Fragrant Chilli Crab-Fried Rice with Crispy Leeks Recipe

Introduction

This fragrant chilli crab-fried rice is a deliciously spicy and savory dish that combines tender crab meat with aromatic leeks and a kick of sriracha. Crispy fried leeks add a satisfying crunch, making this an irresistible meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 3 leeks
• Sunflower or vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 tbsp ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• 1½ tbsp sriracha, plus extra to serve
• 500g cooked basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 100g white crabmeat
• 1 lime, ½ juiced, ½ cut into wedges or cheeks to serve
• Small handful of coriander, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the leeks in half lengthwise and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any trapped dirt. Thinly slice the cleaned leeks.
2. Step 2: Heat enough oil in a wok or deep frying pan to reach a few centimeters up the side. Warm the oil over medium heat for several minutes, then carefully add the green ends of the leeks to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Season with salt and set aside.
3. Step 3: Pour away all but 1-2 tablespoons of oil from the pan. Add the remaining leeks along with the grated garlic and ginger. Stir-fry over medium heat for a few minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the caster sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sriracha. Pour this mixture into the pan with the rice. Stir-fry for several minutes, breaking up any clumps of rice.
5. Step 5: Create a well in the center of the rice and pour in the beaten eggs. Let them set for about a minute, then scramble them into the rice mixture.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the white crabmeat and the juice of half a lime. Serve the fried rice topped with coriander and the crispy leeks, accompanied by lime wedges and extra sriracha on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old rice for best texture as it fries better without becoming mushy.
• If you can’t find white crabmeat, cooked cooked shredded chicken or cooked prawns are great alternatives.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level based on your preference.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the crab and fish sauce and add tofu or mushrooms instead, substituting soy sauce for a similar depth of flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover crab-fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil to restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the rice soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab instead of canned or pre-cooked crabmeat?

Yes, fresh cooked crab can be used for an even more flavorful dish. Just make sure the crab is cooked and flaked before adding it to the rice.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Day-old basmati or jasmine rice works best as it tends to be drier, which helps prevent the fried rice from becoming too sticky or mushy.

Fragrant Chilli Crab-Fried Rice with Crispy Leeks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 59 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful chilli crab-fried rice featuring fragrant aromatics, tender crabmeat, and a delightful crunch from crispy fried leeks. This quick stir-fried dish combines the perfect balance of spicy sriracha, tangy lime, and savory soy and fish sauces, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crispy Leeks

• 3 leeks
• Sunflower or vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, for seasoning

Chilli Crab-Fried Rice

• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 tbsp ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• 1½ tbsp sriracha, plus extra to serve
• 500g cooked basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 100g white crabmeat
• 1 lime, ½ juiced, ½ cut into wedges or cheeks to serve
• Small handful of coriander, to serve

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Instructions

1. Prepare and fry the leeks: Cut the leeks in half lengthwise, rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt between the layers, then thinly slice. Heat enough sunflower or vegetable oil in a wok or deep frying pan until it comes a few centimeters up the sides. Heat the oil over medium heat for a few minutes, then carefully drop the green ends of the sliced leeks into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy leeks to kitchen paper to drain, then season lightly with salt and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Pour away all but 1-2 tablespoons of the frying oil from the pan (reserve the oil for future stir-fries). Add the remaining parts of the leeks, grated garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry over medium heat for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Mix sauces and combine with rice: In a small bowl, combine caster sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sriracha. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan with the softened aromatics and add the cooked rice. Stir-fry for several minutes, breaking up any clumps and ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Cook the eggs: Make a well in the center of the rice in the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Let the eggs sit undisturbed for about a minute to set, then scramble the eggs into the rice, mixing well.
5. Add crabmeat and lime juice: Gently fold in the white crabmeat and the juice from half a lime. Stir to combine and warm through without breaking up the crabmeat too much.
6. Serve: Plate the crab-fried rice and garnish with the crispy fried leeks, fresh coriander, lime wedges, and extra sriracha on the side for added heat.

Notes

• Use day-old cooked rice for best texture in frying to avoid mushiness.
• Adjust sriracha quantity according to your preferred spice level.
• Ensure the crabmeat is fresh or well-drained canned crabmeat for optimal flavor and texture.
• Be careful when frying the leeks as hot oil may splatter.
• This dish is excellent as a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: chilli crab fried rice, crispy leeks, stir-fried rice, sriracha rice, crab recipes, Asian fried rice