Chilli crab is a popular Chinese dish that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. This dish is made with a variety of ingredients, including crab, chilli, shallots, garlic, ginger, and more. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique flavour that's hard to resist.
While chilli crab is a popular dish in China, its roots can be traced back to Singapore. It's become so popular that it's now considered a national dish in Singapore. The dish is typically served with steamed buns, which are used to soak up the delicious sauce.
If you're interested in making chilli crab at home, there are a few things you need to know. First, you'll need to select the right crab. Mud crabs are traditionally used in this dish, but other large crabs can be used as well. You'll also need to prepare the ingredients, which includes chopping and mincing various herbs and spices. Once you have everything ready, you can start cooking the dish.
Key Takeaways
- Chilli crab is a popular Chinese dish that's made with crab, chilli, shallots, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients.
- The dish originated in Singapore and is now considered a national dish.
- When making chilli crab, it's important to select the right crab and prepare the ingredients properly.
History and Origin
Singapore's Culinary Scene
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene is a reflection of this diversity. One of the most iconic dishes that has emerged from this culinary fusion is chilli crab. This dish has become synonymous with Singaporean cuisine and is a must-try for anyone visiting the island nation.
Chilli crab was invented in the mid-1950s by Cher Yam Tian, a Singaporean chef. She added bottled chilli sauce to her dish of stir-fried crabs, instead of using tomato sauce, her usual ingredient. In 1956, she and her husband began selling the dish from a pushcart along the seaside. Since then, chilli crab has become a staple in Singaporean cuisine and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Chilli Crab's Evolution
Chilli crab has evolved over the years, and there are now many variations of the dish. Some restaurants serve it with a sweeter sauce, while others make it extra spicy. Some chefs add other ingredients, such as eggs or vegetables, to the dish to give it a unique twist.
Chilli crab has also gained international recognition and has been featured on many food lists, including CNN World's 50 Most Delicious Food. This dish has become a symbol of Singaporean cuisine and is a must-try for anyone visiting the country.
If you're looking to make chilli crab at home, you can use any type of crab, but the most common type used in Singapore is the mud crab. You can also use other types of seafood, such as prawns or lobsters, to make a delicious seafood version of this dish.
Selecting the Right Crab
When it comes to making a Chinese-style chilli crab, the type of crab you use is crucial to the dish's success. Here are the things you need to know about selecting the right crab:
Types of Crab
There are different types of crab that you can use when making chilli crab. The most commonly used crabs are mud crab, blue swimmer crab, dungeness crab, brown crab, stone crab, and softshell crabs. Mud crabs are the traditional choice for chilli crab, but other types of crab can also work well.
How to Humanely Kill a Crab
Before cooking the crab, it is important to kill it humanely. One way to do this is to place the crab in the freezer for about 30 minutes to put it in a dormant state. Then, use a sharp knife to pierce the crab's head, killing it instantly. Alternatively, you can place the crab in boiling water for a few minutes until it dies.
When selecting your crab, look for live crabs that are still moving and active. The crab should be heavy for its size, indicating that it is full of meat. Avoid crabs that are lethargic or have a foul smell.
If you prefer, you can also use seafood such as prawns or lobster as a substitute for crab in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture of the dish may differ from the traditional chilli crab recipe.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking your Chinese-style chilli crab, you need to prepare all of your ingredients. This includes creating the chilli paste and the aromatic base.
Creating the Chilli Paste
To make the chilli paste, you will need a blender and the following ingredients:
- Red chillies
- Fresh chillies
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Salt
- Sugar
- Vinegar
Blend all of the ingredients together until you have a smooth paste. You can adjust the amount of chillies you use depending on how spicy you want your chilli crab to be.
Aromatic Base
The aromatic base is made up of the following ingredients:
- Shallots
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Ginger
Chop all of the ingredients finely and set them aside. This base will add a depth of flavour to your chilli crab.
Seafood is a great addition to this recipe, and you can use a variety of seafood such as king prawns or mussels. However, for the classic Chinese-style chilli crab, you will need to use fresh crab.
Cooking the Dish
Wok Techniques
To cook the perfect Chinese-style chilli crab, you need to use a wok. A wok is a versatile tool that can be used for stir-frying, deep-frying, and steaming. When cooking the crab, heat the wok over high heat and add peanut oil. Once the oil is hot, add the crab and stir-fry for a few minutes until the shell turns red.
Next, add the chilli crab sauce, sweet chilli sauce, tomato sauce, Shaoxing wine, chicken stock, and a pinch of salt and sugar. Stir-fry for another few minutes until the crab is coated in the sauce. If you want the sauce to be thicker, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with some water and add it to the wok.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce
The secret to a perfect chilli crab sauce is achieving the right balance of sweet, sour and spicy flavours. To achieve this balance, add some sugar, vinegar, and egg to the sauce. The egg helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a creamy texture.
To add more depth to the sauce, you can also add some seafood such as prawns or squid. Seafood adds a rich umami flavour to the sauce and complements the sweetness and spiciness of the chilli crab sauce.
When the crab is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish and pour the sauce over it. Garnish with some chopped coriander and serve hot with some steamed rice.
By following these simple wok techniques and adding the right ingredients to the sauce, you can cook a delicious Chinese-style chilli crab that will impress your guests.
Serving and Presentation
Accompaniments
To fully enjoy your Chinese-style chilli crab, you need to serve it with some accompaniments. Steamed Chinese buns, also known as mantou, are the perfect option to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with some plain white rice or noodles.
Seafood lovers can also add some prawns or crayfish to the recipe to enhance the flavour. Fresh seafood is always the best option, but frozen seafood can also be used if it is not possible to get fresh seafood.
Garnishing Tips
Garnishing your chilli crab dish is a great way to add some colour and flavour to the dish. Here are some ideas for garnishing your Chinese-style chilli crab:
- Cilantro: Add some chopped cilantro to the dish to give it a fresh and herbaceous flavour.
- Spring Onion: Slice some spring onions and sprinkle them over the dish to add some texture and a mild onion flavour.
- Coriander: Add some coriander leaves to the dish to give it a citrusy and slightly sweet flavour.
When serving your chilli crab, make sure to present it in a visually appealing way. You can place the crab on a large platter and pour the sauce over it. Alternatively, you can place the crab in a large bowl and pour the sauce over it.
To make the dish more authentic, serve it with some steamed Chinese buns on the side. This will allow your guests to scoop up the sauce and crab meat with the buns.
To sum it up, serving and presenting your Chinese-style chilli crab is just as important as cooking it. Use these tips to impress your guests and enjoy a delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare the sauce for a traditional Chinese-style chilli crab?
The sauce for a traditional Chinese-style chilli crab is made using a blend of chillies, ginger, garlic, shallots, and other spices. The ingredients are sautéed in a wok or a pan until fragrant, and then tomato paste, black bean sauce, and other flavourings are added. The mixture is simmered until it thickens, and then the crab is added to the pan and cooked until it is coated in the sauce.
What are the key ingredients for an authentic Chinese-style chilli crab dish?
The key ingredients for an authentic Chinese-style chilli crab dish are crab, chillies, shallots, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, black bean sauce, sugar, salt, and oil. Some recipes may also call for other flavourings, such as shrimp paste, dried shrimp, or Chinese wine.
Could you suggest an easy method to cook chilli crab in Chinese style?
To cook chilli crab in Chinese style, start by preparing the sauce as described above. Then, clean and prepare the crab by removing the top shell, gills, and other inedible parts. Heat some oil in a wok or a large pan, and stir-fry the crab until it turns red. Add the sauce to the pan, and stir until the crab is coated in the sauce. Cover the pan and let the crab cook until it is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Serve hot with steamed rice.
What's the secret to achieving the perfect flavour in Chinese-style chilli crab?
The secret to achieving the perfect flavour in Chinese-style chilli crab is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavours of the sauce. The sauce should be spicy, savoury, and slightly sweet, with a hint of sourness. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired flavour.
How does the Malaysian chilli crab recipe differ from the Chinese style?
The Malaysian chilli crab recipe is similar to the Chinese-style recipe, but it may include additional ingredients such as tamarind paste, coconut milk, or curry powder. The sauce may also be thicker and sweeter than the Chinese-style sauce.
What tips can you share for selecting and preparing crabs for a Chinese-style chilli crab recipe?
When selecting crabs for a Chinese-style chilli crab recipe, look for live crabs that are heavy for their size and have a hard shell. To prepare the crabs, remove the top shell, gills, and other inedible parts, and cut the body into pieces. Be careful not to overcook the crab, as it can become tough and rubbery. If you prefer, you can also use other types of seafood such as prawns or mussels in the dish.