Vanuatu Coconut Crab

Name: Vanuatu Coconut Crab
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Vanuatu
Ingredients: 4 coconut crabs, cleaned; 2 cups coconut cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small piece ginger, grated; 1 red chili, sliced; Salt, to taste; Lime wedges, for serving

4 servings15 min prep20 min cookMedium Vanuatu

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Vanuatu Coconut Crab

Story updated September 17, 2026

Coconut crab, the world's largest land-dwelling crab, is a prized Pacific Island delicacy traditionally cooked in coconut cream in Vanuatu. Its populations have declined in parts of its range due to overharvesting, making sustainable coconut crab fishing an increasing conservation concern across the islands where it's eaten.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

4 coconut crabs, cleaned
2 cups coconut cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small piece ginger, grated
1 red chili, sliced
Salt, to taste
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the crabs for 10 minutes, then drain.
2Crack the shells and claws to expose the meat, keeping it in the shell where possible.
3Heat the coconut cream in a pan with garlic, ginger, and chili until fragrant.
4Add the crab pieces to the coconut cream and simmer for 8-10 minutes, spooning the sauce over them.
5Season with salt to taste.
6Serve hot with lime wedges and steamed rice.

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