The Philippines, a country bursting with cultural vibrancy and culinary delights, brings its version of fried rice to the global palate, called “Sinangag” in Tagalog. While Sinangag is typically a breakfast dish made with leftover rice, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt, the beauty of this Filipino staple lies in its versatility. One can elevate Sinangag by introducing various proteins and vegetables into the mix. Among the many variants, Crab Fried Rice, enriched with shredded crab meat, stands out in its own category, marrying the sea’s saltiness with the wholesome goodness of steamed rice.
At the heart of any memorable Filipino fried rice is its core ingredients. Sinangag, often described as garlic rice, has a simple base that allows chefs and home cooks to explore countless variations. In Crab Fried Rice’s case, including shredded cooked crab meat lends a distinctively sweet and salty flavor. This seafood note, combined with the aromatics of garlic and onion, creates a dish that is both flavorful and evocative of island life.
What sets Millie’s Crab Fried Rice apart from a standard Filipino Sinangag is the shredded crab, tomatoes, onions, garlic, eggs and bell peppers.. In many Filipino dishes, these two ingredients act as the backbone, adding depth and a slight tanginess. For those familiar with Sinangag in its purest form, the burst of color and taste from tomatoes might come as a delightful surprise. Their juicy sweetness complements the crab’s innate flavors, while onions lend a hint of sharpness, cutting through the richness and providing balance.
In essence, Crab Fried Rice is more than just a meal. It is a narrative of Filipino culinary evolution. It is a tale of how the basic Sinangag, loved by many, can be transformed into a dish of elegance and complexity. With every bite, one not only savors the harmonious melding of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and crab but also experiences Filipino culture and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook eager to try something new, Crab Fried Rice, a delightful variant of Filipino Sinangag, promises a gastronomic journey that will leave your taste buds longing for more. With each ingredient playing a crucial role, it stands as a testament to the richness and adaptability of Filipino cuisine.
Ingredients: 3-4 servings
1 cup shredded crab meat
1 scrambled egg
2 cups of steamed rice (leftovers)
1/2 of green bell pepper cut in small quarters
1 medium size, sliced red tomato
3 cloves of minced garlice
1/2 medium, sliced onions
salt and pepper to taste
cooking oil or 1 tbsp. of butter
Instructions:
- Heat up 1 spoon full of cooking oil on a cooking pan, crack an egg and cook to scramble it, shred them in small pieces, then set them aside. Using the same pan, heat up additional spoon of cooking oil, or butter if desired.
- Start sauteing sliced onions, followed with the minced garlic. Slightly stir and let it boil until they are slightly soft. Apply the sliced tomatoes, stir to mix all ingredients.
- Add the shredded crab meat, stir a few more times to allow ingrdients to incorporate, then add the green pepper cubes. Mix all ingredients once more and leave it simmer for a minute or two.
- Add the steamed rice, stir to combine all ingredients once more. Add the scrambled eggs last, mix well to combine, then apply salt and pepper to taste. Let the delicious crab fried rice simmer for another minute or so.
- Slightly stir to completely incorporate. Apply more salt and pepper if desired. Turn off the heat, remove this Filipino Sinangag with a twist from the pan and transfer it to a serving bowl. Serve it with a wink and enjoy!
Tip: For additional flavor, add 1 tbsp. of oyster sauce to the mix, but with or without it, Mille’s yummy Crab Fried rice will taste just as great for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
