Grab your slow cooker and let’s make this super delicious Sweet Chilli Mud Crab that I’m sure you’ll love, using mud crabs, vegetable oil, ginger, red chillies, tomato paste, and soy sauce.

To make Sweet Chilli Mud Crab in your slow cooker or crockpot, start by stir-frying the crab pieces until nearly cooked, then simmer them with spices and sauces for about 10 minutes until everything is flavorful and tender.

Every time I prepare this recipe, it’s a hit at dinner parties. It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect dish to share with friends and family.

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What Type of Mud Crab Should I Use for This Recipe?

For the best results in this Sweet Chilli Mud Crab recipe, select live mud crabs that are active and have a heavy feel for their size. These are usually fresher and will provide a sweeter taste and firmer texture when cooked.

Slow Cooker Sweet Chilli Mud Crab Ingredients

• 2 mud crabs, cleaned and chopped into quarters
• 4 tbsp of vegetable oil
• 1 tsp of ginger, finely grated
• 2 tbsp of red chillies, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• 2 tbsp of soy sauce
• 2 tbsp of canned black beans, crushed
• 2 tbsp of fresh coriander, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp of garlic, minced
• 200 ml of tomato puree
• 2 tbsp of sweet chilli sauce
• 1 tbsp of white vinegar
• 2 tbsp of coconut cream
• 2 tbsp of shallots, finely chopped

How To Make Slow Cooker Sweet Chilli Mud Crab

1. Prepare the crabs: Begin by ensuring the mud crabs are properly cleaned and chopped into quarters. This helps them cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
2. Prepare the cooker: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the crab pieces and stir-fry them until they are nearly cooked through, which typically takes about 5 minutes.
3. Combine the ingredients: To the wok, add ginger, red chillies, tomato paste, sugar, soy sauce, crushed black beans, coriander, garlic, tomato puree, sweet chilli sauce, white vinegar, and coconut cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Cook the mixture: Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes or until the crab is completely cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Finish with shallots: Just before serving, stir through the finely chopped shallots to add a fresh, crisp texture and enhance the flavors.

How Do I Know When the Crab is Fully Cooked?

The crab is fully cooked when its shell turns a bright orange color and the meat inside is opaque and tender. This visual cue is crucial to avoid undercooking or overcooking the crab.

Recipe Tips

• Boost the flavor: To enhance the taste of your Sweet Chilli Mud Crab, consider adding a splash of fish sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer your dishes on the milder side, you can reduce the number of red chillies and add bell peppers for a subtle sweetness without the intense heat.
• Optimal cooking time: It’s crucial not to overcook the crab to maintain its delicate texture. I always suggest monitoring it closely and removing it from the heat as soon as the meat turns opaque.
• Enhance with herbs: Adding fresh basil or mint can introduce an aromatic freshness to the dish, complementing the spicy and sweet flavors beautifully.

Recipe Variations

• Change the protein: If mud crab isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, lobster, or even a firm white fish to still enjoy the robust flavors of the sauce.
• Vegetarian twist: For a vegetarian version, I highly recommend using firm tofu or tempeh as the protein substitute. They both absorb the sauce well and offer a satisfying texture.
• Different sauces: You can experiment with the base sauce by mixing in some tamarind paste for a tangy kick or a bit of peanut butter for a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
• Add more veggies: Incorporating vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or baby corn can add color and crunch, making the dish more wholesome and visually appealing.
• Low-carb option: If you’re watching your carb intake, swap the steamed rice for cauliflower rice or serve the crab with a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale.

What To Serve With Sweet Chilli Mud Crab

Serve your Sweet Chilli Mud Crab with vibrant and refreshing sides like cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, and a tangy mango salsa.

You can also include crispy wontons and a light Asian slaw for variety. Additionally, pairing it with steamed bok choy or a bean sprout salad complements the flavors well.

How To Store Leftover Sweet Chilli Mud Crab

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Sweet Chilli Mud Crab in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before refrigerating. I suggest using it within two days for the best quality and taste, as seafood doesn’t hold well for long.

In The Freezer:

Sweet Chilli Mud Crab should not be stored in the freezer once cooked. Freezing can affect the texture and flavor of the crab meat, making it less enjoyable when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge if necessary.

How To Reheat Leftover Sweet Chilli Mud Crab

Reheat your leftover Sweet Chilli Mud Crab gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the crab moist and bring back the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the crab meat.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Kangaroo Tail Soup
• Slow Cooker Liver And Bacon Casserole
• Slow Cooker Coronation Chicken Curry