Best 9 Grilled Soft Shell Crabs With Spicy Tartar Sauce Recipes

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**Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs with Spicy Tartar Sauce: A Coastal Delicacy**

In the realm of seafood culinary experiences, few dishes rival the allure of grilled soft-shell crabs. These tender crustaceans, with their delicate flavor and crispy exoskeletons, are a true delicacy, often served as a summertime treat along coastal regions. This article presents a comprehensive guide to preparing this delectable dish, featuring not only a classic grilled soft-shell crab recipe but also a selection of tantalizing variations. From a zesty lemon-herb marinade to a flavorful Cajun spice blend, these variations cater to diverse taste preferences. Accompanying the grilled crab recipes is a recipe for a spicy tartar sauce, an essential condiment that adds a piquant kick to the dish. With its creamy texture and blend of spices, this sauce elevates the soft-shell crab experience, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether you're a seasoned seafood enthusiast or a culinary novice, this article provides all the necessary knowledge and guidance to create a memorable grilled soft-shell crab meal, sure to impress family and friends.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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



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 SPICY TARTAR SAUCE



Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Spicy Tartar Sauce image

Number Of Ingredients 15

FOR THE TARTER SAUCE:
1 cup mayonnaise, good-quality
1 to 2 jalapeno chiles, , fresh or pickled, seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon style mustard
1 tablespoon lime juice, fresh, or more to taste
1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon chives, chopped fresh or trimmed scallion greens
1 tablespoon cornichon pickles, or other sour pickle
1 tablespoon tarragon, chopped fresh, or basil
salt, to taste (optional)
FOR THE CRABS:
1/2 cup butter, unsalted, melted, or olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
12 soft-shell crabs, cleaned
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the grill to high.2. Prepare the tartar sauce. Combine the mayonnaise, chiles, mustard, 1 tablespoon lime juice, the capers, chives, pickles, and tarragon in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly to mix. Taste for seasoning, adding salt or lime juice as necessary the mixture should be highly seasoned. Set aside until serving time (see Note).3. Combine the melted butter and lemon juice in a small bowl and whisk to blend. Brush the crabs on both sides with some of the mixture and season generously with salt and pepper.4. When ready to grill, oil the grill grate. Arrange the crabs on the hot grate and grill, turning with tongs, until the shells are bright red, 3 to 6 minutes per side. Brush the crabs with the remaining butter mixture once or twice as they cook.5. Transfer the crabs to serving plates or a platter and serve immediately, accompanied by the tartar sauce.Serves 4 to 6Note: The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Refrigerate, covered.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

SHEILA'S SAUTEED SOFT-SHELL CRABS WITH LEMON BUTTER SAUCE



Sheila's Sauteed Soft-Shell Crabs With Lemon Butter Sauce image

When my boyfriend told me soft-shell crabs was one of his favorite dishes, I knew I was in trouble. I had never made them before, so I realized I was in for a long learning process. Well, I think I have finally mastered it. As a matter of fact, when we were recently out to dinner, he ordered some soft-shell crabs and then proclaimed (with surprise) that they weren't near as good as mine! So, I will share my success with you.

Provided by JackieOhNo

Categories     Crab

Time 25m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 soft shelled crabs, cleaned and rinsed
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons milk
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/2 cup dry white wine (I always use Sauvignon Blanc)
4 medium lemons, juice of
2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In Ziploc bag, add flour and Old Bay seasoning. Seal and shake to mix.
  • In bowl, combine eggs and milk.
  • Dredge crabs in egg mixture, then add to seasoned flour and shake to coat. Shake off excess when removing from bag.
  • Heat 3 T. oil in large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 3 crabs in a single layer and cook for about 3 minutes, then turn and cook for another 3 minutes. The crabs should be nice and golden brown. (Be careful when cooking, because they sometimes will pop and/or spatter.) Remove crabs to serving dish.
  • Heat remaining 3 T. oil in pan, then add the next 3 crabs and repeat cooking instructions.
  • Do not clean out pan when crabs are removed, but add butter. Let the butter melt and turn a little brown. Add the capers and the wine. Cook for about 1 minute, then add the lemon juice and the parsley. Cook for about 2 more minutes, or until reduced by about a third. Pour sauce over the crabs and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 665.1, Fat 47, SaturatedFat 14.9, Cholesterol 198.8, Sodium 485.7, Carbohydrate 38.4, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 2.3, Protein 17

GRILLED SOFT SHELL CRABS WITH TANGY SEAFOOD SAUCE



Grilled Soft Shell Crabs With Tangy Seafood Sauce image

Make and share this Grilled Soft Shell Crabs With Tangy Seafood Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Crab

Time 36m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 soft shelled crabs
4 tablespoons butter, melted
4 tablespoons lemon juice
salt
pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chili sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons horseradish
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Steps:

  • Mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper; set aside for basting.
  • In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish, and dry mustard; stir well to combine; refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Grill softshell crabs over hot coals for 7 to 8 minutes per side, basting often with lemon-butter mixture.
  • Serve warm with seafood sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 285, Fat 22, SaturatedFat 8.8, Cholesterol 70.9, Sodium 735.6, Carbohydrate 13.6, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 5.1, Protein 8.8

SOFT SHELL CRABS MIA



Soft Shell Crabs Mia image

I love soft shell crabs! This recipe comes from the Crabplace.com. It is very easy and very delicious! I have also sauteed these in alittle butter and olive oil.

Provided by susie cooks

Categories     Very Low Carbs

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 soft shelled crabs
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 cups white wine
1/3 cup olive oil
5 -6 drops hot sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced

Steps:

  • Mix everything, except crabs, in a shallow baking dish. Add crabs and cover.
  • Marinate in the fridge for 1/2 hour.
  • Place crabs on a hot grill.
  • Cook for 15 minutes on each side basting and turning often.
  • To decrease cooking time, cover grill with large lid to help circulate the heat evenly.
  • Crabs are done when they are pink/red and slightly crisp, but still moist.
  • Cook time does not include time to marinate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.8, Fat 18.5, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 32.8, Sodium 1146.5, Carbohydrate 3.8, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 1.2, Protein 9.6

SOFT SHELL CRAB SANDWICHES WITH SPICY TARTAR SAUCE (PO BOY)



Soft Shell Crab Sandwiches With Spicy Tartar Sauce (Po Boy) image

Soft-shell crabs cook in minutes, are easier to eat than hard-shell crabs and their sweet, briny flavor and crunchy-soft juicy texture can't be beat. Soft-shells are usually eaten whole and they make for a killer sandwich. From Fine Cooking.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon minced red onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle
1 tablespoon rinsed and finely chopped capers
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives or 1 tablespoon green onion
1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup medium-grind yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 jumbo soft-shell crabs, cleaned (dont' forget to remove the gills)
2 tablespoons canola oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 slices French baguettes, toasted (or French Bread slices cut aboute 5-inches long each)
4 large leaves lettuce
4 -8 slices ripe tomatoes

Steps:

  • Make the Tartar Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, onion, pickle, capers with spicy tartar sauce chives, Old Bay, lemon juice, and hot pepper sauce. Set aside.
  • To Cook the Crabs: In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper. Dredge the crabs to coat on both sides.
  • Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add the butter to the skillet and swirl the pan to melt it. Add the crabs top side down and cook, shaking the pan once or twice, until crisp and browned, about 3 minutes. The crabs may pop and splatter, so be careful.
  • Flip the crabs and cook until crisp and just cooked through (an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the crab should read 145°F), about 3 minutes more. Transfer the crabs to a large paper-towel-lined plate.
  • To Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the tartar sauce on the 8 slices of toast. Top 4 of the toast slices, sauce side up, with a piece of lettuce and 1 or 2 slices of tomato. Put one crab on each sandwich, top with the remaining toast, sauce side down, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 706.4, Fat 23.2, SaturatedFat 4.6, Cholesterol 31.6, Sodium 1342, Carbohydrate 102.8, Fiber 9, Sugar 8.8, Protein 25.8

GRILLED SOFT-SHELL CRABS WITH OLD BAY TARTAR SAUCE



Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Old Bay Tartar Sauce image

Make and share this Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Old Bay Tartar Sauce recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 38m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

12 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, minced
2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
12 soft shelled crabs, cleaned
6 slices white bread
6 lettuce leaves (Boston or Bibb lettuce)
1 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup mayonnaise
1 -2 pickled jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 tablespoon chopped pickle (preferably cornichons)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon basil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: add mayonnaise, peppers, capers, pickles, lemon juice, chives, tarragon, mustard, and Old Bay seasoning to a bowl; whisk to mix.
  • Season to taste with black pepper; sauce can be refrigerated, covered, for at least 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • The crabs: melt the butter in a small saucepan over med-high heat.
  • Add in garlic, shallot, and Old Bay seasoning; cook until the garlic and shallot have lost their rawness, about 2 minutes; they should be soft and translucent; do not let them brown; set flavored butter aside.
  • Set up grill for direct grilling; preheat to high.
  • When ready to cook brush and oil the grill grate; brush the crabs on both sides with some of the flavored butter.
  • Place the crabs on the hot grate and grill until cooked through, about 2-4 minutes per side, basting with some of the flavored butter.
  • When done, the shells will turn bright red.
  • Brush the bread slices with the remaining flavored butter and grill them as well, about 1 minute per side.
  • To serve: slather the toast with some of the Old Bay Tartar Sauce; place a lettuce leaf, a few tomato slices, and 2 soft-shell crabs on top.
  • Serve with the remaining tartar sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 474.7, Fat 37.6, SaturatedFat 16.8, Cholesterol 104, Sodium 734.1, Carbohydrate 25.2, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 4.6, Protein 11

GRILLED SOFT SHELL CRABS WITH JICAMA SALAD



Grilled Soft Shell Crabs With Jicama Salad image

Make and share this Grilled Soft Shell Crabs With Jicama Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by susie cooks

Categories     Crab

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 medium jicama, peeled and julienned
3 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded and julienned
1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons fresh lime juice
salt, to taste
2 medium tomatoes, diced
3 serrano chilies, seeded and minced
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 medium white onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 avocado, peeled and diced
8 soft shelled crabs, cleaned
1 lime, cut into wedges

Steps:

  • Combine jicama, cucumber, and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro in a medium bowl. Dress with 4 tablespoons olive oil and 4 tablespoons lime juice. Season with salt, mix well and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine tomatoes, chiles, garlic, onions, avocado and remaining chopped cilantro. Dress with remaining lime juice, season with salt, mix gently and set aside.
  • Lightly brush a hot grill or grill pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brush crabs with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, then place on grill and cook until firm, about 2 or more minutes on each side.
  • To serve, divide jicama salad and tomato-avocado salsa between four plates. Top each plate with 2 crabs and garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 458, Fat 32.1, SaturatedFat 4.6, Cholesterol 32.8, Sodium 145.2, Carbohydrate 36.2, Fiber 14.5, Sugar 10.7, Protein 12.4

Tips:

  • Choose fresh crabs: Look for crabs with a lively appearance, bright eyes, and a firm shell. Avoid crabs with a dull color, cloudy eyes, or a soft shell.
  • Handle crabs carefully: Crabs can pinch, so use tongs or gloves when handling them. Be careful not to drop the crabs, as this can damage their delicate shells.
  • Clean the crabs before cooking: Remove the top shell of the crab and discard the gills and intestines. Rinse the body of the crab thoroughly under cold water.
  • Season the crabs well: Use a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the natural flavor of the crabs.
  • Grill the crabs over medium-high heat: This will help to cook the crabs evenly without overcooking them.
  • Serve the crabs with a dipping sauce: A spicy tartar sauce or a simple lemon butter sauce are both great options.

Conclusion:

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

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