When it comes to Mekong Delta specialties, Ca Mau crab is always among the most sought-after types of seafood. With firm, naturally sweet meat and a characteristic rich, aromatic roe, many people are willing to pay a premium to enjoy them. However, how much does a kilogram of Ca Mau crab cost is a question that confuses many, as prices can vary depending on the type of crab, size, and time of purchase. This article by Ola Squid will help you update the latest Ca Mau crab prices, while also sharing tips on how to choose delicious crabs and suggesting enticing dishes made from this specialty.

Summary of content

1. How much is Ca Mau crab per kg?

The price of Ca Mau crab in the current market varies widely, depending on the type of crab, weight, season, and the quality of the live crab. In general, the common price range is between 200,000 – 950,000 VND/kg. Specifically, the prices for each type of crab are as follows:

Ca Mau roe crab (also called son crab) is the female crab that has developed roe, favored for its dark orange, smooth, and rich-tasting roe. Depending on the size, the amount of roe, and the time of purchase, the current price for Ca Mau roe crab ranges from about 450,000 VND/kg to over 850,000 VND/kg:

Classification	Crabs/kg	Reference Price
Square-apron crab (young crab)	4 – 6 crabs/kg (150 – 250g/crab)	450,000 – 530,000 VND/kg
Small roe crab	4 crabs/kg	600,000 – 680,000 VND/kg
Medium roe crab	2 – 3 crabs/kg	650,000 – 850,000 VND/kg
Giant roe crab		From 850,000 VND/kg

Ca Mau meat crab (Y crab) is the male crab characterized by large, strong claws, firm meat, and a deep sweet flavor. Currently, the price of Ca Mau meat crab fluctuates between 200,000 – 650,000 VND/kg, specifically for each type as follows:

Classification	Crabs/kg	Reference Price
Y3 meat crab	3 crabs/kg (320 – 430g/crab)	420,000 – 450,000 VND/kg
Y4 meat crab	4 crabs/kg (200 – 300g/crab)	330,000 – 360,000 VND/kg
Y5 meat crab	2 – 3 crabs/kg (450 – 650g/crab)	540,000 – 570,000 VND/kg
Y7 meat crab	1 – 2 crabs/kg (700 – 1,000g/crab)	620,000 – 650,000 VND/kg
Mixed crab (don crab)	4 – 8 crabs/kg (under 200g/crab)	200,000 – 250,000 VND/kg

Ca Mau “Com” crab, also known as two-shell crab, is a type of crab in the pre-molting phase. The identifying features are a thin shell, slightly pinkish body, and bright yellow roe, with soft, sweet meat and lightly rich roe that is not greasy. Currently, the price of Ca Mau “Com” crab is about 700,000 VND/kg and up, specifically:

Classification	Crabs/kg	Reference Price
Small “Com” crab	6 – 8 crabs/kg (under 300g/crab)	From 700,000 VND/kg
Medium “Com” crab	4 – 6 crabs/kg (from 300-500g/crab)	From 800,000 VND/kg
Large “Com” crab	1 – 2 crabs/kg (from 500g/crab)	From 950,000 VND/kg

Note that “Com” crabs are not available all year round, so prices often fluctuate depending on the season and the uniformity of the crabs in each batch. The larger the crab, the thinner the shell and the more beautiful the roe, the higher the value.

How much are roe, meat, and 'Com' crabs? — How much are roe, meat, and ‘Com’ crabs?

2. Signs to recognize delicious Ca Mau crabs

To choose fresh Ca Mau crabs with plenty of meat and firm roe, you can rely on some simple but highly effective identification features below:

Observe the shape and shell: Delicious crabs usually have hard shells, a natural dull gray color, clean surfaces, and no unusual yellow spots or signs of scratches.
Gently squeeze the claw or carapace: If you feel it is hard and firm, it is a healthy, non-hollow crab. Conversely, weak crab meat is often soft, light, and less sweet when cooked.
Check the crab’s apron: A firm, tight, and not mushy apron is a sign that the crab is fresh and full of meat. For female crabs, the apron is usually large, covering the abdomen, as this is an easily recognizable feature of high-quality crabs.
Smell: Fresh Ca Mau crabs will have a light, pleasant sea scent, without any fishy or strange odors.
Origin and tying method: Crabs harvested from the true Ca Mau coastal area usually provide superior meat quality. When buying, you should choose crabs tied with thin strings that don’t add much weight.

3. Guide to buying Ca Mau roe and meat crabs

Choosing the right type of crab and the right time to buy is a very important factor in fully enjoying the flavor of Ca Mau crabs. Depending on whether you prefer rich roe or firm, sweet meat, you can apply these tips:

How to choose delicious Ca Mau roe crabs:

You should prioritize choosing female crabs with large, round aprons that hug the abdomen tightly – a sign that the crab has developed plenty of roe.
It is best to buy crabs during the peak roe season, usually from the 9th to the 12th lunar month, when the roe reaches its highest level of richness and deep flavor.
Observe the overall health of the crab: it should be active, with a hard shell and natural color to ensure the quality of the roe inside.

Experience in selecting high-quality Ca Mau meat crabs:

Choose male crabs with small, neat aprons – this is a characteristic of crabs with more meat.
Prioritize those with large, firm claws, because the claw is the part containing the most meat, providing a fuller and sweeter sensation when cooked.
Check the carapace: A hard, round, and firm carapace is a sign of a healthy crab with thick meat; avoid choosing crabs with soft or cracked shells.

4. Dishes made from Ca Mau crabs

Ca Mau crabs can be processed into many delicious dishes, suitable for family meals as well as entertaining guests.

4.1. Salt-roasted Ca Mau crab

Preparation ingredients:

3 – 4 Ca Mau meat crabs
5 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cup of cooking oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar
1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 4 teaspoons of salt
½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of MSG

Cooking method:

Step 1: Clean the crabs, remove the apron and dirt. Separate the shell, cut the crab into two or four pieces. For crabs with large claws, you should gently crush them to allow the spices to penetrate.
Step 2: Mix salt with cold water, soak the crabs for about 2 hours to make the meat firm and flavorful, then drain.
Step 3: Mix the spices including garlic, pepper, vinegar, sugar, salt, MSG, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
Step 4: Heat the oil, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then fry the crabs until golden. Remove the crabs to a plate, discard excess oil, keeping only about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
Step 5: Add the spice mixture to the pan, bring to a boil, then add the crabs and stir quickly over high heat for about 10 minutes to coat the crabs evenly. Finally, serve and garnish with lettuce or cilantro for an attractive presentation.

See more: 5 ways to make delicious and easy salt-roasted shrimp

4.2. Beer-steamed Ca Mau crab

Required ingredients:

2 Ca Mau sea crabs
½ can of beer, 1 small onion
1 stalk of lemongrass, 1 knob of ginger
1 chili, green onions
Common spices: pepper, seasoning powder

Detailed instructions:

Step 1: Soak the crabs in clean water for 15 minutes, change the water, and soak for another 15 minutes (add a little white wine to help the crabs release sand). Then, sedate the crabs by piercing the heart under the apron or putting them in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Peel the onion and cut into wedges. Wash the lemongrass and crush it, remove chili seeds and chop. Peel and slice the ginger, and wash and cut the green onions into segments.
Step 3: Place the crabs in a deep plate or steamer, spread the onion, ginger, lemongrass, chili, and green onions on top. Sprinkle with pepper and a little seasoning powder for aroma.
Step 4: Pour beer into the pot so that it covers the bottom; avoid pouring too much directly onto the crab to prevent diluting the flavor.
Step 5: Bring the steamer to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and steam for about 10 minutes until the crabs are cooked evenly and the shell turns orange-red.
Step 6: Remove the crabs to a plate and drizzle a few spoonfuls of the beer-steaming liquid over them to keep them moist.

See more: How to make delicious, non-fishy steamed squid with beer at home

4.3. Tamarind-sauce Ca Mau crab

Preparation ingredients:

3 live Ca Mau crabs
2 cubes of ripe tamarind
Purple onion, garlic, chili
1 tablespoon of tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
Lettuce for serving
Spices: sugar, salt, pepper, MSG, seasoning powder, fish sauce,…

Attractive sweet and sour tamarind-sauce Ca Mau crab

Processing steps:

Step 1: Clean the crabs, sedate them, separate the shell, and cut the body into 4 bite-sized pieces. Marinate with pepper, MSG, salt, minced purple onion, minced garlic, and a little seasoning powder. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Coat the crab body with starch evenly. Heat the oil and fry until the outer shell is crispy and golden, then remove and drain.
Step 3: Sauté the purple onion and garlic, add tamarind juice and hot water, and bring to a boil. Season with sugar, salt, MSG, and fish sauce for a harmonious sweet and sour taste, then add chopped chili to taste. Slowly pour the starch-water mixture in while stirring until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Add the fried crabs to the sauce pan, toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Simmer for a few minutes to let the crab absorb the flavor, then turn off the heat.
Step 5: Arrange the crab on a plate, garnish with lettuce and cilantro for beauty. The sweet and sour tamarind-sauce Ca Mau crab is perfect for serving hot with white rice or as a party dish.

4.4. Ca Mau crab hotpot

Required ingredients:

4 live Ca Mau crabs
400g sesbania flowers, 500g fresh rice vermicelli
200g enoki mushrooms, 350g water mimosa
1 onion, 3 stalks of lemongrass
2 tomatoes, ½ pineapple
Minced garlic, minced purple onion, chili powder
Spices: salt, sugar, cooking oil, Thai hotpot sauce

Hot and delicious Ca Mau crab hotpot for the whole family

Cooking steps:

Step 1: Peel and chop the pineapple. Clean the vegetables and mushrooms. Cut tomatoes into wedges, lemongrass into segments, and onion in half.
Step 2: Soak the crabs in ice water for 15 minutes to sedate them. Clean the shell, apron, and joints under running water.
Step 3: Heat the oil, sauté garlic, purple onion, and lemongrass. Add tomatoes and pineapple, then chili powder for color and a mild spicy kick.
Step 4: Season with sugar, then add about 250ml of water. Add onion and simmer on medium heat.
Step 5: Once the broth is sweet and fragrant, remove the vegetables. Add Thai sauce and re-season for a perfect balance.
Step 6: Transfer to an electric hotpot, bring to a boil, and add the crab. Serve with vermicelli and vegetables.

See more: 5 ways to cook rich, authentic field crab hotpot

4.5. Chili-sauce Ca Mau crab

Required ingredients:

1 – 1.5kg live Ca Mau crabs
Ripe tomatoes
Garlic, purple onion
Fresh chili, chili sauce
Spices: sugar, salt, fish sauce, cooking oil
Ginger, green onions (optional)

Processing steps:

Step 1: Clean the crabs, separate the shell, and cut into pieces. Fry briefly to firm the meat, then drain.
Step 2: Sauté garlic, purple onion, blended tomatoes, and minced chili. Add chili sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to create a rich, savory sauce.
Step 3: Add the fried crab to the sauce, toss gently, and simmer for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Garnish with green onions or ginger, serve hot with bread or vermicelli.

4.6. Ca Mau crab noodle soup (Bánh canh)

Preparation ingredients:

3 Ca Mau crabs
250g pork leg, 100g straw mushrooms
1kg pork bones, 15 quail eggs
500g rice flour, 500g tapioca starch
Spices: salt, onion, pepper, fish sauce, cooking oil

Fragrant and delicious Ca Mau crab noodle soup

Instructions:

Step 1: Mix flours with water to make dough, cut into strips, and boil until cooked. Drain.
Step 2: Steam the crabs, remove meat and roe, then stir-fry with fish sauce and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare mushrooms, boiled pork leg, and boiled quail eggs.
Step 4: Simmer pork bones for broth, season, and add starch-water for thickness.
Step 5: Arrange ingredients in a bowl, pour hot broth over, and garnish to serve.

See more: How to cook delicious and authentic squid noodle soup

4.7. Ca Mau crab curry

Preparation ingredients:

2 Ca Mau meat crabs
1 onion, 1 garlic bulb
3 purple onions, 1 packet of curry powder
2 lemongrass stalks, 2 chilies
2 teaspoons of cream powder
500ml fresh coconut milk
Spices: salt, sugar, annatto oil, cooking oil

Cooking method:

Step 1: Sauté purple onion, garlic, lemongrass, and chili.
Step 2: Add curry powder and stir well.
Step 3: Add crab, annatto oil, and some coconut milk. Simmer on low heat.
Step 4: Season with salt and sugar.
Step 5: Add remaining coconut milk and cream powder. Once thick, add onion and turn off heat.

>>>> Related delicious dishes:

5. Frequently Asked Questions

5.1. How much is 1kg of 4 Ca Mau sea crabs?

Crabs in the 4-count size are medium, easy to cook, and very popular. The price depends on the type, freshness, and quality at the time of purchase. Y4 meat crabs are about 330,000 – 360,000 VND/kg, while small roe crabs are 600,000 – 680,000 VND/kg.

5.2. How much is 1kg of 3 Ca Mau sea crabs?

3-count crabs are large with plenty of meat and roe. Y3 meat crabs cost 420,000 – 450,000 VND/kg, while medium roe crabs cost 650,000 – 850,000 VND/kg.

5.3. When is the Ca Mau crab season?

They are available year-round, but the best season is from the 8th to the 12th lunar month when meat and roe quality are at their peak.

See more: How much is King Crab? Latest 2026 price list

We hope this article helped you understand how much Ca Mau crab costs per kg, how to choose the best ones, and exciting recipes to try. For more information, please visit the Ola Squid homepage or our Seafood Experience category by Ola Squid to explore more!

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1. How much is Ca Mau crab per kg?

2. Signs to recognize delicious Ca Mau crabs

3. Guide to buying Ca Mau roe and meat crabs