Chili Crab is a legendary seafood dish combining sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a rich, tangy sauce. Originating from Singapore but heavily influenced by Chinese culinary techniques, this dish features tender crab cooked in a luscious tomato-chili sauce. It’s a must-try for seafood lovers and a show-stopping centerpiece for festive meals.

📝 Ingredients

For the Crab:

2 whole crabs (about 600–700 g each), cleaned and cut into pieces

1 tsp salt

1 tsp white pepper

1 tbsp cornstarch (for dusting)

2 tbsp oil (for frying)


For the Sauce:

4 tbsp tomato ketchup

3 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp light soy sauce

1 tbsp sugar

½ cup water or chicken stock

2 eggs (lightly beaten)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

1-inch piece ginger (julienned)

2–3 red chilies (sliced, optional for extra heat)

1 tbsp cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water)

For Garnish:

Fresh coriander or spring onions

🍳 How to Make Chili Crab

Step 1: Prepare the Crab

Clean the crabs thoroughly. Remove the top shell, gills, and apron.

Cut each crab into 6–8 pieces.

Lightly season with salt and white pepper. Dust with a thin layer of cornstarch.

Step 2: Fry the Crab

Heat oil in a large wok over medium heat.

Deep-fry the crab pieces for 2–3 minutes until partially cooked and bright red.

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp oil.

Sauté garlic, ginger, and red chilies until fragrant.

Add tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water or stock.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Crab and Sauce

Add the fried crab to the sauce.

Stir gently and simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the crab to absorb the flavors.

Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring to create a silky, rich sauce.

Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to a large platter.

Garnish with fresh coriander or sliced spring onions.

Serve immediately with steamed rice or mantou (Chinese buns) to soak up the sauce.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Best served hot and fresh as a main course.

Pair with a light stir-fried vegetable dish for a balanced meal.

Use fresh crab for the most tender, flavorful results.

💡 Pro Tips

Use live or very fresh crab for optimal sweetness and texture.

Adjust chili levels according to your spice tolerance.

Gently stir the crab while cooking to prevent breaking the shells.

Serve with steamed buns — perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

✨ Chili Crab is a bold, flavorful, and iconic dish that brings the taste of Chinese-inspired Southeast Asian cuisine right to your table. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and utterly addictive — it’s a seafood lover’s dream!