Chilli Crab
Chilli Crab is a mouthwatering seafood dish featuring whole crabs cooked in a rich and spicy tomato-chili sauce. The crabs are stir-fried with aromatic spices, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that is often enjoyed with steamed rice.
- 2 whole crabs, cleaned and cracked
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce (Sambal Oelek works well)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crabs:
- Clean and crack the crabs, if not done already. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the tomato paste, chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Add 1 cup of water and stir until well combined.
Stir-Fry Aromatics:
- In a wok or large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped red chilies. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
Add the Crabs:
- Add the cleaned and cracked crabs to the wok. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes to lightly cook the crabs.
Pour in the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the crabs, ensuring they are well-coated. Stir to combine.
Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the wok, and let the crabs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crab is cooked through. Stir occasionally.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the crab is cooked and the sauce has thickened, garnish with chopped spring onions and fresh cilantro.
Serve Hot:
- Serve the Malaysian Chilli Crab hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chilli Crab, a flavorful Malaysian seafood dish! Adjust the spice level according to your preference.