Black Pepper Crab in Singapore: A Must-Try Seafood Delight
If you're a seafood lover, you've probably heard of Singapore's famous black pepper crab. This dish is a must-try when visiting the island nation, and it's no surprise why.
The unique blend of black pepper, garlic, and other spices creates a flavourful sauce that perfectly complements the tender and juicy crab meat.
Black pepper crab is a local favourite that has become popular worldwide. This dish originated in Singapore in the 1950s, and it quickly became a staple in the country's seafood scene.
Today, it's a must-try dish for tourists and locals alike. If you're looking to try something new and exciting, black pepper crab is a great option to add to your list.
Key Takeaways
- Black pepper crab is a popular seafood dish in Singapore that originated in the 1950s.
- The dish is made with a unique blend of black pepper, garlic, and other spices that create a flavourful sauce.
- Black pepper crab is a must-try dish for seafood lovers visiting Singapore.
Origins and Popularity of Black Pepper Crab
Singapore's Love for Seafood
As an island nation, Singapore has a deep love for seafood. From chilli crab to sambal stingray, there are countless seafood dishes that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Among these dishes, black pepper crab stands out as a favourite.
Evolution of Black Pepper Crab
Black pepper crab was first introduced in the 1950s by a Singaporean chef named Cher Yam Tian. The dish quickly gained popularity due to its unique blend of spices and the use of mud crab, a local delicacy.
Today, black pepper crab is considered one of Singapore's national dishes and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country.
Unlike its cousin, chilli crab, black pepper crab is not cooked in a sauce. Instead, the crabs are stir-fried with a blend of black pepper, garlic, shallots, and oyster sauce over high heat.
This results in a dry consistency that is perfect for those who prefer a less saucy dish.
The popularity of black pepper crab can also be attributed to its cultural significance. The blend of spices used in the dish hints at the influence of various cultures on Singapore's cuisine.
For example, black pepper was introduced to Singapore by the British, while oyster sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking.
Preparing and Cooking Black Pepper Crab
If you're looking for a delicious and spicy seafood dish, then black pepper crab is the perfect recipe for you.
This Singaporean dish is made with fresh mud crabs, black peppercorns, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other flavourful ingredients.
In this section, we'll show you how to prepare and cook black pepper crab like a pro.
Selecting the Right Ingredients
To make the perfect black pepper crab, you need to start with the right ingredients.
For this recipe, you'll need fresh mud crabs, black peppercorns, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, butter, oil, chicken stock, sugar, water, and salt.
You can find most of these ingredients at your local supermarket or Asian grocery store.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
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Clean the crabs: Before you start cooking, clean the crabs thoroughly. Remove the top shell and the gills, then rinse the crabs under cold running water.
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Prepare the black pepper sauce: In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped shallots, and sliced ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Add black peppercorns and curry leaves. Toss until the black peppercorns are fragrant. Add chicken stock, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
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Deep fry the crabs: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep-fryer over high heat. Deep fry the crabs until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
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Cook the crabs in the sauce: In another wok or large pan, heat butter over medium heat. Add the black pepper sauce and stir well. Add the deep-fried crabs and toss until they are coated with the sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the crabs are fully cooked.
Tips for a Perfect Dish
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavour.
- Don't overcook the crabs, or they will become tough and rubbery.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and coriander leaves for a fresh and vibrant look.
- Serve the black pepper crab in a large serving dish with steamed rice on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best black pepper crab in Singapore?
Singapore is famous for its black pepper crab, and there are many restaurants that serve this dish.
Some of the best places to enjoy black pepper crab in Singapore include Keng Eng Kee Seafood, Jumbo Seafood, and Long Beach Seafood.
These restaurants are well-known for their delicious black pepper crab dishes, and they offer a great dining experience.
How do I prepare a traditional Singaporean black pepper crab at home?
If you want to try making black pepper crab at home, you'll need to have fresh crab, black peppercorns, and other ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
There are many recipes available online that can guide you through the process of preparing this dish. One popular recipe can be found on Marion's Kitchen.
However, it's important to note that preparing black pepper crab can be challenging, and it's best to leave it to the experts at a restaurant.
What's the average cost of a black pepper crab dish in Singapore?
The cost of black pepper crab in Singapore varies depending on the restaurant and the size of the crab.
On average, you can expect to pay around SGD 50-70 for a medium-sized crab. However, prices can go up to SGD 100 or more for larger crabs or at more upscale restaurants.
Which restaurants offer delivery services for black pepper crab in Singapore?
Many restaurants in Singapore offer delivery services for black pepper crab, including Jumbo Seafood, Long Beach Seafood, and Keng Eng Kee Seafood.
You can also order black pepper crab from food delivery platforms like Deliveroo, GrabFood, and Foodpanda.
Are there any ongoing promotions for black pepper crab at Singapore eateries?
Promotions for black pepper crab may be available at certain times of the year or at specific restaurants.
It's always a good idea to check with the restaurant or food delivery platform to see if there are any ongoing promotions or discounts available.
Can you recommend a place with a diverse menu that includes black pepper crab?
If you're looking for a restaurant with a diverse menu that includes black pepper crab, you might want to check out Jumbo Seafood. This restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, including black pepper crab, chili crab, and salted egg crab.
They also have non-seafood dishes like chicken and vegetables, so there's something for everyone.