Kam Heong crab is a Malaysian dish that is known for its bold and spicy flavours.
The dish is made by stir-frying crab with a blend of aromatic spices, curry powder, and dried shrimp.
The result is a dish that is both fragrant and flavourful, with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.
If you're a seafood lover, Kam Heong crab is definitely a dish worth trying.
Not only is it delicious, but it's also easy to prepare and cook.
Whether you're looking to impress your guests or simply want to indulge in a tasty meal, Kam Heong crab is a great choice.
Key Takeaways
- Kam Heong crab is a Malaysian dish that is known for its bold and spicy flavours.
- The dish is made by stir-frying crab with a blend of aromatic spices, curry powder, and dried shrimp.
- Kam Heong crab is a great choice for seafood lovers who want to indulge in a tasty and easy-to-prepare meal.
History and Origin of Kam Heong Crab
If you are a seafood lover, you must have heard of Kam Heong Crab, a signature dish in Malaysia.
The dish is a perfect mix of savoury spices and fresh aromatics that impart a delicious fragrance you'll be able to sniff from a mile away.
Kam Heong Crab originated from Malaysia and has become a popular dish in many restaurants, both locally and internationally.
The word "Kam Heong" literally means "Golden Fragrance" in Cantonese, and it is a fitting name for the dish because of its aromatic blend of spices and herbs.
Cultural Significance in Malaysia
Kam Heong Crab has become a cultural symbol of Malaysia, representing the country's love for seafood and unique blend of spices.
The dish is often enjoyed during family gatherings, festive seasons, and special occasions.
Malaysian-style Kam Heong Crab is prepared by stir-frying crab with a blend of spices, including curry powder, dried shrimp, shallots, garlic, and chilies.
The dish is often served with steamed rice or mantou (steamed buns).
In Malaysia, Kam Heong Crab is available in many seafood restaurants, especially in coastal regions like Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
The dish has become so popular that it is also exported to other countries, where it is enjoyed by seafood lovers around the world.
Preparing and Cooking Kam Heong Crab
If you're looking for a delicious and flavourful seafood dish, Kam Heong Crab is a great choice.
This Malaysian dish is made with fresh crabs and a variety of aromatic spices and seasonings, resulting in a dish that is both spicy and fragrant.
Selecting the Right Crab
When preparing Kam Heong Crab, it's important to choose the right type of crab.
The most commonly used crab for this dish is the flower crab, but you can also use mud crab or Dungeness crab if you prefer.
Make sure the crab is fresh and has a good weight to it.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutes
To make Kam Heong Crab, you'll need a variety of essential ingredients, including:
- curry leaves
- curry powder
- dried shrimp
- oyster sauce
- shallots
- garlic
- soy sauce
- salt
- black pepper
- dark soy sauce
- chilies
If you can't find some of these ingredients, you can substitute them with similar ingredients. For example, you can use ginger instead of garlic, or chili padi instead of chilies.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
To cook Kam Heong Crab, you'll need a wok or a large pot.
Start by deep-frying the crabs until they are golden brown, then set them aside.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil and drain off the excess oil.
Reheat the wok with the reserved oil on high heat. Cook the dried shrimps until crisps.
Add in the sliced onion, garlic and ginger paste/chopped, dried chili and chili padi to smaller pieces, and the mashed/chopped dried shrimp.
Pre-mix the ingredients for the sauce: oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, fish curry powder, chili sauce, and sugar.
Add in the sauce and stir-fry until fragrant.
Add in the deep-fried crabs and stir-fry until the crabs are well-coated with the sauce.
Add in some water and stir-fry until the sauce thickens.
Finally, add in some fresh curry leaves and black peppercorns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prepare a Kam Heong crab dish?
The best way to prepare Kam Heong crab is to clean the crab thoroughly and then cut it into pieces.
You can then stir-fry the crab with Kam Heong sauce, which is a fragrant and spicy sauce made with a blend of spices and herbs.
Be sure to cook the crab until it is fully cooked and the sauce has coated the crab pieces evenly.
Could you list the essential ingredients for a Kam Heong sauce?
The essential ingredients for Kam Heong sauce include:
- dried shrimp
- curry leaves
- garlic
- shallots
- ginger
- curry powder
- turmeric
- chilli powder
Some recipes may also call for additional ingredients such as oyster sauce, sugar, and soy sauce.
How do I humanely cook a live crab?
To humanely cook a live crab, you can first place the crab in the freezer for about 30 minutes to put it into a state of hibernation.
Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the crab to the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the crab.
What's the secret to authentic Malaysian crab cuisine?
The secret to authentic Malaysian crab cuisine is the use of fresh ingredients and a blend of spices and herbs that give the dish its signature flavour.
The Kam Heong sauce is a key component of many Malaysian crab dishes, and it is made with a blend of spices and herbs that are ground together to create a fragrant and spicy sauce.
How long should I boil a crab to ensure it's cooked properly?
To ensure that the crab is cooked properly, you should boil it for about 10-12 minutes, depending on the size of the crab.
The crab should be fully cooked and the meat should be opaque and firm.
Is there a difference between Kam Heong crab served in Singapore and the traditional Malaysian version?
While Kam Heong crab is a popular dish in both Singapore and Malaysia, there may be some differences in the way the dish is prepared and served.
However, the basic ingredients and flavours of the dish should be similar in both countries.