Chilli Crab Pasta: A Spicy Seafood Delight
If you're looking for a dish that's packed with flavour and spice, then chilli crab pasta might be just what you need.
This Singaporean dish is a fusion of two popular dishes: chilli crab and pasta. The result is a unique and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Chilli crab pasta is a dish that's gaining popularity all over the world. It's easy to see why.
The combination of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours is irresistible. The dish is made with fresh crab meat, tomato sauce, and a variety of spices and herbs. It's then served over a bed of pasta, which helps to balance out the flavours. There are many variations of this dish, each with their own unique twist.
Key Takeaways
- Chilli crab pasta is a fusion of two popular dishes: chilli crab and pasta.
- The dish is gaining popularity all over the world due to its unique and delicious flavour.
- There are many variations of this dish, each with their own unique twist.
Chilli Crab Pasta Recipe
If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish, then you should try making chilli crab pasta. This dish is a fusion of Italian and Singaporean cuisine, and it's perfect for those who love seafood and spicy flavours.
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make chilli crab pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 400g of pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red chilli, sliced
- 1 can of vine-ripened tomatoes
- 250g of white crabmeat
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- A handful of parsley, coriander and spring onion, chopped
- Chilli flakes, to taste
You can substitute the white crabmeat for brown crabmeat, and the parsley, coriander and spring onion for any other herbs you prefer.
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet until al dente.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, red chilli and ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the can of vine-ripened tomatoes, salt and sugar to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the white crabmeat to the pan and simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the crabmeat and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Serve the pasta with a poached or beaten egg on top, and garnish with chopped parsley, coriander, spring onions and lemon zest. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle some chilli flakes on top to taste.
Serving and Presentation
Chilli crab pasta is best served hot and fresh. You can serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing. To make it look more appetizing, you can sprinkle some chopped herbs and chilli flakes on top, and add a wedge of lemon on the side.
Nutritional Information
One serving of chilli crab pasta contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the type of pasta and amount of crabmeat used. It is a good source of protein, carbohydrates and fibre, and contains a moderate amount of fat and sugars.
Cultural Significance and Variations
Origin and Popularity
Chilli crab is a beloved seafood dish that originated in Singapore in the 1950s. Since then, it has become an iconic dish in Singaporean cuisine and is widely enjoyed throughout Southeast Asia.
The dish is typically made with mud crabs that are stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet and savoury tomato and chilli sauce. The dish is often served with steamed buns or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations in Cuisine
Chilli crab has become so popular that it has inspired many variations in cuisine, including fusion dishes such as chilli crab pasta.
This main course typically features spaghetti or linguine tossed in a sauce made with chilli crab, pesto, and other ingredients. The dish is a unique twist on the classic seafood dish and has gained popularity in recent years.
Chilli Crab Pasta in Social Media
Chilli crab pasta has become a popular dish on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Many food bloggers and influencers have shared their own unique takes on the dish, showcasing the versatility of the sauce. Some have added a twist to the classic recipe by incorporating other seafood, while others have added a touch of lemon zest or juice for a tangy kick.
Pairing with Drinks
When it comes to pairing drinks with chilli crab pasta, white wine is a popular choice.
The light and crisp flavour of white wine complements the spicy and savoury flavour of the sauce. A refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea can also be a great option to balance out the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a simple chilli crab pasta?
To make a simple chilli crab pasta, you will need to cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
In a separate pan, sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant. Then add in your crab meat, sambal chilli, tomato sauce, sugar, salt and water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, toss in your cooked pasta and mix well. Serve hot and enjoy!
What's the best accompaniment for chilli crab pasta?
Chilli crab pasta is a flavourful dish that can be enjoyed on its own, or with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. A glass of white wine or a cold beer would also complement the dish well.
What makes Singaporean chilli crab pasta unique?
Singaporean chilli crab pasta is unique because it combines the flavours of two popular dishes - chilli crab and pasta.
The dish is typically made with a spicy tomato-based sauce that is infused with the flavours of crab meat, garlic, shallots, and sambal chilli. The result is a deliciously spicy and savoury pasta dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Which country is known for its chilli crab dish?
Chilli crab is a popular dish in Singapore, where it is considered a national dish. However, the dish is also enjoyed in other countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
How do you incorporate tomatoes into chilli crab pasta?
Tomatoes are a key ingredient in chilli crab pasta, as they help to create the base of the sauce.
To incorporate tomatoes into your chilli crab pasta, you will need to sauté garlic and shallots in a pan until fragrant. Then add in your canned tomatoes, sugar, salt, and water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, toss in your cooked pasta and crab meat and mix well.
Can you recommend a creamy chilli crab pasta dish?
If you're looking for a creamy chilli crab pasta dish, you can try adding some heavy cream or coconut milk to your sauce.
Simply add the cream or coconut milk to the pan after you have added your canned tomatoes and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
Then toss in your cooked pasta and crab meat and mix well.
The result is a deliciously creamy and spicy pasta dish that is sure to impress!