Main Course · Asian · Dinner ·

Singaporean Chili Soft-Shell Crab with Crispy Noodles

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

4.5(271 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Singaporean Chili Soft-Shell Crab with Crispy Noodles — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
30 min
Cook
1 h 30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Soft-Shell Crab

  1. 1

    Rinse and dry crabs

    Rinse and pat dry soft-shell crabs.

  2. 2

    Prepare flour mixture

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

  3. 3

    Dredge crabs

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

Preparing the Chili Sauce

  1. 1

    Sauté aromatics

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

  2. 2

    Add seasoning

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

  3. 3

    Simmer sauce

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

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

How to Make Singaporean Chili Soft-Shell Crab with Crispy Noodles

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Fry crabs

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

  2. 2

    Fry noodles

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

  3. 3

    Combine and serve

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

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    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.

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