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Chilli crab
If using live crab, chill it in the freezer for 20 minutes, then kill it with a firm knife thrust through the underside. Pull off the top shell, remove the gills and stomach sac, halve or quarter the body and crack the claws with the back of a cleaver.
Watch: Crack claws before cooking. Nobody can do it at the table without a hammer.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Chilli crab take?
50 min all in — 30 min prep, 20 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Medium heat.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Shellfish, Eggs, Wheat, Soy. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Treat yourself — about $28+ USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Wok, Chef's knife, Blender.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list salt as its own ingredient. Saltiness comes from Soy sauce — 1 tbsp. Taste at the end rather than adding a number we did not write.
How much sugar?
2 tbsp of Sugar.
How much vinegar?
1½ tbsp (rice or white) of Vinegar.
How much soy sauce?
1 tbsp of Soy sauce.
What can I use instead?
Whole crab → 600 g large shell-on prawns. A cheaper weeknight version. Cook only 3 minutes in the sauce.
What should I watch for?
Crack claws before cooking. Nobody can do it at the table without a hammer.
Any tips from this recipe?
Fry shop-bought mantou in 2 cm of oil until golden. Steamed is lighter; fried is better with this sauce. Ask the fishmonger to clean and cut the crab if you would rather not. Cook it the same day. Plan on 350 to 400 g of crab per person. It is mostly shell.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.