Palauan Ukaeb (Baked Spiced Crab & Coconut Milk Gratin) – Authentic Palau Recipe
Iconic Palauan feast dish baking sweet crab meat in rich, spiced coconut milk.
- Country of Origin
- 🇵🇼 Palau (Micronesia, Oceania)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Flaked crab meat (or shrimp), Diced taro, Scallions, Thick coconut cream, Ginger
Ingredients for Palauan Ukaeb (Baked Spiced Crab & Coconut Milk Gratin) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) flaked crab meat (or shrimp), prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups diced taro, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup scallions
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with thick coconut cream
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Palau seasoning (ginger, garlic, red chili)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, thick coconut cream, and ginger, garlic, red chili for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine flaked crab meat (or shrimp) and diced taro with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with scallions and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.