Chilli crab is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Singapore. This savoury and slightly spicy delicacy, with its rich tomato-chilli sauce, perfectly complements the sweetness of fresh crab meat. Here’s a simple guide on how to prepare this iconic dish at home.

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Preparing the Crab
Start by cleaning and cutting the crab into manageable pieces. Keep the shell intact for maximum flavour. If you’re not familiar with prepping crab, many local markets can assist or offer pre-cleaned options.

Making the Signature Sauce
The heart of chilli crab lies in its sauce. Combine tomato paste, chilli sauce, and sambal oelek (a type of chilli paste) in a bowl. Add a bit of sugar and salt to balance the flavours. Don’t forget to add some beaten egg at the end for that signature silky texture. For those not keen on cooking, many City Hall restaurants in Singapore by hotels such as Grand Park City Hall offer a variety of seafood dishes, which you can savour in a refined setting.

Cooking the Crab
In a hot wok, sauté garlic, ginger, and fresh chilli until fragrant. Add the crab pieces and stir-fry for a few minutes. Then, pour in the prepared sauce, ensuring all the crab pieces are well coated. Simmer until the crab is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

Serving and Enjoying Your Chilli Crab
Once your crab is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving plate, making sure to pour all the delicious sauce over the crab. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve it hot with steamed buns, also known as mantou, which are perfect for soaking up the flavourful sauce.