Best 10 Grilled Marinated Soft Shelled Crabs Recipes

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**Grilled Marinated Soft-Shelled Crabs: A Coastal Delicacy**

Savor the taste of the sea with grilled marinated soft-shelled crabs, a coastal delicacy enjoyed by seafood enthusiasts worldwide. These tender and succulent crabs, known for their delicate flavor and crispy texture, are a true culinary delight. This article presents a collection of mouthwatering recipes that will guide you in preparing this exquisite dish. From simple marinades to flavorful dipping sauces, we've got you covered. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to the shores of coastal towns, where the aroma of grilled seafood fills the air.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SOFT-SHELL CRABS ON THE GRILL



Soft-Shell Crabs on the Grill image

Kick dinner up a notch with this soft-shell crab recipe, courtesy of chef Emeril Lagasse.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 3

6 soft-shell crabs
1/4 cup olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Rinse crabs under cold running water; brush them with a small brush if necessary to remove any dirt from their shells. Twist off and discard apron. Fold back the pointed sides of the top shell to expose gills; remove gills on both sides. Using kitchen scissors, cut across the front of the crab about 1/4-inch behind the eyes and mouth; squeeze out the small sac located directly behind the mouth.
  • Preheat a grill with the lid down or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Brush crabs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place crabs on grill and cover. Cook, turning crabs every couple minutes and basting them with remaining olive oil, until they turn orange and are cooked through, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

GRILLED SOFT-SHELL CRABS



Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs image

Provided by Food Network

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 to 8 soft-shell crabs
Lemon Butter Sauce, recipe follows
Sliced tomatoes
Mozzarella cheese
1 pound butter
8 to 10 lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt

Steps:

  • Clean crabs by removing gills and cutting off the eyes and mouth.
  • Place crabs on pan or aluminum foil. Place on grill over a low fire. Baste the crabs with the Lemon Butter Sauce. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Continue to baste during cooking. Before serving, top each crab with a slice of tomato and a small amount of mozzarella cheese. Allow cheese to melt. Remove from grill. Serve immediately.
  • Add lemon juice and other seasonings. Seasonings may be adjusted for personal taste. Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes.

GRILLED SOFT-SHELL CRABS RECIPE



Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs Recipe image

Fried or broiled soft-shell crabs are delicious, but you can grill them too and they are just as tasty with a smoky flavor. This recipe shows how easy it is.

Provided by Molly Watson

Categories     Appetizer     Dinner     Entree     Lunch     Snack

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 2

18 soft-shell blue crabs (cleaned)
8 tablespoons butter (melted, or neutral cooking oil)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Rinse the crabs in running cool water and reserve. Heat a grill to medium-hot-you should be able to hold your hand about an inch over the cooking grate for 3 to 4 seconds before pulling it away from the heat.
  • Pat the crabs dry with paper towels. Liberally brush the crabs all over with melted butter or oil and set them on the hot grill.
  • Cover the grill and cook until the crabs are lightly browned on the cooking grate side, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Flip the crabs over, brush with more butter, and cook until they are browned on the second side and cooked through, or about 10 minutes in total. Use tongs to remove the crabs from the grill.
  • Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 469 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Cholesterol 398 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 67 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 1457 mg, Sugar 0 g, Fat 18 g, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SAUTEED SOFT-SHELL CRABS WITH GARLIC AND BUTTER



Sauteed Soft-shell Crabs with Garlic and Butter image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 32m

Yield 3 appetizer servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 soft-shell crabs, cleaned and patted dry
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup flour
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic, sliced
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon butter
Few chive blades, chopped
Essence, for garnish, recipe follows
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Season crabs with salt and pepper and dredge in the flour, shaking off excess. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the oil and saute the crabs until soft, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove the crabs and set aside. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add the capers and white wine. Cook until wine has reduced to about 1/2. Swirl in the butter and the chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer crabs to a plate, spoon sauce over the crabs and garnish with Essence.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

MARINATED CRAB LEGS



Marinated Crab Legs image

Marinated crab legs are then steamed over beer and onion. Great taste, even for those who claim to not like crab. I like to dip in melted butter!

Provided by Ashley

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Seafood Main Dish Recipes     Crab

Time 8h30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds Alaskan king crab legs
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup lemon juice
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 (12 ounce) bottle beer (i.e. Newcastle Brown Ale®)
½ cup water
1 onion, quartered

Steps:

  • In a large bowl with a cover, combine the crab legs, olive oil, lemon juice and parsley. Stir to coat the crab legs. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • Put the garlic, beer, water and onion into a large pot. Place the crab legs in a steamer basket and set aside. Discard the marinade. Bring the beer mixture to a rapid boil, then insert the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crab is cooked through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.7 calories, Carbohydrate 10.7 g, Cholesterol 95.3 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 43.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 1912.9 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

SPICY MARINADE FOR SOFT-SHELL CRABS



Spicy Marinade for Soft-Shell Crabs image

This is spicy but tasty. You can use a commercial creole seasoning mix, but I use my homemade seasoning which is posted here on 'zaar. The crabs can be served as is with your desired accompaniments, but I like them best in a sandwich on a kaiser roll with tomato and mayo. yum!

Provided by graffeetee

Categories     Crab

Time 1h25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 medium soft shelled crabs, cleaned
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 -2 teaspoon creole seasoning

Steps:

  • Combine the marinade ingredients and mix well.
  • Add the cleaned crabs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  • Broil or grill the crabs for about 10-15 minutes, basting once with the sauce and turning halfway through cooking time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 84, Fat 7, SaturatedFat 1, Cholesterol 16.4, Sodium 62.1, Carbohydrate 1.8, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.4, Protein 4

GRILLED MARINATED SOFT-SHELLED CRABS



GRILLED MARINATED SOFT-SHELLED CRABS image

Categories     Shellfish

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon Old bay seasoning (available at fish markets and specialty food shops)
1/2 cup chopped scallions
4 large soft-shelled crabs, cleaned by the fishmonger if desired
2 english muffins, split, toasted and buttered, if desired
crumbled dried oregano for sprinkling the crabs if desired

Steps:

  • If the crabs have not been cleaned by the fishmonger, clean them (procedure below) In a baking dish large enough to hold the crabs in one layer whisk together the oil, the garlic, the old bay seasoning, and the scallions and the crabs, turning them to coat well with the marinade. Let the crabs marinate, covered and chilled, turning them occasionally, for 2 hours. Grill the crabs on a oiled rack set 4 inches over glowing coals, brushing them with some of the marinade, for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn red and crisp. Transfer the crabs to the english muffin halves and sprinkle them with the oregano.

GRILLED SOFT-SHELL CRABS



Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, quick, main course

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons minced shallots
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 ounces white port
3 ounces heavy cream
1 2-inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
4 ounces unsalted butter, chopped in pieces
Coarse salt and cayenne pepper to taste
8 jumbo soft-shell crabs, cleaned
2 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground white pepper to taste
1 large scallion, thinly sliced
1 small bunch fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Steps:

  • Place the shallots in a saucepan with the lime juice and port. Reduce over medium heat until two tablespoons of sauce remain (five to seven minutes). Add heavy cream and grated ginger. Bring to a boil and reduce by a third to three tablespoons.
  • Reduce heat to very low and whisk in the butter, a small piece at a time. Season to taste with salt and cayenne pepper. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer and add a few more drops of lime juice if necessary. Keep warm (be careful not to overheat or the sauce may curdle).
  • Preheat broiler or outdoor grill.
  • Brush the crabs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill three to four minutes on each side, until crisp and a deep reddish brown.
  • Arrange the crabs on a serving platter, drizzle sauce over them and sprinkle with scallions and coriander.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 420, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 7 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 20 grams, Sodium 357 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 1 gram

GRILLED SOFT-SHELL CRABS WITH SCALLIONS, GINGER AND DEEP-FRIED CAPERS



Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Scallions, Ginger and Deep-Fried Capers image

Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 jumbo soft-shell crabs, cleaned
3 tablespoons minced shallots
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 ounces white Port
3 ounces heavy cream
1 2-inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
4 ounces unsweetened butter, broken into pieces
Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
3/4 cup peanut oil for deep-frying
4 tablespoons large capers, drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
1 large scallion, finely sliced

Steps:

  • Clean crabs if necessary: remove the eyes, then turn the crab on its back and remove apron. Turn over again, lift up flaps at each end, and pull out spongy gill tissue. Pat dry and refrigerate until ready to grill.
  • Place minced shallots in saucepan with lemon juice and white Port, and reduce over medium heat until about 2 tablespoons of sauce remain (5 to 7 minutes). Add heavy cream and grated ginger. Bring to a boil, and reduce by a third, to about 3 tablespoons.
  • Reduce heat to very low, and whisk in butter, one piece at a time, whisking constantly. Season with salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper; strain sauce through a fine-mesh strainer. Taste for seasonings, adding a few drops of lemon juice if neccessary. Set sauce aside and keep warm.
  • In a heavy-bottom saucepan, heat peanut oil to 325 degrees. Carefully drop in drained capers and deep-fry until buds open fully and are crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on absorbent paper. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Preheat broiler or outdoor grill until medium-hot. Brush crabs with olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Grill approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until nicely crisp and deep reddish brown.
  • Arrange crabs on a serving plate, drizzle sauce over them, and sprinkle with sliced scallions and deep-fried capers. Serve with summer vegetables and a dry white wine.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 366, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 7 grams, Fat 32 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 389 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

SAUTEED SOFT-SHELL CRAB



Sauteed Soft-Shell Crab image

Categories     Milk/Cream     Shellfish     Sauté     Quick & Easy     Crab     Spring     Parsley     Parade

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups low-fat milk
4 small soft-shell crabs, cleaned
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
Rèmoulade Sauce , for serving

Steps:

  • 1. Place the milk in a shallow bowl large enough to hold the crabs in a single layer. Add the crabs and let them soak for 1 hour. Drain and discard the milk.
  • 2. Season the flour with salt and pepper in a paper or plastic bag. Lightly dredge each crab in the flour.
  • 3. Heat the oil and butter together in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and sautè the crabs in batches until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Add more oil and butter to the pan if necessary.
  • 4. To serve, place a crab in the center of 4 salad plates and garnish each with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a small dollop of Rèmoulade Sauce.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh soft-shelled crabs: Look for crabs that are lively and have a bluish-green color. Avoid crabs that are brown or have a slimy texture.
  • Clean the crabs properly: Remove the top shell and gills from the crabs. Rinse the crabs thoroughly under cold water.
  • Marinate the crabs: Marinating the crabs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs helps to tenderize and flavor the meat.
  • Grill the crabs over medium-high heat: This will help to cook the crabs evenly without overcooking them.
  • Serve the crabs with dipping sauce: A simple dipping sauce made with melted butter, lemon juice, and herbs is a great way to enjoy the crabs.

Conclusion:

Grilled marinated soft-shelled crabs are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish. By following these tips, you can ensure that your crabs are cooked perfectly and bursting with flavor. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, give grilled marinated soft-shelled crabs a try.

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