Fried Soft Shell Crabs

Indulge in the irresistible crunch of golden-brown Fried Soft Shell Crabs, a seafood lover's dream that combines simplicity with bold flavor. This recipe features tender soft shell crabs coated in a perfectly seasoned blend of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and Old Bay seasoning, enhanced with a touch of garlic powder for extra zest. Double-dipping in buttermilk and eggs ensures a crispy, flavorful crust with every bite. Fried to perfection in hot vegetable oil, these crabs deliver a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick seafood treat or an impressive appetizer. Whether served on their own or as part of a coastal-inspired feast, these fried soft shell crabs are a true culinary treasure.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Soft shell crabs (cleaned and thawed if frozen)
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 whole Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Clean the soft shell crabs thoroughly if they have not been pre-cleaned. Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then whisk in the buttermilk to create an egg wash.

Step 4

Dredge each soft shell crab in the dry flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk-egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge it once more in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated crabs on a wire rack while you heat the oil.

Step 5

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches and maintains this temperature.

Step 6

Carefully lower each crab into the hot oil, frying 2-3 crabs at a time depending on the size of your pan. Do not overcrowd the skillet.

Step 7

Fry the crabs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 8

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, and enjoy your crispy fried soft shell crabs!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1792.2 grams (1792.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9209

Total Fat 970.80g	1245%
Saturated Fat 144.30g	722%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 659mg	220%
Sodium 3313mg	144%
Total Carbohydrate 124.90g	45%
Dietary Fiber 4.20g	15%
Total Sugars 13.00g
Protein 89.50g	179%

Vitamin D 209IU	1045%
Calcium 603mg	46%
Iron 11mg	61%
Potassium 1529mg	33%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 91.1%

Protein: 3.7%

Carbs: 5.2%