She-Crab Soup, a delightful seafood delicacy from the coastal regions of the United States, particularly South Carolina, is a creamy, flavorful soup that showcases the sweet taste of crab meat. This classic soup is a staple in many seafood restaurants and is often served as a starter or main course. Its rich broth, made from a combination of crab stock, milk, and cream, is infused with the delicate flavor of crab meat, while a hint of sherry adds a subtle complexity. Accompaniments like crackers or crusty bread perfectly complement the soup's creamy texture, making it a satisfying and indulgent culinary experience.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to making She-Crab Soup, featuring three variations – the traditional Southern-style soup, a modern twist with roasted red peppers, and a low-carb version for health-conscious individuals. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, a list of necessary ingredients, and cooking tips to ensure a successful outcome. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this article will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create this classic seafood soup in the comfort of your own home.
SOUTH CAROLINA SHE-CRAB SOUP
This soup is a staple for all of us living on the South Carolina coast. Here is my take on the soup that I think is outstanding! Enjoy!
Provided by SOWEN
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Seafood
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a smooth paste, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Mix in the onion, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook and stir for about 4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the half and half cream so that no lumps form. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, and pour in half of the sherry. Season with dill, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, until soup has reduced by 1/3. Add crabmeat, and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Ladle soup into bowls, and top off with a splash of the remaining sherry and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 676.7 calories, Carbohydrate 19.6 g, Cholesterol 240.1 mg, Fat 57.7 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 20.8 g, SaturatedFat 35.6 g, Sodium 485.4 mg, Sugar 1.3 g
SHE CRAB SOUP
Provided by Food Network
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large, heavy bottomed soup pot, saute the onions and celery in the whole butter until translucent. Stir in the flour and cook over a low flame for approximately 5 minutes. Add a splash of Sherry then the cream, stir this then add the water and milk. Now add the salt, Tabassco and crab roe, bring to a simmer then add the crabmeat. Stir in the crab gently as to not break the lumps. If the soup appears too thick, add a little more milk and adjust the seasonings. Serve in a soup cup and garnish with the scallions, chives and a splash of sherry.
BEST OF THE BAY RECIPES...SHE CRAB SOUP
The Chesapeake Bay area is famous for its wealth of seafood: Crab Cakes, Oyster Stew, Steamed Crabs and much more. These culinary favorites are steeped in tradition and prepared with intense pride. The locals are perhaps best known for their culinary love affair with the famous Blue Crab -- and this traditional and delicious She Crab Soup is made from the sweet, delicate meat of the She Crab. A bit of roe adds richness and flavor. Its elegant bisque-like creaminess will delight your senses.
Provided by laura.marchiori
Categories Crab
Time 50m
Yield 12 cups, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Purchase one dozen female crabs already steamed or buy them live and steam them yourself. Pick the crabs for all their meat and reserve the orange roe. In a sauté pan, melt 4 tablespoons butter and sauté the onion and shallots until just tender.
- Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes while stirring, taking care not to brown the flour mixture. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and stock. Add in the salt, pepper, Worcestershire Sauce and Tabasco (if using). Cook on medium until the soup thickens, about 15 - 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
- While you are thickening the soup, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan and toss the crabmeat and roe until heated through, 3-4 minutes. Once the soup has thickened add the crabmeat mixture and stir. Add the sherry and lemon juice and simmer for several minutes until heated through.
- Serve with a light salad of mixed greens and French bread and enjoy!
- You can send a gift of She Crab Soup to a loved one too far away to get Blue Crabs with our popular Chesapeake Bay Tradition Gift Basket. (link: http://www.chesapeakebaygiftbaskets.com/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=156).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.3, Fat 49, SaturatedFat 29.1, Cholesterol 186.8, Sodium 1401.2, Carbohydrate 10.8, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 1.8, Protein 20.6
THE VERY BEST SHE-CRAB SOUP EVER!
I am from the South Carolina lowcountry, and I have spent years experimenting and trying to re-create the fabulous creamy crab soup native to Charleston. I have played with numerous recipes, and I am finally satisfied that I have stumbled upon the perfect concoction of she-crab bisque. More than likely, you will end up with a "he-crab" soup, as the crab roe is what makes it "she-crab" and it is almost impossible to get your hands on. If you ever find crab roe, savor every precious spoonful! Still a bowl of heaven without it though!
Provided by anthdr
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 30m
Yield 4 bowls, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Melt 2 TBSP butter in large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion and bay leaf, cover, sweat 2 minutes.
- OPTIONAL STEP: Pour 1/4 C sherry in pan and ignite. Stir until flames subside. I've made this without doing this step (hence the range in the amount of sherry on the ingredient list) and it is still delicious, but I think this just gives it a little extra oomph.
- Sprinkle the flour in and stir to coat.
- Whisk in the crab stock until there are no lumps.
- Gradually add: milk; cream; paprika; another 2 TBSP dry sherry; worcestershire sauce; hot sauce; white wine; and lemon, stirring consistently.
- Blend with a puree wand, or in batches in a blender.
- Add half of the crab meat and roe (if you are lucky!) Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't burn, until it is thick and heated.
- Divide 1/4 C sherry and remaining crab meat and roe amongst 4 bowls. (1 TBSP each sherry and roe and 2 oz. each crab meat).
- Ladle soup over sherry and crab meat.
- Garnish with chopped chives. Serve with crusty french bread.
SOUTH CAROLINA SHE-CRAB SOUP
Provided by Tyler Florence
Time 1h35m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- Melt butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion and bay leaf, sweat down for 2 minutes until translucent. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it dissolves. Whisk in the stock, stirring constantly until smooth and free of lumps. Gradually pour in the milk, cream, and paprika; continue to stir until incorporated. Add half the crab meat and roe. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 15 minutes until thick and heated through.
- To serve, divide a tablespoon of sherry among 4 bowls. Ladle the soup into the bowls, spooning the remaining crab meat and roe in the center of each. Garnish with chopped chives. Serve with crusty French bread.
- Pour water in a large stockpot and place over low-medium flame. Add the vegetables and bouquet garni; cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to become tender. Add the lemon juice, crab boil seasoning, peppercorns, wine and salt. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring to mingle flavors. Carefully put the crabs in the pot and continue to cook for another 15 minutes. The crab shells will be bright orange when done. Remove and shell the crabs. Strain the stock to discard the vegetable solids, reserving the crab meat and stock.
SHE CRAB SOUP II
An easy recipe for the most unforgettable creamy crab soup on the East coast.
Provided by sal
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Seafood
Time 25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a stockpot over medium heat, melt butter and saute onions until translucent. Whisk in flour and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with some of the milk if necessary. Add crabmeat and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in milk and heavy cream. Heat and simmer 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 275.6 calories, Carbohydrate 10.4 g, Cholesterol 114.1 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 576.7 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
SHE CRAB SOUP I
Try this fabulous crab soup. I am sure you will love it. Serve in soup bowls which have been heated and garnish with sour cream, parsley sprigs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Provided by C.Davis
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Seafood
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Using a saute pan melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, over low heat, and saute onions.
- Using a double broiler melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Add flour and stir until well blended.
- Combine sauteed onions and flour mixture into a large stock pot. Add 1 quart whole milk and stir constantly until soup is well blended.
- Add the crab meat and roe and stir well; add pepper and mace and cook slowly for 20 minutes. Add 1 pint of milk and stir.
- Remove from heat and add wine.
- Serve in soup bowls which have been heated and garnish with sour cream, parsley sprigs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.2 calories, Carbohydrate 17.6 g, Cholesterol 138.1 mg, Fat 12.5 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 25.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 501.3 mg, Sugar 12.1 g
CREAMY SHE-CRAB SOUP
Mmm--Creamy she-crab soup, garnished with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Decadent!
Provided by MARBALET
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Seafood
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Fill the bottom of a double boiler halfway with water. Bring to a low boil. Melt butter in top of double boiler, add flour and stir until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Add onion, mace, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and crab meat with roe. Cook over simmering water for 20 minutes.
- To serve, place 1 tablespoon of warmed sherry in each of 4 or 6 soup bowls (depends on how much soup you want). Ladle soup into bowls, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with fresh snipped parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Carbohydrate 13.5 g, Cholesterol 101.4 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 18.1 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Sodium 846.7 mg, Sugar 9.3 g
SHE-CRAB SOUP
Steps:
- 1 Bring a large pasta pot two-thirds full of water to a boil, and using tongs, transfer 2 of the crabs to the pot. Cook until their shells turn bright orange, about 3 minutes, then transfer the cooked crabs to a colander set in the sink and run cold water over them. Add the next 2 crabs to the pot and repeat until all the crabs have been cooked.
- 2 As each cooked crab becomes cool enough to handle, slip your thumb beneath the place on its underside where the cape of shell tapers to a point, and lift the bottom shell up, pulling the entire carapace off the body of the crab. Clean out and discard the spongy-feathery gills on the body. Carefully pick out any orange roe you may see inside the body, and reserve. Then snap one of the smaller legs off the body of the crab to use as a pick, to tease out any roe in the hollows of the carapace that taper to a sharp point, and reserve. Repeat with the remaining crabs until all the roe has been picked. Then split the crab bodies and legs, pick the meat from them, and add it to the rest of the picked crab meat.
- 3 Pour off all but 3 cups of the cooking water, and add the picked crab bodies, legs, and carapaces, then return to a boil. Let boil until reduced by a third, about 10 minutes, and strain the crab broth into a 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven.
- 4 Heat the broth over high heat until it simmers. Put the flour in a small bowl or ramekin, spoon 3 tablespoons of the hot broth into it, and whisk it to a smooth paste with a fork. Pour the remaining broth into a blender, add 1/4 cup of the crab roe, and liquefy until the roe is completely dissolved in the broth. With the blender running, add the flour paste to the broth.
- 5 Return the Dutch oven to the heat and melt the butter over medium-low heat until it's frothy. Add the shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is soft, fragrant, and translucent, but not brown, about 4 minutes. Add the half-and-half, the broth mixture, and 1 tablespoon of the sherry, and cover. When the soup comes to a simmer, turn the heat to low, uncover, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the soup has reduced by about one-sixth, 12 to 15 minutes.
- 6 Add the crab meat and cook for 2 minutes over low heat, stirring to combine. Season the soup with salt and black pepper.
- 7 Pour a teaspoon of sherry into each bowl before serving, and garnish each bowl with about 11/2 teaspoons roe and chives, if using. Serve with additional sherry-in a shot glass for each guest, or in a cruet for passing around the table-for those who might want more.
SHE CRAB SOUP
Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network
Time 1h5m
Yield 1 gallon
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In heavy saucepan or stock pot over medium-high heat, add 3/4 pound butter, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic and cook until the vegetables have begun to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Deglaze with the sherry, and stir and scrape up any bits. Once deglazed, add the flour and stir into the butter to create a roux. Once well mixed, add the stock and cream, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring throughout to ensure the soup does not scorch.
- Pulse the soup with a hand mixer to mince the vegetables. Add the crab boil seasoning, crab roe, and parsley and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Remove the soup from heat, whisk in the remaining 1/4 pound butter, and stir in the crab meat.
CHARLESTON SHE-CRAB SOUP
Adapted from "Charleston Receipts" and attributed to Mrs. Henry Church, this is an authentic she crab soup recipe. Mrs. Church shares a 'secret'--if unable to obtain she crabs and thus have no roe, crumble the yolks of hard boiled eggs in the bottom of the soup plates. Please note there is a difference between the egg-bearing female crabs who carry their eggs outside their shells and which are generally illegal to be harvested, and the she crabs which contain roe within their shells and which are legal. These are available via mail order from several seafood houses in the Carolinas and Georgia. Please also note that the spicing of the soup is very mild but very traditional--if you prefer it to be more highly spiced, you can of course add more and additional spices.
Provided by Chef Kate
Categories Crab
Time 35m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring water in the bottom of a double boiler to a boil, reduce heat so that water barely simmers and make sure that the amount of water does not touch the bottom of the top of the double boiler.
- Melt butter in the top of a double boiler and blend with the flour until smooth.
- Add the milk gradually, stirring constantly.
- Add the crab meat and roe and all seasonings except sherry and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes.
- To serve, place a tablespoon of warmed sherry in the bottom of each individual soup bowl.
- Add soup and top with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with parsley and/or paprika.
EASY SHE CRAB SOUP
A recipe from my nephew, the chef. I love She Crab Soup and this is an easy one.
Provided by Deborah Williams
Categories Cream Soups
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Melt the butter and saute the onions and celery. Stir in the flour to make a roux.Whisk in the milk and cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until it starts to thicken. Stir in seasonings. Fold in crab meat.Serve and drizzle the top with sherry.
SHE CRAB SOUP
Steps:
- To make fish stock, combine fish head, whole onion, celery, salt, and white pepper in a large pot. Cover with 4 1/2 cups of water. Bring pot to a boil, reduce heat, cover pot, and cook for 30 minutes. Remove fish from pot and allow to cool. Separate fish into pieces that resemble picked crabmeat and set aside. Discard celery and onion from stock. Sauté chopped green onion and garlic in butter until tender. Stir in flour, stirring until well blended. Slowly add 2 cups of the fish stock, continuing to cook until smooth and bubbly. Slowly add cream and milk. Stir in fish and crabmeat. Add sherry and lemon-pepper seasoning. Simmer until piping hot; adjust seasoning (sherry, garlic, salt, and pepper) to taste. Serve in bowls topped with cheese and chives.
" SHE CRAB" CREAM OF CRAB SOUP
I got this recipe from my grandmother, who was one of my main inspirations for cooking, I think it's hard to find a good cream of crab soup that is fairly simple to make. Anyone from Maryland will appreciate this recipe.
Provided by ashmartone
Categories Crab
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in double boiler (so the cream doesn't burn to the bottom).
- Simmer until heated through.
- Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 777.3, Fat 32.6, SaturatedFat 14, Cholesterol 117.7, Sodium 3479.6, Carbohydrate 37.2, Fiber 1, Sugar 6.8, Protein 31
NOT SHE-CRAB SOUP
Make and share this Not She-Crab Soup recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Crab
Time 45m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan; add flour and stir until creamy.
- Add milk, seasonings, and crabmeat.
- Bring to a slow boil.
- Add sherry wine; simmer.
CHARLESTON SHE CRAB SOUP
I found an old trivet that has this recipe embossed on it. If you cannot get crab roe, omit it from the recipe. We toss crabs with eggs back in the water.
Provided by Miss Fannie
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 26m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Melt butter in double boiler and blend in flour until smooth. Add milk gradually, stir constantly. Add everything else except sherry. Cook slow over hot water for 20 minutes. When ready to serve put 1 tablespoon of warm sherry in each bowl.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 473.5, Fat 33.3, SaturatedFat 17.2, Cholesterol 527.5, Sodium 1222.8, Carbohydrate 16.5, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 0.8, Protein 24.3
SHE CRAB SOUP 2
Steps:
- In a large, heavy pot over low heat, melt butter; add flour and blend until smooth. Slowly add milk and half & half cream, stirring constantly with a whisk; cook until thickened. Add onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, white pepper, mace, cayenne pepper, and lemon zest. Bring just to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, add crabmeat and crab roe or crumbled hard-cooked egg yolks; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes (if the soup appears about to boil, remove the pan from the heat for a minute or so, then return). Remove from heat and add sherry, stirring to mix. Let sit for 3 to 4 minutes before serving. To serve, pour the soup into individual heated soup bowls, dividing the crabmeat and roe equally into each bowl. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. * If you live in parts of the country where blue crab is not available, other types of crabmeat, such as Dungeness, snow, king, or rock crab, may be substituted. ** Two crumbled hard-cooked egg yolks may be substituted for the crab roe.
CLASSIC SHE CRAB SOUP
A full-bodied creamy crab soup that can be served with lemon for added tartness.
Provided by MARBALET
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Seafood
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place eggs in a 2 quart saucepan and cover with water. Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 10-12 minutes. Remove eggs from hot water and cool.
- Press the yolks of hard-boiled eggs through a sieve and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium low heat. Add the green onions and celery; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes.
- Add the flour and cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in the stock, milk and cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cooked egg yolks, crabmeat, sherry, salt and pepper and heat through. Ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with a pinch of paprika and a lemon slice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 566.5 calories, Carbohydrate 13.3 g, Cholesterol 374.4 mg, Fat 42.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 22 g, Sodium 1415.3 mg, Sugar 4.8 g
Tips:
- Use fresh seafood. Fresh crabmeat and shrimp will give your she-crab soup the best flavor. If you can't find fresh seafood, frozen seafood is a good option. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using it.
- Make a flavorful stock. The stock is the base of your soup, so it's important to make it flavorful. Use a combination of seafood stock, chicken stock, and white wine. You can also add vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the stock for extra flavor.
- Don't overcook the seafood. Seafood cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked seafood will be tough and chewy. Cook the seafood just until it is opaque and cooked through.
- Serve the soup hot. She-crab soup is best served hot. You can garnish it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a few croutons.
Conclusion:
She-crab soup is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With its creamy texture, flavorful stock, and tender seafood, she-crab soup is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying soup, give she-crab soup a try. You won't be disappointed!
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