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Pan-Fried Soft Shell Crabs
Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 15 minutes
Serving Size: 1 crab, Serves about 2
1 Slice on the Slice Plan.
Ingredients
2 soft shell crabs*
¼ cup flour, for dredging
1 egg, whipped (optional for extra crunch)**
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)**
2 TB Old Bay Seasoning
Olive or Canola Oil, for frying
Directions
*When choosing a soft crab, be sure to check the softness of the outside. When a crab sloughs his shell, there is a limited amount of time that the new shell is soft and edible before it starts to become hard again (known as "paper shell"). It is important to not choose a soft shell that feels like an index card. It should be soft and pliable with no give. And ALIVE! All crabs consumed must be killed. Do not buy a dead soft shell crab. Pull the mouth of the crab down a little to make sure - it will rise back up if he is still kickin’.
Clean the soft crab, as shown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UocMvHT560s
Meanwhile, combine the old bay and flour. Dry the crab completely using a paper towel. It will still be damp, because it was once a sea creature. Use this to your advantage by dredging it into the seasoned flour on both sides. Warm oil in skillet and pan-fry on both sides until browned and internal temperature of 150 degrees has been reached.
**For a crunchier texture: combine 1 TB old bay to flour and 1 TB old may to breadcrumbs. Dredge the crab in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. You may need more oil to fry a soft crab this way, but you will have a flavorful crunch everyone will enjoy! Cook per the previous directions.
Turn-out & Storage
Soft shell crabs are versatile! Place one on a brioche bun with fresh spinach or bibb lettuce, tomato, and old bay mayo. Serve one "straight up" with a roasted corn and jalapeno salad and fresh tomatoes. You can even make a lemon caper sauce and serve it with your favorite starch and veggies.
Pan-fried soft shell crabs should only be made fresh. If stored, will last under refrigeration no more than 1 day.