Singaporean Spicy Crab Dish

This vibrant dish brings together fresh crab simmered in a rich, spicy sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors. Perfect for sharing, it’s a delicious way to spice up your dinner and impress your friends.

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TIME30 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Sauce: ½ cup ketchup ½ cup chicken broth 1 large egg 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons chile-garlic sauce (such as sambal oelek) 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 2 teaspoons fish sauce 2 teaspoons palm sugar ¼ cup minced shallot 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or more as needed 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root 1 tablespoon minced serrano pepper 2 cooked Dungeness crabs, cleaned and cracked 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons sliced green onion (green part only)

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, chicken broth, egg, soy sauce, chile-garlic sauce, oyster sauce, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar until everything is well combined.

02

Step 2

Next, heat some oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, garlic, ginger, and serrano pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes until everything smells fragrant and starts to sizzle.

03

Step 3

Toss the crab into the pot, cover it with a lid, and give the pot a good shake so the crab gets coated evenly with the shallot mixture. Take off the lid and stir the crab around, cooking it for another 3 minutes until it’s heated through.

04

Step 4

Pour the sauce mixture over the crab, turn the heat down to medium, and keep stirring as the sauce thickens—this should take around 5 minutes. Once everything is hot and bubbly, take the pot off the heat and mix in the cilantro and green onions. Serve right away and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh crabs for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook the sauce on medium heat to avoid burning the spices.
- Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick while cooking.

Why you’ll love it

This dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, bringing out the natural sweetness of the crab. The bold spices create a rich, flavorful sauce that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood with a unique and memorable twist.

Serving ideas

Serve this spicy crab with steamed white rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs well with a simple cucumber salad or lightly blanched greens to balance the heat.

Storage & leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the crab tender and prevent the sauce from drying out. Avoid freezing, as crab meat can become tough.