Crab in Padang sauce

Crab in Padang Sauce

Crab in Padang Sauce is a popular Indonesian seafood dish that is known for its spicy and flavorful taste. It is a dish that originated from the city of Padang in West Sumatra, Indonesia. This article will provide a detailed recipe for preparing Crab in Padang Sauce, along with information about its cultural significance and variations.

Ingredients

To prepare Crab in Padang Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 fresh crabs
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 red chili peppers, sliced
• 2 green chili peppers, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of palm sugar
• 1 cup of water
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Crab in Padang Sauce:

1. Clean the crabs thoroughly and remove the top shell. Cut the crabs into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.

2. Heat some cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, and sauté until fragrant.

3. Add the sliced red and green chili peppers to the pan, and continue to sauté for a few minutes until they soften.

4. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they start to break down and release their juices.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the tamarind paste, sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, palm sugar, and water until well combined. Pour this mixture into the pan with the sautéed ingredients.

6. Stir the sauce mixture well and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the flavors are well blended.

7. Add the crab pieces to the pan, ensuring that they are fully coated with the sauce. Cover the pan and let the crabs cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they turn bright orange and the meat is cooked through.

8. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

9. Once the crabs are cooked, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the crabs.

10. Serve the Crab in Padang Sauce hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Cultural Significance

Crab in Padang Sauce is a popular dish in Indonesian cuisine, particularly in the region of Padang. It is often served during special occasions, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. The spicy and rich flavors of the sauce make it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Variations

While the basic recipe for Crab in Padang Sauce remains the same, there are variations that incorporate additional ingredients or cooking techniques. Some variations include the addition of lemongrass, galangal, or kaffir lime leaves to enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish. Others may choose to use different types of chili peppers to adjust the level of spiciness.

See Also

• Indonesian Cuisine
• Padang Cuisine