How to Eat Hairy Crab in Japan – Complete Cooking Styles Guide
Crab is a classic dish often served at winter banquets in Japan.
Among all varieties, hairy crab (kegani) is considered by many to be “the most delicious of all crabs.”
It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as sashimi-style (arai) or simply boiled.
However, its reputation as a luxury ingredient may make some people hesitant to try it.
To find out what a full-course hairy crab meal is really like, we visited Kani Jennu Ginza, a renowned crab specialty restaurant in Tokyo.
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【Advised by】kanijenne ginza
Table of Contents
Hairy Crab Is In Season All Year Round
Hairy crab is mainly caught in Hokkaido. As its name suggests, its entire shell is covered in fine hair. Unlike snow crab or king crab, it lives in shallow coastal waters, making it a familiar delicacy in Hokkaido. Because the fishing areas change with each season, it can be enjoyed fresh all year round, regardless of the time of year.
Savoring the Pure Flavor with Ara-i (Sashimi Rinse)
The course meal at “Kani Jennu Ginza” features an entire hairy crab prepared in various ways. Watching the chef skillfully prepare a live crab right in front of you is an impressive live performance.
The ara-i dish is served with soy sauce. Use a special dropper to add just the right amount. Don’t forget to squeeze sudachi (Japanese citrus) on top. The slight tang perfectly enhances the crab’s natural flavor.
After enjoying the simple ara-i with soy sauce and citrus, try the version marinated in Shaoxing wine—a Chinese rice wine made from glutinous rice. Its rich aroma creates a sophisticated flavor experience.
Grilled Crab with Butter Soy Sauce
After savoring the ara-i, move on to grilled crab. The meaty legs of the hairy crab are grilled over a wire mesh.
Once the crab is grilled to perfection, add butter soy sauce. The savory aroma is irresistible. The dish is even topped with sea urchin, creating a truly luxurious treat.
Fried Crab Tailored to Your Taste
Next up is fried hairy crab. Sprinkle with shrimp salt for a refined flavor. You can squeeze lemon for a refreshing taste or enjoy it with house-made tartar sauce for a creamy finish. Try it the way you like best.
Crab Miso and Onion for a Palate Cleanser
Midway through the course, it’s time for a palate cleanser. This dish uses crab miso. Mix it with ponzu and pour half of it over boiled fresh onions for a refreshing bite. Save the other half for a later surprise.
Though simple, the combination of sweet boiled onions and rich crab miso creates a beautiful harmony. After refreshing your palate with this vegetable delight, it’s time to move on to the second half of the course.
Boiled Crab with Yuzu
After the palate cleanser, enjoy the boiled crab. When boiled, the crab meat becomes fluffy and spreads like a blooming flower. Pair it with chopped yuzu to appreciate the depth of traditional Japanese flavors.
Finish with Rice and Noodles
Finally, it’s time to enjoy the last course. This is where the remaining crab miso comes back. It’s combined with shark fin, Kujo green onions, and chicken broth to make a rich and luxurious white soup.
The soup is served individually. The golden, translucent shark fin is stunning. While it’s delicious on its own, the recommended way is to enjoy it with rice. It’s so tasty, you won’t be able to stop. After the rice, noodles are added and stir-fried for a second finishing dish. Being able to enjoy both rice and noodles makes it extra indulgent.
Hairy crab can be prepared in a variety of ways using just one crab. The sheer number of dishes is surprising. Discover the rich and diverse world of crab cuisine by exploring the full potential of hairy crab.
【Advised by】kanijenne ginza
A specialty restaurant for live crab located in Ginza 7-chome. In this fully private dining space with all rooms in individual settings, chefs prepare and cook freshly caught, directly delivered crab right before your eyes. An in-house ice artisan crafts hand-shaved ice plates to serve the crab sashimi ("arai") while keeping it at peak freshness. Reservations are highly recommended for the best experience.
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