Our full recipe guide on how to make Chili Crab one of the most popular dishes in Singapore.
Chili Crab is a celebrated seafood dish that originates from Singapore, famous for its savory, sweet, and spicy sauce.
Here’s how to make authentic Chili Crab, including some practical tips and calorie information.
Read here best breakfast in Singapore, fruits in Singapore and Asian Breakfast
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How to Make Chili Crab
Chili Crab Recipe Ingredients
For the Crab:
2 large crabs (about 2 kg total), cleaned and cut into pieces
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup cornstarch (for dusting the crab)
Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced ginger
3-4 red chilies, minced (adjust based on your heat preference)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup chili sauce (like Sriracha or a similar Asian chili sauce)
1/4 cup sweet soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to taste)
Garnish:
2 spring onions, chopped
1/4 cup coriander leaves, chopped
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Step By Step How to Make Chili Crab
- Prepare the Crab
Pat the crab pieces dry and lightly dust them with cornstarch. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the crab pieces until they turn red and are nearly cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Chili Sauce
In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, ginger, and minced chilies until aromatic. Add tomato sauce, chili sauce, sweet soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Pour in water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce further. You can add sugar at this stage if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Combine Crab and Sauce
Add the fried crab pieces to the sauce. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce. Drizzle beaten egg over the crab and gently stir to form silky egg ribbons in the sauce. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is well heated through.
- Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped spring onions and coriander leaves. Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or mantou (Chinese steamed buns).
Tips To Make Chili Crab
Use fresh crabs for the best flavor. Mud crabs are traditionally used, but any large, meaty crabs will work. Adjust the amount of chili based on your preference for spiciness. The type of chili used can also affect the heat level.
Frying the crab before combining it with the sauce helps to seal in the flavors and gives the shell a nicer texture. The sauce should be thick enough to cling to the crab. Adjust the cornstarch mixture as needed to achieve the desired thickness.
How Many Calories Has A Chili Crab
A single serving of Chili Crab can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending mainly on the size of the crab and the amount of oil used for frying. The dish is rich due to the sauce and deep-frying process, making it a luxurious treat rather than an everyday meal.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.