What To Know
- In a bowl, coat the crab with cornstarch and vegetable oil.
- Omit the chilli sauce and instead coat the crab in a mixture of black peppercorns, garlic, and ginger.
- Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this detailed guide will empower you to create this masterpiece with ease.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Singapore’s iconic dish, jumbo chilli crab, with this comprehensive recipe that will guide you through every step of this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Crab:
- 1 large jumbo crab (about 1.5 kg)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Chilli Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 red chillies, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
For Garnish:
- Cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
1. Clean the crab thoroughly by removing the gills and intestines.
2. In a bowl, coat the crab with cornstarch and vegetable oil.
Cooking the Crab
1. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the crab and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the crab from the wok and set aside.
Making the Chilli Sauce
1. In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, tomato ketchup, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water.
4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the chillies, onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 5 minutes, or until fragrant.
Assembling the Dish
1. Place the crab in a large serving dish.
2. Pour the chilli sauce over the crab.
3. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges.
Tips
- For a spicier crab, add more chillies to the chilli sauce.
- If you don’t have a jumbo crab, you can use smaller crabs and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- To save time, you can use pre-made chilli sauce.
Variations
- Black Pepper Crab: Omit the chilli sauce and instead coat the crab in a mixture of black peppercorns, garlic, and ginger.
- Salted Egg Crab: Use salted egg yolks instead of chilli sauce.
- Singapore Chilli Crab: Add bean sprouts, carrots, and celery to the chilli sauce.
Storage
Jumbo chilli crab can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or steam the crab until heated through.
Health Benefits
Jumbo chilli crab is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. It is also low in carbohydrates and calories.
Summary
Embark on a culinary adventure with our tantalizing jumbo chilli crab recipe. This iconic dish will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this detailed guide will empower you to create this masterpiece with ease.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the best way to clean a crab?
A: Remove the gills and intestines by gently pulling them out. Use a brush to remove any remaining debris.
Q: Can I use frozen crab?
A: Yes, but thaw the crab completely before cooking.
Q: How long does it take to cook a jumbo crab?
A: About 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Q: Can I make the chilli sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the chilli sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Q: What can I serve with jumbo chilli crab?
A: Steamed rice, mantou buns, or fried noodles are all excellent accompaniments.
