Overview of Singapore Chili Crab
Singapore Chili Crab is a famous dish that originated from Singapore and is now enjoyed all over the world for its unique flavor profile. The dish consists of mud crabs cooked in a thick, sweet and savory tomato-based sauce that is infused with a generous amount of chili. The dish is a popular street food item in Singapore and is often served with steamed or fried buns to mop up the delicious sauce.
History of the Dish
The origins of Singapore Chili Crab can be traced back to the 1950s when a chef named Madam Cher Yam Tian added chili and tomato sauce to her stir-fried crabs to create a new and unique dish. The dish quickly became popular among Singaporeans and tourists alike, and today it is considered a national dish of Singapore. The dish has even been featured on several food shows and has won numerous awards for its mouth-watering flavors.
Ingredients Used in Singapore Chili Crab
The key ingredients used in Singapore Chili Crab are fresh mud crabs, garlic, ginger, chili, tomato sauce, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. The use of fresh crabs is essential as it ensures that the dish has a sweet and succulent taste. The garlic and ginger add a depth of flavor to the dish, while the chili gives it a much-needed kick. The tomato sauce, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce are used to create the base of the sauce, while the cornstarch is added to thicken the sauce.
Cooking Process and Techniques
The cooking process for Singapore Chili Crab involves first cleaning and preparing the crabs before stir-frying them in a wok with garlic, ginger, and chili. Then, the tomato sauce, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce are added to the wok to create the sauce, which is then thickened with cornstarch. The crabs are then added back to the wok and cooked until they are fully coated in the sauce. The dish is best served hot with steamed or fried buns to soak up the sauce.
Serving and Eating Etiquette
When serving Singapore Chili Crab, it is important to provide your guests with a bib and a set of crab crackers as the dish can be messy to eat. The crabs are usually served whole and are meant to be shared among a group of people. It is customary to use your hands to eat the dish, and the buns are used to mop up the sauce. It is also considered polite to use a spoon or fork to break open the crab shells so that the meat can be easily accessed.
Variations and Alternatives to Singapore Chili Crab
While Singapore Chili Crab is the most popular crab dish in Singapore, there are several variations and alternatives available. Some restaurants serve a version of the dish that is less spicy or that uses different types of crab. Other popular crab dishes include black pepper crab, salted egg yolk crab, and butter crab. Vegetarians can also enjoy a chili crab dish made with tofu, which is equally delicious.
