Sea Legs

Directions

1. 1
   Make the dipping sauces: Whisk the mayonnaise, curry paste, lime zest and 1 tablespoon of the lime juice in a small bowl until combined.
2. 2
   Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. 3
   Combine the remaining lime juice with the garlic, fish sauce, sugar, Sriracha and 1 tablespoon cold water in a separate small bowl, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
4. 4
   Stir in the cilantro, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. 5
   Prepare the crab fries: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 360 degrees F. Set a wire rack on a baking sheet.
6. 6
   Meanwhile, cut the crabs into quarters with kitchen shears; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
7. 7
   Whisk the cake flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl; add the seltzer and scallions and whisk just enough to make a lumpy batter.
8. 8
   Working in batches, dip the crab pieces in the batter, then carefully add them to the hot oil and fry until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes.
9. 9
   (Use a mesh screen if you have one; the crabs may splatter.)
10. 10
    Remove the crab fries with a strainer or slotted spoon and transfer to the wire rack; season with salt.
11. 11
    Let the oil return to 360 degrees F between batches.
12. 12
    Serve the crab fries with the sweet chili sauce, curry mayonnaise and cilantro-lime sauce.
13. 13
    Photograph by Ralph Smith