Fried Soft Shell Crabs Recipe for Home Chefs
Lindsey Qualman
May 09, 2023
Soft shell crabs are a delicacy that many people love, but not everyone knows how to cook them. This recipe will guide you through the process of frying soft shell crabs at home, so you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime you want.
Ingredients:
- 4 soft shell crabs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
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Clean the crabs: Remove the gills and the apron (the flap on the underside of the crab). Rinse the crabs thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
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Make the breading: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Whisk the eggs: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
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Coat the crabs: Dip each crab in the egg mixture and then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing the breading onto the crab to make it stick. Place the crabs on a plate and repeat until all the crabs are coated.
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Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F.
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Fry the crabs: Gently place the crabs into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the crabs for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the crabs from the oil with tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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Serve: Serve the fried soft shell crabs immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
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If you can't find soft shell crabs at your local seafood market, you can order them online.
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Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the crabs. If the oil is not hot enough, the crabs will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
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Don't overcook the crabs or they will become tough and rubbery.
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You can use any dipping sauce you like, such as tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or remoulade.
Enjoy your homemade fried soft shell crabs!
