**Deep-Fried Soft-Shell Crab: A Crispy Delight**
Indulge in the delectable flavors of deep-fried soft-shell crab, a culinary masterpiece that combines the delicate sweetness of crab meat with a crispy, golden-brown coating. This article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering dish. Discover the secrets of preparing the soft-shell crab, from cleaning and seasoning to achieving the perfect fry. Explore variations that cater to different taste preferences, including a classic recipe with a simple batter, an Asian-inspired version with a flavorful dipping sauce, and a unique recipe that incorporates a panko breadcrumb coating for an extra crunchy texture. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes ensure that you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Embark on a culinary journey and experience the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make deep-fried soft-shell crab a truly unforgettable dish.
FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRAB
These crabs are fried to a light crisp, and you can eat the whole crab. It is my favorite food.
Provided by WESBRYANT
Categories Main Dish Recipes Seafood Main Dish Recipes Crab
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Clean each crab. Lift one pointed side of top shell and remove the gills by pulling them out. Put top shell back down and repeat on other side. On the bottom side remove tail flap by twisting and pulling off. Using a pair of scissors, remove the face by cutting behind the eyes. Rinse the crabs thoroughly with cold water. Dry on paper towels.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees F). In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk using a fork. In a separate bowl, stir salt and pepper into the flour. Lightly salt the crab, then dip in the flour, dip in the egg, then in the flour again.
- Carefully place crabs into the deep-fryer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown on one side. Carefully turn over, and cook until golden on the other side. Drain on paper towels. Serve as soon as they are cool enough to eat. You can eat the whole crab.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 357.9 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 65.2 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 76 mg, Sugar 1.6 g
DEEP-FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRAB
Don't be put off by the idea of eating the whole crab. It's tender, slightly salty, and delicious. And the insides look like straight meat after frying with no visible "guts."
Provided by Brian Genest
Categories Seafood
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat 2 inches oil in a deep pot to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Whisk flour, bread crumbs, cornstarch, seafood seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder together in a bowl until evenly combined. Mix milk and eggs together in a separate bowl.
- Dredge each whole crab in the flour mixture, dunk in the egg mixture, then back in the flour mixture to coat.
- Lower crabs carefully into the hot oil. Fry until they start to float, then fry for an additional minute, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to drain oil. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 881.6 calories, Carbohydrate 81.1 g, Cholesterol 218.1 mg, Fat 46.7 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 33.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 1304.7 mg, Sugar 4.2 g
DEEP-FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRABS IN PASTELLA BATTER
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories appetizer
Time 4h10m
Yield 12 appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix the flour and eggs and whisk until entirely creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the salt, pepper and milk. Whisk 1 more minute.
- Add the crabs and cover. Chill 4 hours. To cook the crabs, heat the oil until it is very hot in a heavy pan over medium heat. Fry 2 crabs at once, until lightly browned, 3 minutes each side. Drain. Serve with parsley and lemons.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 353, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 314 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams
MARYLAND FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRABS
Provided by Marian Burros
Categories dinner, appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Wash and clean crabs by cutting off the face just behind the eyes. Lift top of shell and remove the spongy fingers. If the crab is a female (identified by striped markings), remove the back or apron. Rinse and dry.
- Season flour with salt and pepper and mix in baking powder. Dredge crabs in mixture.
- Pour oil into skillet to depth of 1 inch. Heat to 375 degrees. Cook crabs on both sides until brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 430, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 48 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 312 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Choose small to medium-sized soft-shell crabs, as they are more tender and easier to eat.
- Make sure the crabs are fresh and alive before cooking. Look for crabs that are moving their legs and have a bluish-green color.
- Clean the crabs thoroughly before cooking. Remove the gills, mouthparts, and any remaining intestines.
- Use a light batter to coat the crabs. A heavy batter will make the crabs soggy.
- Fry the crabs in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan, or the crabs will not cook evenly.
- Serve the crabs immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Deep-fried soft-shell crabs are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish. By following these tips, you can make sure that your crabs are cooked to perfection. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
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