The hot and tangy tastes of Singapore Chilli Crab are world-famous, and we’re going to taste them for ourselves. What an iconic meal! I can’t wait to tell you everything about it—fresh crab cooked in a fragrant sauce prepared with chile, tomato, garlic, and spices.
The first step in making Singapore Chilli Crab is to clean and mince fresh crab. A spicy sauce consisting of chili paste, tomato sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings is stir-fried with the crab pieces.
Indulge in a meal that is brimming with brilliant aromas as the sauce thickens and perfectly covers the crab pieces, all while simmering. Soups made with crusty bread or steaming rice go great with Singapore Chilli Crab.
This blog will delve into Singapore Chilli Crab, explaining its cultural importance, how to cook it, and why seafood lovers all around the globe like it. The spicy and savory delicacy of Singapore Chilli Crab will satisfy your taste buds whether you consume it in a hawker center in Singapore or make it at home. Join me as I delve into the fascinating world of Singapore Chilli Crab!
Perfect Singaporean Chili Crab Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chilli Crab:
- 2 Large crabs cleaned and cracked into pieces
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Shallots finely chopped
- 2-3 Red chilies finely chopped
- 1 inch Ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 cup Water or seafood stock
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Spring onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crabs
- Clean the crabs thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Using a crab cracker or a heavy knife, carefully crack the crab shells to make it easier to extract the meat. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chilli Crab Sauce
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, chopped shallots, chopped red chilies, and grated ginger to the hot oil. Sauté until fragrant and the shallots are translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to develop the flavor.
- Add water or seafood stock to the wok, followed by soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Chilli Crab
- Gently add the cleaned crab pieces to the simmering sauce in the wok.
- Cover the wok with a lid and let the crabs cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn bright orange and the meat is cooked through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure that the crabs are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Once the crabs are cooked, garnish the Singapore Chilli Crab with fresh coriander leaves and chopped spring onions for added flavor and freshness.
- Transfer the Chilli Crab to a serving platter.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the spicy and succulent flavors of this iconic Singaporean dish.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Choosing Crabs: Opt for fresh, live crabs for the best flavor and texture in Singapore Chilli Crab. Look for crabs that are lively and have a shiny shell.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Control the spiciness of the dish by adjusting the quantity of red chilies used. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies or reduce the number of chilies.
- Crab Substitution: If fresh crabs are not available, you can use crab meat or substitute with other seafood such as prawns or lobster tails.
- Serving Suggestions: Singapore Chilli Crab pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or fried mantou (Chinese buns) for soaking up the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to provide finger bowls or wet towels for cleaning hands after enjoying the messy yet delightful experience of cracking and devouring crab shells.
In conclusion, the vivid culture and complex flavors of Singaporean food are showcased in Singapore Chilli Crab, a culinary marvel. People all across the globe appreciate this famous dish for its fiery crab flesh and juicy toppings of tangy chili sauce. Whether you enjoy it at a Singaporean hawker center or whip it up in the comfort of your own kitchen, Singapore Chilli Crab will satisfy your cravings for spicy seafood.