Cha Kdam (Stir-Fried Crab with Pepper)
A coastal Cambodian specialty featuring fresh crab stir-fried with green peppercorns and garlic.
Introduction
Cha Kdam is a flavorful stir-fried crab dish from Cambodia's coastal regions. Fresh crab is cooked with
fragrant garlic, sweet onions, and fiery Kampot green peppercorns, creating a perfect balance of spice and
sweetness. It’s a favorite for seafood lovers and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Pro Tip: Use live crabs or the freshest available for the best taste.
Ingredients
- Fresh crab (1kg, cleaned and cut into pieces)
- Garlic, minced (5 cloves)
- Shallots, sliced (2)
- Green peppercorns (2 tbsp)
- Fish sauce (2 tbsp)
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp)
- Oyster sauce (1 tbsp)
- Sugar (1 tsp)
- Cooking oil (2 tbsp)
- Chopped scallions (for garnish)
Pro Tip: Substitute Kampot green peppercorns with black pepper if unavailable, though the flavor will differ
slightly.
Step 1: Prepare the Crab
Clean the crab thoroughly, removing the gills and cutting it into manageable pieces. Crack the claws
slightly to help absorb the flavors during cooking.
Pro Tip: Blanch the crab in boiling water for 2 minutes before stir-frying to make it easier to handle.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Set aside for later use.
Pro Tip: Adjust the sugar to your taste for a sweeter or more savory profile.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Heat the cooking oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and shallots, stirring until
fragrant and golden.
Pro Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Crab
Add the crab pieces to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Pour the prepared sauce over the crab, mixing
well to coat evenly. Toss in the green peppercorns and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Cover the wok with a lid briefly to allow the crab to steam and fully absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the stir-fried crab to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped scallions and additional green
peppercorns if desired. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Pro Tip: Pair with a light vegetable soup or stir-fried greens for a complete meal.