Best 3 Pan Fried Soft Shell Crabs Recipes

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Pan-fried soft-shell crabs are a delicacy that is enjoyed by seafood lovers around the world. These crabs are typically dredged in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings, then pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing.

This article provides three different recipes for pan-fried soft-shell crabs. The first recipe is a classic preparation that uses a simple batter made with flour, eggs, and milk. The second recipe adds a bit of spice with the addition of chili powder and cumin. The third recipe uses a panko breadcrumb coating for a crunchy texture. All three recipes are easy to follow and produce delicious results.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, you are sure to find a recipe in this article that you will enjoy. So gather your ingredients and get ready to cook up a delicious seafood feast!

Let's cook with our recipes!

PAN-FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRABS



Pan-Fried Soft-Shell Crabs image

Ask your fishmonger to clean soft-shell crabs for you. Crabs should be cooked no more than six hours after they are cleaned.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
12 soft-shell crabs, cleaned
12 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
3 lemons, cut in half

Steps:

  • Whisk flour, salt, and pepper; place on a dinner plate. Dredge 2 soft-shell crabs in flour mixture, shaking off excess (make sure crabs are completely coated).
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be very hot but not smoking. Place flour-coated crabs, back side down, in sauté pan; reduce heat to medium if pan starts to smoke. Sauté crabs until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes (do not stand too close to pan; crabs tend to spatter during cooking). Turn crabs over, and cook 2 minutes more.
  • Add 1 tablespoon butter and a large pinch of parsley to skillet. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over crabs. Keep warm in a low oven. Repeat process until all the crabs are cooked.

PAN-FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRABS



Pan-Fried Soft-Shell Crabs image

Boom! Pan-fried soft-shell crabs served with lemon-butter and an Asian-inspired ginger and scallion soy sauce.

Provided by ERIKIM21

Time 20m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 13

¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk
3 (4.5 ounce) soft-shell crabs, cleaned
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
1 tablespoon Creole mustard
½ tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine flour and seafood seasoning in a resealable zip-top bag. Seal and shake to mix. Combine egg and milk in a bowl. Dredge crabs in egg mixture, then add to seasoned flour and shake to coat. Shake off excess when removing from bag.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add crabs in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes; flip and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes more. Remove to a serving dish.
  • Mix mayonnaise, chives, pickle juice, mustard, seafood seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together for remoulade. Serve with crabs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 516.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.8 g, Cholesterol 100.4 mg, Fat 48 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 10.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 1224.1 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

SOFT-SHELL CRABS, PAN-FRIED



Soft-Shell Crabs, Pan-Fried image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Categories     dinner, quick, main course

Time 7m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 medium soft-shell crabs (cleaned)
3 tablespoons butter (clarified if possible)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
3 tablespoons slivered almonds
3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon wedges

Steps:

  • Pat the crabs dry with paper towels.
  • Heat the butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crabs backside down and sprinkle with pepper flakes. Cover the crabs with a spatter-proof shield or a lid held at an angle to prevent spattering. Cook for three to four minutes.
  • Turn the crabs over and add the almonds. The butter will now be starting to brown. Cook for an additional three minutes, or until the crabs are cooked. Sprinkle with parsley, salt and pepper and serve with the lemon.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 333, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 3 grams, Fat 30 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 258 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 1 gram

Tips:

  • Choose crabs that are small and have a soft shell. The crabs should be translucent and have a slightly greenish color.
  • Clean the crabs thoroughly before cooking. Remove the gills and mouthparts, and rinse the crabs well under cold water.
  • Pat the crabs dry with paper towels before cooking. This will help them to crisp up in the pan.
  • Use a large skillet or wok to cook the crabs. This will give them plenty of room to move around and cook evenly.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat before adding the crabs. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
  • Cook the crabs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Serve the crabs immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion:

Pan-fried soft-shell crabs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish. They are a great way to enjoy this seasonal seafood delicacy. With a little preparation and cooking, you can have a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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