" Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. In Cơm Chiên Cua, there is nowhere to hide. Just you, the rice, the crab, and the heat. "
📸 A plate of sunshine: Fluffy rice with generous chunks of crab.
1 Why This Hits Different
Unlike Yangon or Cantonese fried rice, the Vietnamese version leans heavily on the natural sweetness of the seafood and the pungency of fish sauce.
Wok Hei
The "Breath of the Wok". That distinct charred aroma that you can't get from a non-stick pan.
Sweet Crab
We use lumps of real crab meat. It provides a delicate sweetness against the savory rice.
Fish Sauce
Just a dash at the end. It enhances the umami without making the rice wet.
2 The "Day-Old Rice" Rule
The Essentials
- Cold Rice: Rice cooked yesterday and left in the fridge. This is non-negotiable for fluffy grains.
- Crab Meat: Pasteurized lump crab meat is fine, fresh steamed crab is god-tier.
- Eggs: To coat the rice in gold.
Flavor Boosters
- Garlic & Green Onions: The aromatic base.
- Soy Sauce & Fish Sauce: The dynamic duo.
- White Pepper: Essential for that authentic eatery smell.
- Cilantro: Because we are Vietnamese.
Seafood Fanatic?
Love crab but hate peeling it? Try our Fish Cake soup.
A simpler way to get your seafood fix.
3 How to Wok It
Break the Rice
Take your cold rice out. Use your hands to break up any clumps. If the rice is clumpy, your fried rice will be mushy. We want individual grains.
High Heat or Go Home
Get your wok smoking hot. Add oil and garlic. Once fragrant, toss in the crab meat briefly then set aside (don't overcook it!).
The Golden Coat
Add more oil, then the eggs. Scramble them until half-cooked, then dump the rice in. Toss like a maniac until every grain is coated in egg and slightly toasted.
The Reunion
Add the crab back in. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and white pepper. Toss for another minute. Finish with green onions.
The Perfect Balance 🥒
Fried rice can be dry. In Vietnam, we always serve this with a side of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a small bowl of soy sauce with chili slices. The fresh veggies cleanse your palate for the next bite of savory richness.
Pro TipBurning Questions
❄️ Can I use frozen crab meat?
🍚 Which rice is best? Jasmine or Basmati?
Feeling Adventurous?
Fried rice is safe. It's comfort. But if you are ready to get your hands dirty and experience flavor chaos, go back to the Tamarind Crab.
🦀 Go to Tamarind Crab
