Discover how to make the perfect Chilli Crab at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. This popular seafood dish features succulent crabs cooked in a deliciously sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special meal with family. Learn the steps to achieve a flavorful, restaurant-quality Chilli Crab right in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

- 2 large crabs, cleaned and cut into pieces

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

- 2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)

- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1/2 cup chicken broth

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Crabs: Clean and cut the crabs into pieces. Set aside.

Cook Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Add Chilies: Stir in the sliced red chilies and cook for another minute.

Make the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Add Crabs: Add the crab pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the crabs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crabs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened. Stir occasionally.

Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce needs thickening, add the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh coriander. Serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Enjoy your homemade Chilli Crab, a delectable blend of sweetness and spice that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal!

Nutritional values

Crabs (2 large, cleaned and cut into pieces):

  - Approximately 200 calories

  - 40g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 2g fat

Benefits: High in protein, low in fat, rich in minerals like zinc and selenium, supports muscle growth and immune function.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Approximately 240 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 27g fat

Benefits: Provides healthy fats (depending on the type of oil), supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Onion (1, finely chopped):

  - Approximately 60 calories

  - 2g protein

  - 15g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, supports heart health, anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced):

  - Approximately 17 calories

  - 0.6g protein

  - 4g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Immune-boosting, may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ginger (1-inch piece, minced):

  - Approximately 10 calories

  - 0.2g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, aids digestion, alleviates nausea.

Red Chilies (2, sliced):

  - Approximately 18 calories

  - 1g protein

  - 4g carbohydrates

  - 0.4g fat

Benefits: Contains capsaicin, boosts metabolism, pain-relieving effects.

Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz):

  - Approximately 70 calories

  - 3g protein

  - 14g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: High in vitamin C and lycopene, supports heart health and immune function.

Tomato Ketchup (1/4 cup):

  - Approximately 60 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 16g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness and tomato flavor, some vitamin C.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

  - Approximately 20 calories

  - 2g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds umami flavor, may contain antioxidants.

Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon):

  - Approximately 0 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 0g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds acidity and flavor, low in calories.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

  - Approximately 16 calories

  - 0g protein

  - 4g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness, can be adjusted or replaced with alternatives.

Chicken Broth (1/2 cup):

  - Approximately 15 calories

  - 1g protein

  - 2g carbohydrates

  - 0.5g fat

Benefits: Provides flavor and nutrients, low in calories, hydrating.

Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) mixed with Water (2 tablespoons, for thickening):

  - Approximately 30 calories (for cornstarch)

  - 0g protein

  - 7g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Thickens sauces and soups, neutral flavor.

Fresh Coriander (chopped, for garnish):

  - Approximately 1 calorie per tablespoon

  - 0.1g protein

  - 0.2g carbohydrates

  - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports digestion, adds fresh flavor.