Crab Bucatini with Chilli Sambal

Does it get any better than this?! Effortless yet bursting with chef-like depth of flavor, this Crab Bucatini with Chilli Sambal is sure to impress. Buying the brown crab meat is key, as this is where most of the rich taste comes from. In the past, I’ve paired this with chipotle paste (also very good), but now I love it with Chilli Sambal. The best part? You can have it on the table for dinner in the time it takes to cook the pasta.

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 tsp @saucyninaparker Chilli Sambal

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 90g bucatini

  • Zest of 1/2 lemon and 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 100g crab (a mix of white and brown)

  • 6-7 tbsp starchy pasta water

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Set a large saucepan to boil and generously salt the water. Add the bucatini and cook until al dente, which usually means taking 2-3 minutes off the packet cooking time.

  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: Set a frying pan to medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it heat for a few seconds, then add the thinly sliced garlic. Gently cook the garlic for 1-1.5 minutes, just until it begins to turn golden. Remove the pan from the heat to avoid burning the garlic.

  3. Add the Crab and Flavourings: Add the crab meat to the frying pan and break up the pieces gently with tongs or a spoon. Add the lemon zest, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and mix well to combine all the flavours.

  4. Combine Pasta with Sauce: About 1 minute before the pasta is done, remove 6-7 tablespoons of the starchy pasta water and add it to the frying pan with the crab. Set the pan on very low heat. Use tongs to transfer the al dente pasta directly from the saucepan into the frying pan. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

  5. Adjust and Serve: Taste the pasta to check the seasoning, adding a little more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Plate up the Crab Bucatini, add a bit more lemon zest on top, and finish with a spoonful of Chilli Sambal for an extra kick.

This Crab Bucatini with Chilli Sambal is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavourful dinner with minimal effort. The combination of rich crab meat, zesty lemon, and spicy Chilli Sambal makes it a truly unforgettable dish. Enjoy and let me know how it turns out!

Nina Parker