Cambodian coastal cooking · FoodKH recipe
Stir Fried Crab Sambal
Fresh crab, bold sambal, and the flavors of Cambodia’s southern coast. This seafood-inspired recipe turns a few simple ingredients into a rich, savory dish made for sharing with rice.
A taste of Cambodia’s coast
Cambodia’s southern coastline is closely tied to seafood. In Sihanoukville and Koh Kong, fishing communities and coastal markets connect fresh catches with everyday cooking. In the Kampot area, seafood is part of the region’s food identity too, while nearby Kep is especially known for its crab market and crab cooked with Kampot pepper.
For this version, we’re taking crab in a slightly different direction: tossing it in sambal sauce for a punchy, savory coating that’s simple to prepare at home.
Sihanoukville
Coastal dining and seafood markets, with fresh catches at the heart of many meals.
Kampot & Kep
A coastal food destination where crab and Kampot pepper are well-loved local flavors.
Koh Kong
Fishing communities and seafood traditions shaped by life beside the sea.
The sauce does the heavy lifting. Sambal is often served as a condiment, but it can also work as a quick stir-fry sauce. Since it already brings heat, salt, and flavor, start with a little and adjust after tasting.
See how to make Cha Kdam Sambal
Ingredients & preparation
For the crab
- Fresh crab, cleaned and cut as preferred
- Cooking oil
- Minced garlic
- Sliced onion (optional)
- Fresh herbs or sliced chili, to garnish
- Steamed rice, to serve
For the sambal sauce
- 1 pack Chili Sambal Paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- Chicken seasoning powder, to taste
- ½ cup water
Combine all the sambal paste with the sugar, chicken seasoning powder, and water in a bowl. Stir until blended before you start cooking.
Three simple steps
Clean and cut, mix the sambal sauce, then stir-fry and serve.
Clean and cut the crab
Clean the crab thoroughly and cut it into your preferred pieces.
Mix the sambal sauce
In a bowl, combine all the sambal paste with 1 teaspoon of sugar, chicken seasoning powder, and ½ cup of water. Stir well and set aside.
Stir-fry and finish
Heat oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Pour in the prepared sauce, then add the crab. Stir and toss until the crab is coated and cooked through. Add sliced onion if desired, garnish, and serve hot.
Chef tips
Start with less
Sambal sauce is already seasoned. Add gradually and taste before increasing the amount.
Try it with other ingredients
The same method works with prawns, squid, fish, mussels, or vegetables. Cook each ingredient thoroughly before coating with sauce.
One Sambal Sauce, More Ways to Cook
Crab may be the star of this recipe, but Chili Sambal Sauce can add a bold, savory finish to other quick meals too. Think of it as a convenient shortcut when you want flavor without building a sauce from scratch.
Seafood
Toss with prawns, squid, fish, or mussels after cooking them through.
Vegetables
Stir into mushrooms, leafy greens, or mixed vegetables for a savory side.
Quick stir-fries
Use a little in a pan sauce or marinade, then taste and adjust as you cook.
Kreung Hloung Chili Sambal Sauce
A convenient 100 g pack for crab, seafood stir-fries, and easy vegetable dishes. Start with a little—the sauce is already seasoned—and add more to taste.
$3.74
Explore the sambal sauce →Bring a taste of Cambodia’s coast to your table.
Fresh seafood · Bold sambal · Made to share
