Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Lowcountry with our collection of she-crab soup recipes. Originating from the coastal regions of South Carolina, this iconic dish combines the delicate sweetness of crab with a rich, creamy broth infused with aromatic spices and a hint of sherry. Our curated selection of recipes offers a diverse range of variations, catering to different tastes and preferences. From classic renditions that honor tradition to innovative twists that add a modern touch, each recipe promises a unique culinary experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you towards creating a delectable she-crab soup that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to embark on a delightful journey of flavors and textures as you explore the very best she-crab soup recipes.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
CAROLINA SHE-CRAB SOUP
Provided by Kardea Brown
Time 1h5m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium low, whisk in the flour and continue to cook, stirring constantly. You are essentially making a roux without browning it. Stir in the seafood seasoning, nutmeg, bay leaf and pepper, then whisk in the sherry and clam juice. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until very thick, about 10 minutes. Stir in the seafood stock and crab roe, if using, bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire, return to a simmer and cook until thickened and reduced slightly, another 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, then puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth (or use a regular blender; let cool slightly first, and use caution when blending hot liquids). Season with salt. Stir in the crabmeat and garnish with crab roe if desired.
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.
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 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
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.
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:
- For the best flavor, use fresh crab meat. If you can't find fresh crab meat, frozen crab meat will work, but it won't be as flavorful.
- Use a good quality sherry. A dry sherry is best, but you can also use a medium-dry sherry.
- Don't overcook the soup. The crab meat should be cooked through, but it should not be tough.
- Serve the soup immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
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 rich, creamy broth and tender crab meat, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying soup, give this she-crab soup recipe a try.
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