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Singapore Chilli Crab

Savor Singapore Chilli Crab: A Flavorful Feast Awaits

Experience the delightful Singapore Chilli Crab, a flavorful dish with sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that's perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Singaporean
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Crab
  • 1.5 kg Live Mud Crab The star of this whole crab recipe, offering sweet, meaty flesh.
For the Sauce
  • 5 Red Cayenne Chilli Adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 2 tbsp Taucu Paste Substitute with miso paste if needed.
  • 6 Garlic Cloves Chop roughly to release their fragrance.
  • 2 Eschalots A sweeter alternative to onions.
  • 3 tbsp Ginger Chop for easy blending.
  • 1/4 cup Canola Oil Used for sautéing aromatics.
  • 1 tbsp Belachan Dried shrimp paste that contributes umami.
  • 1 cup Tomato Passata Avoid concentrated tomato paste.
  • 1/2 cup Sweet Chilli Sauce Crucial for authenticity.
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup Adds a unique sweetness.
  • 2 cups Water Helps adjust the sauce consistency.
  • 1 Egg Whisked for texture and presentation.
  • 3 tbsp White Vinegar Provides acidity to balance the flavors.
For Garnish
  • Fresh Coriander Enhances both presentation and flavor.
  • Green Onion Enhances both presentation and flavor.
  • Golden Mantou Buns Optional, perfect for scooping sauce.

Equipment

  • Blender
  • large deep pot
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Singapore Chilli Crab
  1. Prepare the Crab: Clean the live mud crab under cold running water. Cut the crab into halves and remove the triangular apron. Set aside tomalley and juices.
  2. Make Chilli Paste: Blend the red cayenne chilis, taucu paste, garlic, eschalots, and ginger until smooth to create the core flavor base.
  3. Cook Belachan: Heat canola oil in a pot over medium heat, add belachan, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Cook Chilli Paste: Add the blended chilli paste to the pot and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.
  5. Incorporate Sauce Ingredients: Pour in tomato passata, sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, and water, then simmer for approximately 4 minutes.
  6. Add Crab Claws: Introduce the crab claws into the sauce and simmer for about 3 minutes.
  7. Add Reserved Ingredients: Stir in the reserved tomalley and crab juices, add remaining crab pieces, cover and cook for 7 minutes.
  8. Final Sauce Prep: Remove crab and whisk egg into the simmering sauce, then add white vinegar before returning crab to the pot.
  9. Serve: Transfer crab pieces to a serving dish, pour sauce over and garnish with coriander and green onions. Serve with buns or rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Opt for fresh live mud crab for the best flavor, and store leftovers properly for future meals.

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