Goan Crab Masala
Fresh white and brown crab meat simmered in a coconut tinged masala, an easy version of the Goan classic.
Made with Curry base sauce (onion and tomato) and Garam masala (homemade). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.94 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the coconut oil in a wide pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 8 minutes until soft and golden.
8 min - 2
Add the garlic, green chillies, ground coriander and black pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
2 min - 3
Pour in your ready made curry base sauce (see the base recipe) and the coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes until thick and creamy.
10 min - 4
Stir in the brown crab meat and the salt and cook for 2 minutes, until it melts into the sauce.
2 min - 5
Gently fold in the white crab meat and your ready made garam masala blend (see the base recipe). Warm through for 2 minutes, without stirring hard, so the white meat stays in flakes.
2 min - 6
Finish with lime juice and fresh coriander and serve with rice.
Tips
- Brown crab meat melts into the sauce and gives it richness. White meat goes in last to keep its texture.
- Check white crab meat for stray bits of shell by running your fingers through it before cooking.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Cool within 1 hour, keep in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Do not freeze.
Questions
Can I use tinned or frozen crab?
Yes. Drain tinned white crab well and add it at the end. Thaw frozen crab meat in the fridge first. Fresh gives the best flavour.
Is the sauce hot?
It is medium. Remove the seeds from the green chillies for a milder curry or add a pinch of chilli powder for more heat.
More made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Meen Moilee (Kerala Fish Moilee)
GFDFEFMasala Beans on Toast
DFEFNFMasala Chickpea Pilau (Chana Pulao)
DFEFNFChicken Madras (Restaurant Style)
DFEFNFSee every dish made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.
