Crab Chilau Recipe

If you love spicy seafood dishes, this Crab Chilau Recipe is perfect. It features tender crab cooked in a rich, spicy and flavorful curry.

Using simple ingredients for Crab Chilau, you can create a restaurant-style seafood dish at home. In this blog, you will learn how to make Crab Chilau step by step.

The combination of crab, aromatic spices and coconut milk makes it rich, delicious, and comforting. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions and is sure to impress seafood lovers.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first made this recipe on a weekend when I wanted something special for dinner. The aroma of spices and coconut filled my kitchen. The crab was tender and infused with the rich curry flavor.

My family loved it, and it became a favorite instantly. Now, I make this Crab Chilau whenever we crave a spicy, flavorful seafood dish. It’s easy to prepare and always brings joy to the table.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Crab Chilau
• Servings: 2–4
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Seafood / Indian-style
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large skillet or wok
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan

Ingredients You Need for Crab Chilau

• 2–3 fresh crabs, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2–3 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Heat Oil
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden.
2. Add Tomatoes and Chilies
   Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil separates slightly.
3. Add Spices
   Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper and salt. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook Crab
   Add crab pieces to the skillet. Mix gently so crab is coated with the spice mixture.
5. Simmer
   Pour coconut milk over crab. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes until crab is fully cooked and tender.
6. Add Garam Masala
   Sprinkle garam masala over the curry. Stir gently to mix flavors.
7. Check Seasoning
   Taste the curry and adjust salt or spices as needed.
8. Garnish and Serve
   Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread. Add lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh, cleaned crabs for best flavor
• Simmer gently to avoid overcooking crab
• Adjust chili according to your spice preference
• Coconut milk adds creaminess and balances spices
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture

Nutrition Information

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crab Chilau with steamed white rice, brown rice or naan bread. A side of fresh salad complements the spicy curry.

Garnish with lemon wedges for extra tang and freshness. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and makes any meal feel special.

Best Sides To Serve With

• Steamed rice or coconut rice
• Garlic naan or roti
• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
• Pickles or achar for extra flavor

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop; avoid boiling to prevent crab from overcooking
• Coconut milk may separate slightly; stir gently to recombine
• Do not freeze crab curry; it affects texture and flavor

FAQs about Crab Chilau

Q1: Can I use frozen crab instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw frozen crab completely before cooking. Fresh crab gives the best flavor and texture.

Q2: How spicy is this curry?
It is medium spicy. Adjust green chilies and chili powder for milder or hotter curry.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best freshly cooked. Leftovers are okay for 1–2 days in the fridge, reheated gently.

Q4: Can I use canned coconut milk?
Yes, canned coconut milk works perfectly. Choose full-fat for a creamier curry.

Q5: What can I serve with Crab Chilau?
Serve with steamed rice, roti, naan, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Crab Chilau Recipe is spicy, flavorful and perfect for seafood lovers. With simple ingredients for Crab Chilau and easy steps, you can make a delicious curry at home.

The tender crab, rich spices and creamy coconut milk create a dish that everyone will love. Serve it with rice or bread for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a flavorful, homemade crab curry that’s both satisfying and impressive.

Extra Wonderful Recipes

• Canh Bun Recipe
• Pambota Recipe
• Murtani Recipe
• Empalate Recipe

Sara Collins

Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.