Chilli Crab

Introduction

Singapore’s Chilli Crab is one of the country’s most famous and beloved dishes. Known for its rich, sweet, savory, and spicy tomato-based sauce, it’s a dish best enjoyed with your hands and a side of steamed buns or rice. The sauce is the star of the dish, perfectly coating the succulent crab meat with bold flavors that are both comforting and indulgent. Traditionally, live mud crabs are used for their sweet and tender meat, but other large crabs can be substituted if needed.

Chilli Crab is a staple at hawker centers, fine dining restaurants, and family gatherings in Singapore. The dish is celebrated not only for its taste but also for its interactive and fun eating experience—cracking the claws and dipping every piece into the rich sauce is part of the joy.

Ingredients for Singapore Chilli Crab

To make an authentic Chilli Crab at home, here’s everything you’ll need:

Crabs

• 2 live mud crabs (around 1.5–2 pounds each)

• Cleaned and cut into halves or quarters
  Tip: Slightly crack the claws to allow the sauce to penetrate the meat.

Chilli Sauce Base

• 3–4 fresh red chilies (adjust based on your heat preference)

• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 3 shallots, finely chopped

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  Tip: These aromatics create the flavorful base of the sauce—don’t skip or overcook them.

Tomato Paste & Sauce

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 cup water or stock (chicken or seafood stock works well)
  Tip: Tomato paste thickens the sauce naturally and gives it a deep, rich color.

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

• 1–2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• Salt to taste

Egg

• 1 beaten egg
  Tip: Adding the egg at the end creates a silky, velvety texture in the sauce.

Optional Thickener

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  Tip: Use only if you want a thicker sauce; otherwise, the sauce is naturally rich and coats the crab well.

How to Make Singapore Chilli Crab

Step 1: Prep the Crab

Clean the crabs thoroughly and cut them into halves or quarters. Crack the claws slightly to allow the sauce to seep in while cooking. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped shallots, grated ginger, and chopped red chilies. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will make the sauce bitter.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Add 1 cup of water or stock, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Cook the Crab

Add the crab pieces to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, turning the crab occasionally. The crab is done when the shell turns bright red and the meat is fully cooked but still tender.

Step 5: Finish with Egg

Slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering sauce while stirring gently. This will create a silky, smooth texture that coats the crab beautifully. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry at this stage. Taste and adjust salt or sugar if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the crab and sauce to a large serving dish. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or fried buns (mantou) to soak up the sauce. Eating Chilli Crab is meant to be interactive—crack the claws, pull out the meat, and enjoy every flavorful bite.

Tips for the Perfect Chilli Crab

1. Fresh crab is key: Live mud crabs give the sweetest, most tender meat.

2. Adjust chili to taste: Start with fewer chilies if you’re sensitive to heat—you can always add more.

3. Do not overcook: Overcooked crab becomes tough and loses its natural sweetness.

4. Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce a few hours in advance and add the crab just before serving for maximum flavor.

What to Serve with Chilli Crab

Chilli Crab is a complete meal but pairs perfectly with:

• Fried or steamed buns (Mantou) for dipping into the sauce

• Steamed jasmine rice to balance the bold flavors

• A light vegetable stir-fry or salad for freshness

• A chilled beer or white wine to complement the rich, spicy sauce

Singapore Chilli Crab is messy, fun, and unforgettable—an absolute must-try for anyone visiting Singapore or anyone wanting a taste of its vibrant seafood cuisine.