How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the noodles may lose their crispiness.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, but fry the crabs just before serving to maintain crispness.

What can I use if I don't have soft-shell crabs?

You can substitute with cleaned large shrimp or crab fillets.

How can I make it spicier?

Add more chili paste or fresh chili slices to the sauce for added heat.

Are there dietary tweaks for allergies?

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Singaporean Chili Soft-Shell Crab with Crispy Noodles

Name: Singaporean Chili Soft-Shell Crab with Crispy Noodles
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 4 soft-shell crabs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic; 1 inch ginger; 2 tablespoons chili paste; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 package thin egg noodles; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Chopped scallions; Sliced red chili

A spicy and savory Asian delicacy

Discover the exquisite harmony of spicy chili crab nestled atop decadent crispy noodles, a dish that sings with international flavor and local flair.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Soft-Shell Crab

4 soft-shell crabs

cleaned

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil

for frying

For the Chili Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic

minced

1 inch ginger

grated

2 tablespoons chili paste

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons sugar

1 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Crispy Noodles

1 package thin egg noodles

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Garnish

Chopped scallions

Sliced red chili

Preparation

Marinating the Soft-Shell Crab

Rinse and dry crabs

Rinse and pat dry soft-shell crabs.

Prepare flour mixture

In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper.

Dredge crabs

Dredge crabs in the flour mixture; set aside on a plate.

Preparing the Chili Sauce

Sauté aromatics

Heat oil in a pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Add seasoning

Add chili paste, ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar; mix well.

Simmer sauce

Stir in chicken broth and lime juice; simmer for 10 minutes.

Do not over-reduce the sauce, it should remain slightly saucy. Pro Tip: Add a splash of fish sauce for a deeper umami flavor.

Cooking Process

Fry crabs

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan and fry crabs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Timing: 10 minutes. Heat: Medium-high heat.

Fry noodles

In a large skillet, heat oil, add noodles, and fry until crispy; set aside.

Heat: Medium heat.

Combine and serve

Place fried crabs over noodles and drizzle with the prepared chili sauce.

Plating & Serving