tablespoon sea salt and white pepper and roll the cut crab pieces in the seasoned flour.

Step 2: Fill a deep fryer or large saucepan with vegetable oil by one third and preheat to 190°C. In batches, deep-fry the crab pieces for 1-2 minutes until the outside is crispy. Once all the crab has been flash-fried, drain on paper towel.

Step 3: For the chilli sauce, heat the oil in a wok over medium heat and add ginger, garlic, chillies and eschalots. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then add the soaked dried shrimp and sugar and cook for a further 3 minutes. De-glaze the pan with Shaoxing wine and add the sesame oil and light soy sauce. Toss the cooked crab pieces through the chilli sauce, pour in stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve in a large bowl with lime wedges and coriander.

*To make prawn stock you can cover 10 prawn heads in cold water in a small saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes until deeply flavoured. Strain.

Serves 4