Chilli Crab

Ingredients for Chilli Crab

• 8 soft-shelled crabs, cleaned, or 2 whole Dungeness crabs

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 (3-inch) knob ginger, minced (about 3 tablespoons )

• 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons )

• 3 to 4 fresh red bird's-eye chillies, seeded and minced

• 1 tablespoon Chinese fermented black beans or black bean sauce

• 1 tablespoon shaohsing rice wine or sherry

• 120ml plain tomato sauce, purchased or homemade

• 60ml mild chilli sauce, such as Heinz

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoons ground white pepper

• 2 teaspoons cornflour

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped

• 1 spring onion, thinly sliced on bias

• Accompaniments: steamed Chinese buns or baguette slices

How to make Chilli Crab

If using Dungeness crabs, using cleaver or large chef's knife, cut in half lengthwise and remove back shell and spongy green matter. Remove claws from body section and, using back of cleaver or chef's knife, crack in several places. Cut each body section into 2 or 3 pieces, leaving legs attached. Rinse all pieces thoroughly and pat completely dry.

In wok or large skillet over moderate heat, heat oil until hot but not smoking. Add ginger, garlic, and chillies, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add black beans and stir-fry several seconds. Add crab and stir-fry until meat begins to turn opaque, about 1 minute. Stir in rice wine, tomato and chilli sauces, sugar, salt, pepper, and 240ml water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until crab meat is fully cooked, 3 to 4 minutes.

In small bowl, whisk together cornflour and 2 tablespoons water. Stir into crab mixture in pan and simmer, uncovered, until sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Stir in eggs and simmer, uncovered, until bits of egg are fully cooked, about 1 minute. Stir in coriander and spring onion. Serve immediately with steamed Chinese buns or baguette slices.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.