Queensland mud crab is the large crab of mangroves and estuaries, most of it caught in Queensland and the Northern Territory; Stanley serves it live from the tank, steamed or wok tossed.

Scylla serrata, called the mud crab or mangrove crab, lives in the estuaries and mangroves of Africa, Australia and Asia, from South Africa to south-eastern Australia. In Australia it is caught in pots, drop nets and dillies from New South Wales north around to Shark Bay, and most of the commercial catch comes from Queensland and the Northern Territory, with a peak from January to April in Queensland. A study on the tidal flats of Deception Bay in Queensland found young crabs living in the mangrove zone.

Where to eat Queensland Mud Crab in Brisbane

1 editor pick for Queensland Mud Crab in Brisbane, ranked by editorial score. All Brisbane signature dishes · Queensland Mud Crab across every city.

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Make it at home

Serves 41 hrIntermediate

Ingredients

  • 1 live mud crab, around 1.5kg
  • 4 long red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 5cm ginger, finely chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 4 spring onions, sliced
  • 100ml tomato ketchup
  • 60ml shaoxing wine
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • Steamed jasmine rice, to serve

Method

  1. Humanely dispatch the crab by chilling in the freezer for 30 minutes; remove top shell, gills and clean cavity.
  2. Quarter the crab body and crack the claws with the back of a heavy knife.
  3. Heat 3 tbsp peanut oil in a wok until smoking. Add crab pieces and stir-fry 3 minutes until shells turn red.
  4. Add ginger, garlic and chilli; stir-fry 1 minute. Add shaoxing, soy, ketchup, sugar and 200ml water; bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover and steam-cook 8 minutes, tossing occasionally, until flesh is cooked through.
  6. Scatter spring onions, toss once more, and serve with jasmine rice and finger bowls.

Editor tip. Cook mud crab live or freshly dispatched on the day you buy it; 30 minutes in the freezer first makes it sluggish and easier to handle.

Common allergens: Crustacean.