What is a hairy crab?

Hairy crab, also known as Chinese mitten crab, is a freshwater crab native to Eastern Asia. It's named for the dense patches of hair-like setae on its claws.

How to cook a hairy crab?

Hairy crabs are typically steamed for about 15-20 minutes. Then they are often served with a dipping sauce, like vinegar and ginger sauce.

Can you eat the whole hairy crab?

Yes, nearly every part of the hairy crab is edible, including the meat, roe, and tomalley. However, the gills should always be removed before cooking.

Are hairy crabs safe to eat?

Yes, hairy crabs are safe to eat as long as they have been stored and cooked properly.

What is the best season to buy hairy crabs?

The best season to buy hairy crabs is typically in the fall, particularly in the months of September, October, and November.

How do you clean a hairy crab?

You should rinse the crab under running water, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt or sediment. The gills should also be removed and discarded.

What does hairy crab taste like?

Hairy crab has a sweet, delicate flavor with a slightly creamy texture. The crab roe is often considered the most delicious part.

Can you freeze hairy crabs?

Yes, you can freeze hairy crabs. However, remember that freezing might slightly alter their texture.

Can hairy crabs be cooked in other ways besides steaming?

While steaming is the most common method of cooking hairy crabs, they can also be baked, deep-fried, stir-fried, or used in soups.

Are hairy crabs expensive?

The cost of hairy crabs can vary depending on the size and season, but they are generally considered a luxury seafood item.

What dishes are best made with hairy crab?

Hairy crabs are often served simply steamed to let their sweet flavor shine but they can also be used in a variety of dishes, like crab noodles, crab fried rice, or crab soup.

Why are they called hairy crabs?

They are called hairy crabs because of the dense patches of hair-like setae on their claws, which resemble mittens.

Can you eat hairy crabs while they are pregnant?

It is recommended to avoid eating hairy crabs during pregnancy due to potential food safety concerns.

What is the crabs' life span?

Hairy crabs live up to 3-4 years in the wild, but in cultivation, their life span is usually around 1-2 years.

Where can I buy hairy crabs?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Are hairy crabs available internationally?

Yes, with the growth of international trade, hairy crabs are available in many countries.

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Where to buy hairy crab near me?

*Orders above $35, varies by region

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Top 5 products for Hairy Crab

#1

Suzhou style crab yellow hairy crab noodles

Enjoy rich umami flavors with authentic noodles featuring premium crab roe, a favorite in Chinese and Shanghainese cuisine. This gourmet meal brings the seasonal delicacy of succulent hairy crab to your table, ideal for hot pots or luxurious noodle soups.

$6.69

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Jooky
I expected it would be 2 serving but it was 1 serving. It was good though
ིིྀ
Not bad. First time eating this brand.
logansisk573
Delicious!! Seriously the best noodles I've ever had!!!!
Kimi chen
First time buying, very convenient and like it
cat（=^_^=）
The crab roe is quite generous, one pack is enough for two people
YYS！
I continue to eat this Su-style crab roe noodle from Zhongcao.
杨柳依依
It looked like a big bag of crab roe, but it was not very visible inside. There was still a lot of it at the bottom of the bowl. I didn't mix it well. I poured all the ginger vinegar juice in. As a result, the vinegar covered the freshness. Half a bag was enough. Although the scallion oil was poured in, it didn't taste good. It's not bad and delicious. It satisfies your cravings occasionally
INI
A big portion of noodles, comes with its own vinegar bag, very authentic
weee.13235424
Haven't eaten it yet, hope it's delicious.
爱新觉罗*螺
The crab roe is very fresh and sweet. The noodles are also very good. Very chewy. Delicious.

#2

Chaimi Crab Meat Paste 253 g

Creamy crab meat paste with delicate seafood sweetness and a hint of salt, perfect for textured fillings or sauces. Great in Thai crab curry, Singaporean chili crab noodles, or wok-fried greens with crab paste. Rich, savory flavor enhances pasta, fried rice, and dim sum fillings. Hairy Crab fans love its ocean profile.

$12.88 - $19.99

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Po YeeUng
I wanted to try it as soon as it was released, and since it was on sale, I bought two. I used it to put on top of steamed dwarf gourds, and it was quite good. Now I can put it on noodles, porridge, rice, and even some bland vegetables to add flavor.
ews.cheng
First try, got when its on sale
meng_jin_sheng
Crab meat is a staple in my refrigerator.
，
I bought it on sale, it's delicious and not fishy at all!
CaRmEn
I tried it before and it tasted pretty good, so I'm stocking up on two bottles while it's on sale.
Goeng
I bought two boxes; the ingredients are simple, so it should be pretty good.
Mimi
I’m very excited that I finally found this product. I can’t wait to try my hometown dish which is crab tofu! Thank you Weee!
weee.8782125
I haven't eaten it yet, I'll say more after I finish. My friend tried it and gave it a good review.
Minwen
It wasn't tasty. It didn't have the freshness of hairy crab; it only had a fishy smell. I made crab roe tofu and had to add a lot of white pepper to slightly mask the fishy smell.
槐序念依
It's delicious, I love it, and I'll definitely buy it again!

#3

Chaimi Suzhou style crab roe noodles 225 g

Rich crab roe noodles capture the sweet, briny taste of Hairy Crab, perfect for seafood lovers. Use them in stir‑fried dishes, soups or cold salads for a quick Sichuan‑style feast. The authentic Suzhou flavor satisfies cravings for premium crab delicacy.

$6.69 - $8.29

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?
The taste was so-so, and there were a lot of crab shells; it was probably made from scraps.
小飛女
I've repurchased Suzhou-style crab roe noodles several times.
mayce_yeung
It seems like there's not much left, just enough for one person, but I really wanted to try the crab roe, so I bought it to give it a go.
weee.15815671
The crab roe noodles were absolutely delicious! I was so satisfied after finishing them!
XiaoyueWu
It didn't taste very good; it was nothing like real crab roe.
JEAN WJY
The taste of home, I bought it to satisfy my craving.
加油奥利给
It tastes great and is fresh; I'll buy it again next time.
Mnnnnn
Looks good
^_
The flavor is quite bland and can get a bit cloying, but overall it's okay! The only problem is that the price has doubled, which is a bit much.
GG Bond
I bought it again. It's delicious, but there's a little too little flour inside. You can add more yourself. Two packets of seasoning can be eaten in two servings.

#4

Suzhou Style Spicy Crab Yellow Noodles Hairy Crab Noodles Instant Lamian Noodles

Savory hairy crab noodles fuse spicy Suzhou flavor with chewy lamian, perfect in a seafood-ginger broth or hot oil noodles. Rich crab aroma, chili heat, and sesame notes make it ideal for crab lovers and night market-inspired dishes. Affordable, convenient, and ready-to-cook with a glossy finish.

$6.69

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奕子
It's really delicious and convenient. You can actually eat crab meat. It's full of sincerity! A must-have for home and travel! !
YYS！
The crab roe noodles are delicious, the portion is good and the noodles are soft
YYS！
I don't know that the crab roe noodles are really delicious
weee.12025813
Looks good. First time buying. I'll try it to see how it tastes.
terriliangdesign
I had not make it yet. I can’t wait to try it.

#5

Chaimi Chef's Recipe Seasoned Cooked Mitten Crab 270 g

Indulge in the finest quality with Chaimi Chef's Recipe crab, a go-to for Hairy Crab lovers. It comes seasoned and cooked, saving you the fuss of preparing it yourself, perfect for seafood feasts. Being part of traditional Asian dishes like Singapore Chili Crab, Szechuan Chilli Crab or a simple steam to enjoy its natural flavor. A healthier protein choice full of omega-3, it can be an integral part of a balanced diet. With its frozen delivery option, it lends you convenience by staying fresh until your culinary extravaganza. Hairy Crab, ready whenever you crave.

$19.99

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Babybae
It's pretty good. One male and one female. Even if we can't get fresh food, it's okay to have one occasionally.
威斯顿老和尚
It tastes great, is of excellent quality, and offers great value for money, with plenty of crab roe.
sweet1328
I bought some to try for the first time. They tasted delicious, one male and one female, but the crabs weren't very big.
weee.17650297
It's really delicious and fragrant, I will buy it again.
麦姐姐
The cooked drunken crab came in a box of two; the roe was plentiful, and the taste was just average. I still prefer the raw drunken crab from Yinzhu. :)
nli
One was dry and didn't taste good, the other one was delicious.
Yuki
Delicious! This is my third time buying it.
weee.16754111
Each box contains one male and one female crab. The crabs are very plump, with roe and crab fat, but the meat lacks the fresh flavor of crab meat. They're okay if you marinate them in a strong sauce. I wouldn't buy them again.
weee.17692084
It's so delicious! I feel like a lot of restaurants use this directly in their cooking.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a hairy crab?
Hairy crab, also known as Chinese mitten crab, is a freshwater crab native to Eastern Asia. It's named for the dense patches of hair-like setae on its claws.
Can you eat the whole hairy crab?
Yes, nearly every part of the hairy crab is edible, including the meat, roe, and tomalley. However, the gills should always be removed before cooking.
What is the best season to buy hairy crabs?
The best season to buy hairy crabs is typically in the fall, particularly in the months of September, October, and November.
What does hairy crab taste like?
Hairy crab has a sweet, delicate flavor with a slightly creamy texture. The crab roe is often considered the most delicious part.
Can hairy crabs be cooked in other ways besides steaming?
While steaming is the most common method of cooking hairy crabs, they can also be baked, deep-fried, stir-fried, or used in soups.
What dishes are best made with hairy crab?
Hairy crabs are often served simply steamed to let their sweet flavor shine but they can also be used in a variety of dishes, like crab noodles, crab fried rice, or crab soup.
Can you eat hairy crabs while they are pregnant?
It is recommended to avoid eating hairy crabs during pregnancy due to potential food safety concerns.
Where can I buy hairy crabs?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

How to cook a hairy crab?
Hairy crabs are typically steamed for about 15-20 minutes. Then they are often served with a dipping sauce, like vinegar and ginger sauce.
Are hairy crabs safe to eat?
Yes, hairy crabs are safe to eat as long as they have been stored and cooked properly.
How do you clean a hairy crab?
You should rinse the crab under running water, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt or sediment. The gills should also be removed and discarded.
Can you freeze hairy crabs?
Yes, you can freeze hairy crabs. However, remember that freezing might slightly alter their texture.
Are hairy crabs expensive?
The cost of hairy crabs can vary depending on the size and season, but they are generally considered a luxury seafood item.
Why are they called hairy crabs?
They are called hairy crabs because of the dense patches of hair-like setae on their claws, which resemble mittens.
What is the crabs' life span?
Hairy crabs live up to 3-4 years in the wild, but in cultivation, their life span is usually around 1-2 years.
Are hairy crabs available internationally?
Yes, with the growth of international trade, hairy crabs are available in many countries.

Jooky
I expected it would be 2 serving but it was 1 serving. It was good though
ིིྀ
Not bad. First time eating this brand.
logansisk573
Delicious!! Seriously the best noodles I've ever had!!!!
Kimi chen
First time buying, very convenient and like it
cat（=^_^=）
The crab roe is quite generous, one pack is enough for two people
YYS！
I continue to eat this Su-style crab roe noodle from Zhongcao.
杨柳依依
It looked like a big bag of crab roe, but it was not very visible inside. There was still a lot of it at the bottom of the bowl. I didn't mix it well. I poured all the ginger vinegar juice in. As a result, the vinegar covered the freshness. Half a bag was enough. Although the scallion oil was poured in, it didn't taste good. It's not bad and delicious. It satisfies your cravings occasionally
INI
A big portion of noodles, comes with its own vinegar bag, very authentic
weee.13235424
Haven't eaten it yet, hope it's delicious.
爱新觉罗*螺
The crab roe is very fresh and sweet. The noodles are also very good. Very chewy. Delicious.
Po YeeUng
I wanted to try it as soon as it was released, and since it was on sale, I bought two. I used it to put on top of steamed dwarf gourds, and it was quite good. Now I can put it on noodles, porridge, rice, and even some bland vegetables to add flavor.
ews.cheng
First try, got when its on sale
meng_jin_sheng
Crab meat is a staple in my refrigerator.
，
I bought it on sale, it's delicious and not fishy at all!
CaRmEn
I tried it before and it tasted pretty good, so I'm stocking up on two bottles while it's on sale.
Goeng
I bought two boxes; the ingredients are simple, so it should be pretty good.
Mimi
I’m very excited that I finally found this product. I can’t wait to try my hometown dish which is crab tofu! Thank you Weee!
weee.8782125
I haven't eaten it yet, I'll say more after I finish. My friend tried it and gave it a good review.
Minwen
It wasn't tasty. It didn't have the freshness of hairy crab; it only had a fishy smell. I made crab roe tofu and had to add a lot of white pepper to slightly mask the fishy smell.
槐序念依
It's delicious, I love it, and I'll definitely buy it again!
?
The taste was so-so, and there were a lot of crab shells; it was probably made from scraps.
小飛女
I've repurchased Suzhou-style crab roe noodles several times.
mayce_yeung
It seems like there's not much left, just enough for one person, but I really wanted to try the crab roe, so I bought it to give it a go.
weee.15815671
The crab roe noodles were absolutely delicious! I was so satisfied after finishing them!
XiaoyueWu
It didn't taste very good; it was nothing like real crab roe.
JEAN WJY
The taste of home, I bought it to satisfy my craving.
加油奥利给
It tastes great and is fresh; I'll buy it again next time.
Mnnnnn
Looks good
^_
The flavor is quite bland and can get a bit cloying, but overall it's okay! The only problem is that the price has doubled, which is a bit much.
GG Bond
I bought it again. It's delicious, but there's a little too little flour inside. You can add more yourself. Two packets of seasoning can be eaten in two servings.
奕子
It's really delicious and convenient. You can actually eat crab meat. It's full of sincerity! A must-have for home and travel! !
YYS！
The crab roe noodles are delicious, the portion is good and the noodles are soft
YYS！
I don't know that the crab roe noodles are really delicious
weee.12025813
Looks good. First time buying. I'll try it to see how it tastes.
terriliangdesign
I had not make it yet. I can’t wait to try it.
Babybae
It's pretty good. One male and one female. Even if we can't get fresh food, it's okay to have one occasionally.
威斯顿老和尚
It tastes great, is of excellent quality, and offers great value for money, with plenty of crab roe.
sweet1328
I bought some to try for the first time. They tasted delicious, one male and one female, but the crabs weren't very big.
weee.17650297
It's really delicious and fragrant, I will buy it again.
麦姐姐
The cooked drunken crab came in a box of two; the roe was plentiful, and the taste was just average. I still prefer the raw drunken crab from Yinzhu. :)
Daisy
bought many times
ccyc
This is my first time buying crab roe rice. I hope it tastes good!
奕子
It's actually a self-heating pot, good friends of cows and horses! It tastes great!
Peixian
First time buying, hope it tastes good Looking forward to it
weee.13688518
Not tasty, very fishy smell
Peg
Really cool how it heats up, I don't mind added a bit of water to help with the saltiness and def some healthy vegetables on the side
nguyenngoctram.itlc.ftu
Not bad but not the best. It’s convenient at some points
YYS！
I have repurchased it, and I have bought many boxes. It tastes very good, and the crab meat is not fishy.
YYS！
I order this crab roe rice every week, it's very delicious
泠曦
Delicious!