Indulge your senses in the fiery delight of Chilli Black Pepper Crab, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with its rich, complex flavors. This iconic Singaporean dish marries the sweetness of succulent crab meat with the explosive heat of chillies and the subtle earthiness of black pepper, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply unforgettable. Imagine succulent crab claws, glistening with a vibrant, glossy sauce, beckoning you to partake in a truly unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
The secret to achieving this perfect balance lies in the precise blend of ingredients and the careful execution of each step. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step process of creating your own sensational Chilli Black Pepper Crab.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cooking pot
- Large pan
Ingredients
- Oyster sauce
- Thin soy sauce
- Garlic powder: 1 tablespoon
- Spring onion
- Ground black pepper: 1/2 tablespoon
- Chili garlic and black pepper mixture
- Red pepper
- Crabs: 2 decent sized
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- MSG (Vetine powder)
- Cooking oil
- Water
- Coriander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Crabs
- Cut the abdominal flap halfway into the center mass and pull them apart, removing the gills and excess parts. Remove the tips of the legs.
- Trim the edge of the carapace to easily remove the tamale inside (optional). Crack the claws to help the meat cook faster and be easier to access.
- Wash and drain the crab pieces thoroughly.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Crabs
- Heat cooking oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the crab pieces (after draining excess water) and cook for about five minutes until cooked through.
- Remove crab pieces and drain excess oil.
Step 3. Make and Combine the Sauce
- In the same pan, add more oil and then add the garlic, black pepper, and chili mixture. Add water, garlic powder, ground black pepper, more water, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, vetine powder (optional), and sugar.
- Stir well on high heat. Add the cooked crab, spring onion, and red pepper. Let the sauce coat the crab, flipping it over to ensure even cooking.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with coriander and cut chilies (optional). Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe
Tips
- Don't break the crab claws too much when cracking, otherwise the meat will fall out.
- Drain as much water from the crab as possible before adding it to the hot oil to prevent the oil from splitting.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-800
- Fat: 40-55g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 50-60g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen crab instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen crab works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent a watery sauce.
2. How can I adjust the spice level?
Easily! Start with less chilli, taste-test as you go, and add more to your preference. You can also remove seeds from the chilies to reduce heat.
With its vibrant flavors and satisfying spice, this Thai Chilli Black Pepper Crab recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. The rewarding taste is well worth the effort, proving that sometimes the most delicious dishes are also the most satisfying to create. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!