Crispy Fried Soft Shell Crabs
Time: 30 minutes
The fleeting season of soft shell crabs make them oh-so special. Their edible shell places them in an ideal state for whole preparation with a simple fry, dipping sauce, and spritz of lemon to finish.
INGREDIENTS
Yield: 2-4 servings
- 4 frozen dressed soft shell crabs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk with a splash of hot sauce)
- 1 cup AP flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp Kosher salt and black pepper
- Neutral oil for frying
PREPARATION
Step 1
Place frozen soft-shell crabs in the fridge overnight to thaw slowly, or thaw gently in cold water for 30–45 minutes if short on time. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 2
Place crabs in a shallow bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the dredge. This helps tenderize the crabs and gives the flour something to cling to.
Step 3
In a large shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, Old Bay (or seasoning blend), salt, and pepper.
Step 4
In a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–360°F. You can test with a thermometer or drop in a pinch of flour—it should sizzle immediately.
Step 5
Remove each crab from the buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat all over. Shake off any extra flour. Carefully place the crabs top shell-side down into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. The crabs should sizzle and puff slightly as they cook.
Step 6
Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.
Step 7
Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce. Great on their own, or in a sandwich or slider bun with slaw.
Featured collection
Maine Lobster Meat
Original price
Starting at
$195.00
Original price
$205.00
Original price
Starting at
$195.00
Starting at
$195.00
Current price
$195.00
In stock
Approx. 2 pound bag. Fresh or frozen. Each purchase supports local lobstermen and the Maine economy Premium mix of tail, claw, and knuckle meat ...
View full details
Original price
Starting at
$195.00
Original price
$205.00
Original price
Starting at
$195.00
Starting at
$195.00
Current price
$195.00
Maine Lobster Tails
Original price
Starting at
$120.00
Original price
$165.00
Original price
Starting at
$120.00
Starting at
$120.00
Current price
$120.00
In stock
Approx. 2 pounds. 6-8 tails, 4-5 ounces per tail. or 4-5 tails, 7-8 ounces per tail. Raw. Frozen. Each purchase supports local lobstermen and the ...
View full details
Original price
Starting at
$120.00
Original price
$165.00
Original price
Starting at
$120.00
Starting at
$120.00
Current price
$120.00
Peekytoe Body Crabmeat
Original price
Starting at
$0.00
Original price
$0.00
Original price
$0.00
Starting at
$40.00
Current price
$40.00
Out of stock
“What really makes peekytoe crabs better than other crabs is the care with which they are handled, cooked and picked — essential work, because the...
View full details
Original price
Starting at
$0.00
Original price
$0.00
Original price
$0.00
Starting at
$40.00
Current price
$40.00
Jonah Crabmeat
Original price
Starting at
$67.50
Original price
$74.00
Original price
Starting at
$67.50
Starting at
$67.50
Current price
$67.50
In stock
2 x 8 ounce cups. Body and leg meat. Frozen. or 2 x 8 ounce pound cups. All leg. Fresh. Local to Browne Handpicked, premium all-leg crab meat Ava...
View full details
Original price
Starting at
$67.50
Original price
$74.00
Original price
Starting at
$67.50
Starting at
$67.50
Current price
$67.50
King Crab Legs
Original price
Starting at
$280.00
Original price
$430.00
Original price
Starting at
$280.00
Starting at
$280.00
Current price
$280.00
In stock
Approx. 3 pounds. 2-3 jumbo legs. Frozen. or approx. 2 pounds. 3-4 medium legs. Frozen. Pre-cooked for convenience Consistently exceptional qualit...
View full details
Original price
Starting at
$280.00
Original price
$430.00
Original price
Starting at
$280.00
Starting at
$280.00
Current price
$280.00