Dish

Chilli Crab

Chilli Crab is made by stir-frying crab in a wok with a spicy chili sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of chili paste, tomato sauce, and soy sauce, which gives it its signature sweet and spicy flavor. Other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and scallions can also be added to the dish for additional flavor. The dish is typically served with steamed buns or rice and is often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce.

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Singaporean cuisine

Stir-fry

Origins and history

Chilli Crab is a dish that originated in Singapore in the 1950s. It was created by a local chef who wanted to create a new dish that would appeal to both locals and tourists. The dish has since become a popular dish throughout Southeast Asia and around the world.

Dietary considerations

Chilli Crab is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it contains crab. It is also a high-calorie dish due to the use of crab and the stir-frying method of cooking. It is not recommended for those on a low-fat or low-calorie diet.

Variations

There are many variations of Chilli Crab, with some recipes calling for different spices or ingredients. Some recipes also call for the use of other seafood such as prawns or lobster instead of crab. Vegetarian versions of the dish can also be made using tofu or seitan instead of crab.

Presentation and garnishing

Chilli Crab is typically served in a large bowl or platter, with the crab and sauce arranged on top of a bed of steamed buns or rice. The dish is often garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro. The presentation should be colorful and visually appealing, with the different colors and textures of the ingredients on display.

Tips & Tricks

To make the dish even more flavorful, try adding a splash of lime juice or tamarind paste to the sauce. This will help to enhance the sourness of the dish and make it more tangy. You can also add more vegetables to the dish to make it more nutritious and filling.

Side-dishes

Chilli Crab is typically served with steamed buns or rice, but can also be served with noodles or bread. It is also often served with a side of pickled vegetables or a spicy dipping sauce.

Drink pairings

Chilli Crab pairs well with a variety of drinks, including beer, white wine, and coconut water. The sweet and spicy flavors of the dish are complemented by the bitterness of beer, the acidity of white wine, and the sweetness of coconut water.