Ghana Stuffed Crabs (Akatonshi)
Ghana Stuffed Crabs (Akatonshi) features tender crab meat seasoned with ginger, tomatoes, and spices, offering a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger ⓘ
- 4 to 6 cloves ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 green bell peppers, finely chopped ⓘ
- pinch of paprika ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 c. whole-wheat bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 egg, hard-boiled and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 sprig parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Put crab meat in boiling salted water along with the ginger piece and cloves.
- Cook for about 15 minutes until the meat is tender enough to flake with a fork.
- Drain the crab meat, flake it, and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the crab mixture before stuffing the shells. If you can't find dried shrimp, consider using finely chopped cooked shrimp instead. You can also substitute whole-wheat bread crumbs with regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers for a different texture. Make sure to check out other seafood recipes for more inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Ghana Stuffed Crabs are best served warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair them with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also complement dishes like Piccadilly Shrimp Etouffee, creating a delightful seafood feast. For a refreshing drink, serve with lemon-infused iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed crabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crabs rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ghana Stuffed Crabs (Akatonshi) contains roughly 667 calories, with 11g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1711mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?
Yes, fresh crab meat is ideal for this recipe. Just ensure it's properly cooked before using it in the stuffing. Fresh crab meat will give your dish a superior flavor and texture compared to canned options.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
To enhance the heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the filling. You can also serve the stuffed crabs with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
What can I serve with Ghana Stuffed Crabs?
These stuffed crabs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them alongside a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, add rice or couscous to complement the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).