Friday nights are all about unwinding and celebrating the end of the workweek. However, this means indulging in some delicious seafood recipes. And what better way to do that than with a classic chili crab recipe from Red Crab? If you have never tried it before then you should know you're in for a treat! This iconic Singaporean crab recipe is a tantalizing blend of succulent crab, spicy chili sauce, and a medley of flavors. One that will leave your taste buds dancing. So, today we will take you on a culinary journey to recreate Red Crab's chili crab recipe in your kitchen. Get ready for a Friday night seafood feast that will impress your family and friends!
The Origins of Chili Crab
Before we dive into this crab recipe, let's explore the history of Chili Crab. This delectable seafood recipe is a beloved Singaporean classic that is easily accessible to savor at ‘seafood restaurant near me’ or ‘seafood near me’. Moreover, it has gained international recognition as well. However, it is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Singapore, where diverse cultures and flavors come together to create something truly extraordinary. The origins of Chili Crab can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s. Also, it was first created by Singaporean street food vendors.
Furthermore, this crab recipe was born out of a desire to cater to the local palate, which favored spicy and savory flavors. Thus, it gained popularity over the years and soon became a staple in Singaporean cuisine. Chili Crab is characterized by its fiery red sauce. Because it is made from a combination of chili peppers, tomato sauce, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic spices. However, the star of the dish, of course, is the crab itself. The sweet and succulent crab meat perfectly complements the spicy sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Today, Chili Crab is not just a local favorite; but it's a global sensation as well. Moreover, it has been featured in countless food shows and magazines. So, many visitors to Singapore often make it a point to savor this iconic dish. Hence, today it has also become a favorite in many Asian restaurants around the world. Fortunately, you don't have to travel to Singapore to enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of Chili Crab. With Red Crab's recipe, you can recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own home. So, let's get started on your culinary adventure!
For the Chili Crab Sauce:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 finely chopped onion 4 minced garlic cloves 2-inch piece of minced ginger 6-8 fresh deseeded and finely chopped red chili peppers 2 tablespoons chili paste 1/4 cup ketchup 400g tomato sauce 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1/4 cup water Salt and pepper to taste
For the Crab:
2 large mud crabs (about 1-1.5 kg each), cleaned and chopped into pieces 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 beaten egg 2 tablespoons cornstarch Spring onions and fresh cilantro for garnish Steamed white rice or steamed buns for serving
Tips for Perfecting Your Chili Crab
Congratulations, you have just recreated Red Crab's chili crab recipe in your kitchen! Now, let's explore some tips and tricks to make this dish even more spectacular.
Crab Selection: Choose fresh, live crabs for the best results. Look for crabs that are heavy for their size and have a lively, active demeanor.
Adjusting Spice: The spice level of this dish is adjustable to your taste. If you love it extra spicy, add more fresh chilies or chili sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili sauce and fresh chilies.
Serving Options: While steamed rice is the classic side to serve with chili crab, you can also enjoy it with steamed buns or even French bread to soak up the sauce.
Cracking Techniques: To make it easier to enjoy the crab meat, you can crack the crab claws and legs slightly before cooking. This will allow the sauce to seep in and absorb making it easier to extract the meat.
Seafood Stock: If you don't have seafood or chicken stock on hand, you can use plain water as a substitute.
Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your garnishes. Apart from cilantro and spring onions, you can add some toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
Handling chili peppers: Be careful when handling chili peppers. Especially if you have sensitive skin or eyes. Also, consider wearing gloves and washing your hands thoroughly after handling them.
Get messy: Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty while enjoying Chili Crab. It's meant to be a messy and interactive dining experience like crab boil near me.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's dive into the cooking process.
Prepare the Crab:
To clean the crabs, remove the top shell, discard the gills, and break the body into halves or quarters, depending on the size of the crab. Crack the claws slightly to allow the sauce to seep in and then set aside.
Make the Chili Crab Sauce:
In a large wok or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Then, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Moreover, sauté until fragrant while the onions become pink and opaque.
Add Spice to the Mix:
Stir in the finely chopped red chili peppers. But be cautious when handling chili peppers, as they can be quite spicy. However, you can adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice preference. Also, if you prefer a milder version, you can deseed the chilies before chopping them.
Create the Flavor Base:
Add the tomato sauce, chili paste, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce to the wok. Lastly, stir well to combine all the ingredients completely.
Simmer and Thicken:
Pour in the water and allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat. Then let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally only when needed. Repeat until the sauce thickens and the flavors mix. Also, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Fry the Crab:
In a separate large frying pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Then dip each piece of crab into the beaten egg and coat it with cornstarch. Make sure to carefully place the coated crab pieces into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Moreover, this should take about 3-4 minutes per side. In the end, remove the fried crab pieces and drain them on paper towels.
Combine the Crab and Sauce:
Once the crab pieces are fried and the sauce has thickened to your liking, you can add the fried crab to the chili sauce in the wok. Gently toss the crab pieces in the sauce. Thus, making sure they are well coated.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the chili crab to a serving platter. You may garnish with fresh spring onions and cilantro and serve immediately. Also, serve your Chili Crab with steamed white rice or fried steamed buns to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy Your Friday Night Feast:
Gather your friends or family, and dig into this sensational chili crab recipe. It's messy, spicy, and utterly satisfying – the perfect way to kick-start your weekend!
Frequently Asked Questions
It is Singapore’s national seafood dish which consists of deep fried crab meat soaked into savory, saucy and sweet chili sauce gravy.
Conclusion
Red Crab's chili crab recipe is the ultimate way to have your Friday night sorted. Moreover, this iconic Singaporean dish is a flavor explosion that combines succulent crab with a rich and spicy sauce. Whether you are a seafood enthusiast or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is a must-try! The history of Chili Crab tells a fascinating story of culinary innovation and cultural fusion in Singapore. What started as a humble street food dish once, has now become a global sensation. One that is loved by people from all walks of life.
By following our step-by-step instructions and tips, you can recreate the magic of Chili Crab in your kitchen. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a Friday night feast that will always leave you craving more. Red Crab's chili crab recipe is your ticket to a memorable evening of indulgence and satisfaction. So, go ahead and make this delicious crab recipe – your Friday night is officially sorted!
