Authentic Kdam Chaa Recipe

Dish recipes: Kdam Chaa

Kdam Chaa, or Cambodian fried crab, is a beloved seafood dish bursting with bold flavors of black pepper and garlic. This traditional recipe, originating from Cambodia’s coastal regions, is a perfect way to highlight the delicate sweetness of fresh crab while introducing an irresistible depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Crab:

2 lb (900 g) fresh crabs, cleaned and cut into pieces

1 tbsp (15 g) cornflour

1 tsp salt

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp (30 g) black pepper, freshly ground

1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce

1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp fish sauce

Vegetables:

1 medium onion, sliced

2 scallions, chopped

Instructions:

Prepare the Crab: Toss the cleaned crab pieces with cornflour and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Cook the Crab: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crab and stir-fry for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same wok, heat the remaining oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Stir in black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and fish sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Combine: Return the crab to the wok, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add Vegetables: Stir in the onion and scallions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly softened.

Serving: Serve Kdam Chaa hot with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with additional black pepper if desired.

Kdam Chaa is a feast for seafood lovers, offering a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and umami. This Cambodian delicacy is not only easy to make but also brings a touch of the country’s vibrant coastal cuisine to your table.