Spicy Garlic Chili Crab

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Main:

• 2 medium crabs (cleaned & cut into pieces)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
• Oil for frying

Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
• 2 tbsp chili paste (or fresh chopped chili)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 200 ml water or stock

Thickening:

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

Optional (for richer sauce):

• 1 egg (lightly beaten)

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro
• Spring onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the crab

• Clean and chop crab into pieces
• Lightly coat with cornstarch
• Deep-fry or pan-fry until slightly crispy
  👉 About 3–4 minutes
• Set aside

2. Make the sauce

• Heat oil in a wok
• Add garlic and ginger → sauté until fragrant
• Add chili paste → cook briefly
• Add ketchup, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar
• Pour in water/stock
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes

3. Combine

• Add fried crab into the sauce
• Toss to coat evenly
• Add cornstarch slurry → thicken sauce

4. Optional egg step

• Slowly drizzle beaten egg into sauce while stirring
  👉 Creates silky texture (restaurant style)

5. Serve

• Plate hot
• Garnish with cilantro & spring onion

Tips for Best Flavor

• Use fresh crab for sweeter meat
• Don’t overcook → meat stays juicy
• Balance sweet–spicy–savory carefully
• Wok cooking = best smoky flavor

Flavor Profile

• Bold spicy kick
• Garlicky, slightly sweet sauce
• Rich, umami-packed crab