This iconic Singaporean dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite. Fresh crabs are deep-fried until the shells turn a brilliant red, then tossed in a velvety sauce made from tomato puree, chilli paste, and aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and shallots. The sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the meat, offering a complex depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a celebratory meal best enjoyed with steamed mantou buns to soak up the delicious sauce.
Singapore’s Famous Chilli Crab
Description
This iconic Singaporean dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in every bite. Fresh crabs are deep-fried until the shells turn a brilliant red, then tossed in a velvety sauce made from tomato puree, chilli paste, and aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and shallots. The sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the meat, offering a complex depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. It's a celebratory meal best enjoyed with steamed mantou buns to soak up the delicious sauce.Directions
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Heat oil for deep frying in a wok or large pot until hot.
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Deep fry the crabs until they turn bright red and are just cooked through.
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Remove the crabs from the oil and set aside on a plate.
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Pour out the deep-frying oil and add 1/4 cup of fresh oil to the wok.
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Heat the fresh oil over medium heat and add the garlic, ginger, and chopped red chillies.
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Stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add the chilli sauce, tomato sauce, sugar, light soy sauce, and sesame oil to the wok.
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Simmer the sauce mixture for 1 minute to allow flavors to meld.
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Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
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Return the fried crabs to the wok and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
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Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil over high heat.
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Cook for 3 minutes, allowing the crabs to absorb the sauce.
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Stir in the cornflour mixture gradually to thicken the sauce.
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Slowly drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring constantly to create silky strands in the sauce.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Sprinkle with sliced shallots and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15gg24%
- Saturated Fat 3gg15%
- Cholesterol 180mgmg60%
- Sodium 450mgmg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 12gg4%
- Dietary Fiber 1gg4%
- Sugars 5gg
- Protein 40gg80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.