Description:
Fried Soft Shell Crab is a delicate and crispy seafood dish that is perfect for a special meal or appetizer. The soft shell crab is coated in seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. This recipe is easy to follow and will allow you to enjoy this luxurious seafood at home. Serve with a side of aioli or tartar sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
Fried Soft Shell Crab Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 soft shell crabs, cleaned
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soft Shell Crabs:
- Rinse the soft shell crabs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure the crabs are thoroughly dried to avoid excess splattering when frying.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together to create an egg wash.
3. Coat the Crabs:
- Dip each crab into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Transfer the crab into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Fry the Soft Shell Crabs:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to submerge about half of the crab when frying (around 1-2 inches deep).
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a pinch of flour – it should sizzle), carefully add the crabs to the pan.
- Fry the crabs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
5. Drain and Serve:
- Remove the crabs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
6. Enjoy:
- Serve your crispy fried soft shell crabs with a side of tartar sauce or aioli for dipping. These make an excellent appetizer or a luxurious main course paired with a light salad or crispy fries.