Ingredients

1 kg mud crab, cleaned and cut into pieces

2 tbsp vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 thumb-sized ginger, minced

2 red chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)

1 cup tomato puree

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup water

2 large eggs, beaten

Salt to taste

Steamed buns, for serving

Steps

Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Incorporate the chopped red chilies and stir for another minute, allowing their flavor to infuse the oil.

Add the cleaned crab pieces, stirring to coat them in the aromatic mixture, cooking for about 5 minutes.

Pour in the tomato puree, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and water; stir well and bring to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce bubble gently for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Gradually stream the beaten eggs into the simmering sauce while stirring gently; this will create silky ribbons in the gravy.

Season with salt to taste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the eggs are fully set.

Serve hot with steamed buns for mopping up the delicious sauce.

Why this works

The technique of stir-frying the crab in a sweet-savory tomato-chili gravy elevates the natural sweetness of the crab while infusing it with robust flavors. The gradual addition of beaten eggs creates silky ribbons that enrich the sauce, offering a delightful texture and visual appeal. If the egg ribbons seem too thick or clumpy, simply stir the sauce gently over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen it. It's important to maintain a gentle simmer while streaming in the eggs; too high a temperature can cause them to curdle instead of create the desired ribbons. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and ketchup with the heat from the chilies is key, so adjust accordingly to your taste preference. This dish embodies the essence of Singapore's culinary scene, making it a memorable centerpiece for any meal.