If you're looking for a dish that's bursting with flavour, you can't go wrong with a pepper crab recipe. This popular dish hails from Singapore and is made using fresh mud crab that's been cooked in a spicy black pepper sauce. It's a must-try for anyone who loves seafood and wants to experience the unique flavours of Singaporean cuisine.
Preparing the crab is an essential step in making this dish. You'll need to clean the crab thoroughly and remove the shell before cooking. Once you've done that, you can start preparing the sauce. The sauce is made using black peppercorns, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other ingredients that give it a rich and savoury flavour.
Cooking the crab is the final step, and it's important to get it right to ensure that the crab is cooked to perfection. You can choose to stir-fry the crab in a wok or grill it for a different flavour. Whichever method you choose, make sure that the crab is evenly coated in the sauce so that it absorbs all the delicious flavours.
Key Takeaways
- Pepper crab is a popular Singaporean dish that's made using fresh mud crab and a spicy black pepper sauce.
- Preparing the crab and making the sauce are essential steps in creating this dish.
- Cooking the crab is the final step, and it's important to ensure that it's evenly coated in the sauce for maximum flavour.
Preparing the Crab
Selecting the Crab
When it comes to making pepper crab, selecting the right crab is crucial. You can use mud crabs or blue swimmer crabs for this recipe. Look for live crabs that are heavy for their size and have a hard shell. Avoid crabs that have a soft shell or are lethargic, as they may not be fresh.
Cleaning and Cutting
Before cooking, you need to clean and cut the crab. First, place the crab in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to put it to sleep. Then, remove the top shell and the gills. Rinse the crab under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a paper towel to pat the crab dry.
Next, cut the crab into pieces. Using a sharp knife, cut the crab in half, then cut each half into quarters. Crack the claws with a mallet or the back of a knife to make it easier to remove the meat later.
Marinating
Marinating the crab is an important step to ensure that it is flavourful. In a bowl, mix together freshly ground black pepper, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Add the crab pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with cling film and let the crab marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Method
Creating the Sauce
To create the perfect sauce for your pepper crab recipe, you will need to mix together a variety of ingredients. In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, cooking caramel or black soy sauce, kicap manis, and Maggie seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Stir-Frying the Crab
Once the sauce has been created, it's time to stir-fry the crab. Heat up a wok over high heat and add vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add chopped garlic, shallots, and curry leaves. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the crab pieces to the wok and stir-fry in batches until the shell is bright orange and the meat is almost cooked. This should take around 5 minutes. Remove the crab from the wok and repeat until all the crab is cooked.
Final Touches
Now that the crab is cooked, it's time to add the final touches. In the same wok, add butter, ginger, chilli, black and white peppers, and coriander. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sauce mixture to the wok and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until the crab is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add chicken stock or water to thin it out.
Serve the pepper crab hot with mantou buns or a cube of bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy the peppery and buttery flavour of this updated version of the classic Singaporean dish.
Note that you can use a variety of crabs for this recipe, such as blue swimmer crabs, Dungeness crabs, or live crabs from Asian supermarkets. You can also adjust the amount of black and white pepper to your taste preference. Be mindful of the cholesterol content of this dish as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a simple black pepper crab at home?
Making a simple black pepper crab at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. You will need fresh crabs, black pepper, garlic, and other spices. First, clean and chop the crabs. Then, fry them in a pan with black pepper and garlic until they turn golden brown. Add your favourite spices and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade black pepper crab!
What ingredients do I need for an authentic Chinese pepper crab dish?
An authentic Chinese pepper crab dish requires fresh crabs, black pepper, ginger, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. You can also add other spices and herbs to suit your taste. The key to making an authentic Chinese pepper crab dish is to use fresh ingredients and cook the crabs just right so that they are juicy and flavourful.
Can you suggest a twist to the traditional pepper crab recipe with Indian spices?
Yes, you can give a twist to the traditional pepper crab recipe by adding Indian spices. For instance, you can use garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder to give your pepper crab a unique flavour. You can also add coconut milk or curry leaves to create a fusion dish that combines the best of Indian and Chinese cuisine.
What's the secret to the famous Singaporean black pepper crab sauce?
The secret to the famous Singaporean black pepper crab sauce lies in the blend of black pepper, garlic, and other spices used in the recipe. The sauce is rich, flavourful, and has a unique aroma that makes it stand out from other crab dishes. To make the sauce, you need to use fresh ingredients and cook them just right so that the flavours blend together perfectly.
Is there a quick and easy salt and pepper crab recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, there is a quick and easy salt and pepper crab recipe that you can make for weeknight dinners. You will need fresh crabs, salt, black pepper, garlic, and green onions. First, clean and chop the crabs. Then, fry them in a pan with salt, black pepper, garlic, and green onions until they turn golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious salt and pepper crab!
How does the JUMBO restaurant prepare their signature black pepper crab?
The JUMBO restaurant prepares their signature black pepper crab by using fresh Sri Lankan crabs, black pepper, garlic, and other spices. The crabs are stir-fried in a wok until they turn golden brown. Then, the black pepper sauce is added to the wok and cooked for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. The result is a mouth-watering dish that has made JUMBO restaurant famous all over the world.