Soft shell crabs are a beloved delicacy from the mid-Atlantic region, known for their tender texture and rich flavor. This article presents an enticing recipe for crispy fried soft shell crabs that is both simple to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, these delectable treats can grace your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or looking to explore new culinary adventures, this recipe is sure to impress.
Gather the Ingredients for Crispy Fried Soft Shell Crabs
To embark on this culinary journey, you’ll need soft shell crabs, flour, cornmeal, Old Bay seasoning, eggs, and vegetable oil for frying. With these pantry staples in hand, you’re ready to create crispy perfection.
Coat the Crabs for Irresistible Crunchiness
Begin by combining the dry ingredients – flour, cornmeal, and Old Bay seasoning – in a shallow bowl or plate. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. Dip each soft shell crab into the beaten eggs, ensuring both the body and legs are coated. Then, transfer the crabs to the flour mixture, thoroughly coating them with the seasoned batter.
Fry the Crabs to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron or heavy skillet, ensuring there is enough to cover the crabs about three-quarters of the way. The exact amount may vary depending on the size of your skillet. Aim for an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the coated crabs into the hot oil, allowing them to fry for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The crabs should turn a delightful golden brown color, indicative of perfectly deep-fried goodness. If needed, cook the crabs in batches to maintain an even frying process.
Drain and Serve the Crispy Fried Soft Shell Crabs
Once the crabs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack-lined baking sheet. This will allow excess oil to drain off, ensuring a crispy exterior. After a brief cooling period, savor the soft shell crabs as they are or enhance their flavors with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of remoulade sauce.
Also Read: Enhancing Flavor By Adding Wagyu Beef Tallow To Your Smoked Brisket
Crispy Fried Soft Shell Crab Recipe:
Ingredients and Equipment:
To create the crispy fried soft shell crabs, gather the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 8 cleaned soft-shell crabs
- Additionally, you will need a shallow bowl or plate for the flour mixture, a separate shallow bowl for the beaten eggs, and a cast iron or heavy skillet for frying.
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix them together until well-blended. This flavorful coating will give the soft shell crabs their crispy exterior and savory taste.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs
In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until they are thoroughly blended. The beaten eggs will act as a binding agent for the coating, ensuring it adheres well to the crabs during frying.
Step 3: Heat the Vegetable Oil
Place the cast iron or heavy skillet on the stove and add 2 cups of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). The hot oil will enable the crabs to fry to perfection and develop a golden-brown color.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Soft Shell Crabs
Take each cleaned soft-shell crab and dip it first into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Then, transfer the crab into the flour mixture, ensuring both the body and legs are thoroughly coated with the seasoned batter. Repeat this process for each crab.
Carefully place the coated crabs into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry the crabs for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side or until they turn a delicious golden color. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the crabs and the heat of the oil.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the crabs are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a wire rack-lined baking sheet to allow excess oil to drain off and maintain their crispy texture. It’s important to serve the fried soft shell crabs immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of the crispy fried soft shell crab contains approximately 210 calories. The dish offers 10.5 grams of total fat, 1.0 gram of saturated fat, 0.1 gram of trans fat, and 56.4 milligrams of cholesterol. It provides 21.1 grams of total carbohydrates, including 1.0 gram of dietary fiber and 0.3 grams of total sugars. The dish is seasoned with 78.2 milligrams of sodium and offers 7.5 grams of protein, making it a flavorful and satisfying option.
Nutritional Information per Serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 10.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 56.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g |
| Sodium | 78.2 mg |
| Protein | 7.5 g |
For those seeking a heartier meal, consider using two smaller crabs or one larger crab to create a delectable sandwich. Keep in mind that these delicacies are best enjoyed when fresh and hot. While leftovers can be refrigerated, they are recommended for consumption within a day to preserve their texture and taste.
Indulge in the culinary delights of crispy fried soft shell crabs with this delightful recipe. By following a few simple steps, you can transform these crustaceans into a delectable treat that showcases their natural sweetness and delicate texture. The flavorful coating, crispy exterior, and succulent interior of these fried soft shell crabs are sure to please seafood lovers and adventurous food enthusiasts alike. So, gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises a delightful burst of flavors.
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