Best 3 Fried Soft Shell Crab Recipes

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**Fried Soft-Shell Crab: A Crispy Delight for Seafood Lovers**

Indulge in the crispy and succulent goodness of fried soft-shell crab, a delicacy that tantalizes taste buds with its unique texture and delicate flavor. This culinary gem is a popular dish in many cuisines, often served as an appetizer or main course. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply seeking a new culinary adventure, this guide presents a collection of delectable fried soft-shell crab recipes that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels.

**Explore a Variety of Fried Soft-Shell Crab Recipes:**

1. **Classic Fried Soft-Shell Crab:** Experience the timeless simplicity of this classic recipe, where seasoned soft-shell crabs are coated in a light batter and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior that yields to a tender and flavorful crab meat.

2. **Garlic Butter Fried Soft-Shell Crab:** Elevate your fried soft-shell crab with a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. This recipe combines the savory flavors of garlic and butter, creating a luscious dipping sauce that enhances the crab's natural sweetness.

3. **Spicy Fried Soft-Shell Crab:** Ignite your taste buds with this fiery rendition of fried soft-shell crab. A blend of chili peppers, paprika, and cayenne pepper creates a tantalizing spicy coating, perfect for those who crave a kick of heat.

4. **Panko-Crusted Fried Soft-Shell Crab:** Add a delightful crunch to your fried soft-shell crab with a crispy panko crust. This Japanese-inspired recipe uses panko breadcrumbs to create a light and airy coating that adds texture and flavor to the crab.

5. **Tempura Fried Soft-Shell Crab:** Experience the delicate flavors of Japanese tempura with this recipe. Soft-shell crabs are coated in a light batter made with rice flour, creating a crispy and airy texture that complements the crab's delicate sweetness.

6. **Coconut Fried Soft-Shell Crab:** Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this coconut-crusted fried soft-shell crab. A flavorful blend of coconut, lime, and ginger creates a unique and refreshing coating that pairs perfectly with the crab's tender meat.

With these diverse recipes, you can embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the versatility and deliciousness of fried soft-shell crab. Whether you prefer classic simplicity, bold flavors, or exotic twists, these recipes offer something for every palate. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your cooking oil, and prepare to savor the crispy and succulent goodness of fried soft-shell crab.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRAB



Fried Soft-Shell Crab image

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

4 soft-shell crabs
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups oil for frying, or as needed

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



Deep-Fried Soft-Shell Crab image

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

1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 tablespoon ground paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 (4.5 ounce) soft-shell crabs, cleaned
½ cup milk
2 large eggs

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

PAN-FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRAB WITH ROASTED FINGERLING POTATOES, PICKLED RAMPS, AND LEMON PUREE



Pan-Fried Soft-Shell Crab with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Pickled Ramps, and Lemon Puree image

Serve up a fresh, seasonal menu featuring soft-shell crabs and ramps, sure signs of spring, with this recipe from Momofuku chef David Chang.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 pounds ramps, cleaned, trimmed, white and green parts separated
1 cup very hot water
1/2 cup rice-wine vinegar
6 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon schichimi togarashi (Japanese 7-spice powder; optional)
1 teaspoon kochukaru (optional)
1 tablespoon whole white peppercorns (optional)
2 pounds fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise (quartered if large)
3 to 4 cloves garlic, crushed
5 to 6 sprigs fresh thyme
Coarse salt
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
3 to 4 tablespoons canola oil
4 soft-shell crabs, cleaned
1 to 2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme
3 to 4 slices lemon (optional)
1 tablespoon salted butter
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon Puree, for serving

Steps:

  • Make the ramps: Separate white and green parts of ramps, reserving green parts for potatoes. Place white parts of ramps in container and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, mix together hot water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and schichimi togarashi, kochukaru, and white peppercorns, if using; bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Pour cooled mixture over ramps and cover; transfer to refrigerator for at least 3 days and up to 1 month. Drain before using.
  • Make the potatoes: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place potatoes, garlic, and thyme in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover; generously season with salt. Place over medium-high heat and simmer just until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain and spread out on a baking sheet to cool completely.
  • Cut cooled potatoes lengthwise on the bias. Heat grapeseed oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and place potatoes cut-side down in skillet. Transfer to oven and cook until a nice brown crust appears, about 20 minutes. Return to stove over medium-high heat and add butter; cook basting with oil and butter mixture. Add reserved greens from ramps to skillet and season with salt; toss to combine and remove from heat.
  • Make the crabs: Meanwhile, heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season crabs with salt and pepper and add to skillet. Cook until red and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn crabs and add garlic, thyme, lemon slices, if using, and butter. Cook, basting with butter, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon lemon puree on each of 4 plates. Top with potatoes and crab; garnish with pickled ramps and serve immediately.

Tips:

  • When selecting soft-shell crabs, choose ones that are medium-sized and have a light brown color. Avoid crabs that are too large or too small, as they may be tough or have less meat.
  • To clean the crabs, gently remove the top shell and gills. Rinse the crabs thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  • For a crispy coating, use a combination of flour, cornstarch, and bread crumbs. Season the coating with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
  • To prevent the crabs from sticking to the pan, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them. The oil should be shimmering and about 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Fry the crabs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the crabs, as they can become tough.
  • Serve the fried soft-shell crabs with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or lemon butter.

Conclusion:

Fried soft-shell crabs are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish. By following these tips, you can create a crispy, flavorful, and succulent dish that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a unique and delicious seafood recipe, give fried soft-shell crabs a try!

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