Go Back

Recipe for Crystal Vermicelli Stir Fry with Crab (Miến Xào Cua)

This vibrant stir-fry combines silky strands of translucent vermicelli with sweet, tender crab meat and crisp, colourful vegetables. Infused with the aromatic flavours of garlic, shallots, and a hint of sesame oil, this dish offers a harmonious balance of textures and savoury umami. Finished with fresh green onions, it’s a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Please refer to the video instructions at the end of the recipe if you’d like to see how to make Crystal Vermicelli Stir Fry with Crab in action.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 3

Equipment

  • 1 medium non-stick skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 100 grams dried bean vermicelli
  • 175-200 grams crab meat (from approximately 500 grams of crab legs and claws)
  • 50 grams shiitake mushrooms
  • 5 grams dried wood ear mushrooms, pre-sliced
  • 1 medium white onion
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 2 green onions
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped
  • For seasoning: Mushroom powder, ground black pepper, sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Vermicelli and Wood Ear Mushrooms
    Soak the dried bean vermicelli in warm water for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain and cut into 10 cm long pieces. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of cooking oil over the vermicelli, mix briefly, and set aside.
    Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water until softened, then drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Vegetables
    Thinly slice the shiitake mushrooms.
    Thinly slice the carrot and onion.
    Separate the white and green parts of the green onions. Finely chop the white part (to marinate the crab meat) and thinly slice the green part (to add at the end of cooking).
  • Marinate the Crab Meat
    In a bowl, combine the crab meat with ½ teaspoon of mushroom powder, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and the chopped white part of the green onions. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  • Cook the Ingredients
    Heat a skillet over high heat with a small amount of cooking oil. Add half of the chopped shallots and garlic, sautéing until lightly golden and fragrant.
    Add the marinated crab meat to the skillet and stir-fry briefly until just cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
    Return the skillet to the stove, add a bit more oil, and bring to high heat. Add the remaining shallots and garlic, sautéing until golden brown.
    Add the shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, carrot, and onion to the skillet. Season with ½ teaspoon of mushroom powder and stir-fry briefly. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Combine and Finish
    Return the skillet to the stove, add a bit more oil, and bring to medium-high heat. Add the vermicelli and gently toss to heat through.
    When the vermicelli is halfway cooked, add the stir-fried vegetables and crab meat. Gently mix everything together until evenly combined. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
    Turn off the heat and stir in the green part of the green onions.
  • Serve
    Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Your Crystal Vermicelli Stir-Fry with Crab is now ready to enjoy! This dish is light, flavourful, and perfect for any occasion.

Video