kdam chaa (fried crab)

Name: kdam chaa (fried crab)
Cuisine: Cambodian (Khmer)
Ingredients: 1 kg fresh crab; 4 cloves garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon black peppercorns; 1 teaspoon Kampot pepper; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 medium shallots; 1 teaspoon sugar

Kdam chaa is a traditional Cambodian dish featuring fresh crab stir-fried with garlic, black pepper, and sometimes Kampot pepper, creating a savory and aromatic flavor profile. This dish is cherished in Khmer cuisine for its balance of heat and umami and is often enjoyed as a festive or special occasion meal.

8 ingredients

savoryspicyaromaticumamipeppery

Culinary DNA Preview

Cambodian (Khmer)70%

Chinese30%

Ingredients

fresh crab
1 kg
garlic cloves
4 cloves
black peppercorns
1 tablespoon
Kampot pepper
1 teaspoon
fish sauce
2 tablespoons
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons
shallots
2 medium
sugar
1 teaspoon

Method

Steps not available

Origin Story

The dish originates from Cambodia’s river and coastal regions, where crabs are abundant and have been a staple protein for centuries, reflecting the Khmer people's connection to their waterways and natural resources.

Culinary DNA

Ingredient ancestry breakdown

Cambodian (Khmer)70%

ingredients+techniques

Chinese30%

ingredient_origin

Techniques

stir-frying cleaning seasoning

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