Fried Crab Rice

Commemorating Juneteenth with A Tribute to Gullah Culture

It’s Juneteenth—a commemoration of freedom and celebration of African American heritage—and we’re excited to share this Fried Crab Rice recipe from Gullah culture.

This often overlooked community in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Georgia has enriched our culinary landscape, with its African, European, and indigenous influences.

Gullah culture refers to the distinct cultural heritage of African Americans who live in the Lowcountry region of the southeastern United States, particularly in the coastal areas of South Carolina, Georgia, and northern Florida. The Gullah people are descendants of enslaved Africans who were brought to the region to work on rice plantations during the 18th and 19th centuries.

A rice raft with Gullah Geechee women, girlls, and boys off Sandy Island near Georgetown, S.C., in 1904. Photo: College of Charleston Stereoscopic Views, Special Collection, Addlestone Library.

To honor this commemorative occasion, we put together a rendition of a classic Gullah recipe: Sallie Ann Robinson's Ol’ ’Fuskie Fried Crab Rice.

For those unfamiliar, Sallie Ann Robinson is a Gullah chef and author who has preserved and shared her community’s culinary traditions with authenticity.

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Growing up, my dad—who hails from Maryland—instilled in me a love for seafood. Our family gatherings often revolved around my parents sitting at the table picking blue crabs (I didn’t appreciate it at the time). He would have them shipped all the way to Denver.

As an adult, Marrekus and I would go crabbing together when we lived on the Florida Gulf Coast. This one time, there was a hole in the net and he didn’t realize all the crabs escaped until it was too late. Needless to say, some of us didn’t get to eat any that night!

It’s these memories that make Sallie Ann Robinson’s recipe not just a dish, but a connection to our shared experiences.

Preserving these passed-down recipes is crucial. They're a tribute to the resilience and creativity of those who came before us, reminding us of the diverse stories and traditions that shape our meals and memories.

Wishing you all a Juneteenth filled with joy, reflection, and of course, good eats!

Gullah Fried Crab Rice Recipe

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total: 1 Hour

Tools:

• Medium Pot with Lid

• Fine Mesh Sieve or Colander

• Cutting Board and Knife

• Small Skillet

• Wooden Spoon or Spatula