Chilli Crab is a famous Singaporean seafood dish featuring mud crabs cooked in a spicy, tangy tomato sauce.

How long does Chilli Crab take to make?

Chilli Crab takes approximately 40-55 minutes to prepare and cook.

Chilli Crab Recipe – Singapore's Spicy Delight

Name: Chilli Crab
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Singapore
Ingredients: bread for serving; chicken broth; chili sauce such as sriracha; cilantro for garnish; cloves garlic; cornstarch mixed with water for thickening; cut into pieces; eggs lightly beaten; inch piece of ginger; ketchup; lime wedges for serving; live mud crabs about total; onion; oyster sauce; red chilies adjust; soy sauce; steamed buns; sugar; tomato paste; vegetable oil; water

Sweet, savory, and fiery sauce clings to tender crab meat in this iconic Singapore dish that demands hands-on eating. Chilli Crab emerged when local chefs experimented with Chinese stir-frying techniques and local ingredients, creating something entirely Singaporean. The sauce—balanced between ketchup sweetness, chili heat, and umami depth—transforms a simple crustacean into celebration food.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

2 live mud crabs (about 2-3 lbs total), cleaned and cut into pieces
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
4 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons chili sauce (such as Sriracha)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Steamed buns or bread, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Crabs

Clean the crabs thoroughly and cut them into pieces. Crack the claws slightly to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste, ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Add the finely chopped onion and stir-fry until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped red chilies. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Cook the Crabs

Add the crab pieces to the wok and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, ensuring the crab is coated with the aromatic mixture.

Add the Sauce and Simmer

Pour the sauce mixture over the crabs and stir to combine.

Add the chicken broth or water and bring to a simmer.

Cover the wok and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crab meat is cooked through.

Thicken the Sauce

Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add the Eggs

Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the wok, stirring gently to create a smooth, eggy texture in the sauce.

Serve

Transfer the chilli crab to a serving dish.

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chilli Crab?

Chilli Crab is mud crab pieces cooked in a complex sauce balancing sweetness from ketchup, heat from fresh chilies, depth from chili paste, and umami from soy and oyster sauce. The sauce thickens with eggs for a luxurious texture.

Where does Chilli Crab come from?

Chilli Crab was created in 1950s Singapore by innovative home cooks and chefs experimenting with local ingredients and cooking techniques. It became so popular it's now served at five-star restaurants and hawker stalls alike.

What are the main ingredients in Chilli Crab?

Live mud crabs are the star. The sauce combines tomato paste, ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fresh red chilies. Eggs finish the sauce, creating a silky texture.

Any tips for making the best Chilli Crab?

Use live mud crabs for best flavor and texture. Crack claws slightly before cooking to let sauce penetrate. Make the sauce in advance for deeper flavor integration. Avoid overcooking crab—tender meat is the goal.

What do you serve with Chilli Crab?

Chilli Crab is traditionally served with steamed mantou buns (perfect for sauce soaking), fried rice to absorb extra sauce, lime wedges for brightness, and plenty of napkins for the messy-but-worth-it eating experience.

Chilli Crab