Keep an eye out for soft shell crabs in your local Asian supermarket, fishmonger or order online. Their delicate flavour works perfectly with spice.
For the soft shell crab, heat a small frying pan and add the seeds. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until they start to give off their aroma and jump in the pan.
Place the seeds in a spice grinder or pestle and mortar along with the turmeric and chilli powder and grind into a powder.
Combine the flour, spices, yeast, salt and sugar in a bowl. Add the beer and vinegar and whisk until it forms a thick batter. Set aside to ferment for about 30 minutes. It is ready to use when the mixture starts to bubble.
Heat a deep fat fryer to 190C. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.) Dip the crabs in the batter and place in the deep fat fryer for 3-4 minutes, turning two or three times, until golden-brown and crisp.
Carefully remove the crabs from the hot oil using a slotted spoon, place on a plate lined with kitchen paper and season with salt.
For the garlic and coriander dipping sauce, place the garlic and white wine in a pan and cook on a medium heat for 5 minutes, then drain and discard the wine.
Place the egg yolks in a small food processor, add the vinegar, dijon mustard and salt. Blend until smooth, then with the motor running, gradually add the oil until the mixture resembles mayonnaise. Add the coriander and garlic and blend to combine. Add lemon juice to taste.
For the cucumber and yoghurt dipping sauce, place all the ingredients into a large glass bowl and mix.
To serve, place the deep fried spicy soft shell crab onto a serving plate or board, pour the dipping sauces into two small bowls and garnish with red chilli, spring onions, coriander cress and wedges of fresh lime.
