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Crispy on the outside, juicy and sweet on the inside, this classic Southern dish is a summertime favorite. Simple to prepare and ready in minutes, it's the best way to enjoy this seasonal seafood treat.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Dredging Station (5 minutes)
Coat the Crabs (4 minutes)
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Crispy on the outside, juicy and sweet on the inside, this classic Southern dish is a summertime favorite. Simple to prepare and ready in minutes, it's the best way to enjoy this seasonal seafood treat.
This southern recipe takes 27 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 454.49 calories per serving with 22.38g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or appetizer.
Heat the Frying Oil (6 minutes)
Fry the Crabs (6-8 minutes)
Drain and Serve (4 minutes)
Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce to the buttermilk soak and increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture to 1 full teaspoon for extra heat.
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free.
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, dill, or tarragon to the flour mixture for a fresh, aromatic twist.
For a lighter, puffier crust, you can create a simple beer batter instead of the dry dredge. Whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, salt, and 1 cup of a light lager beer. Dip the crabs in the batter and fry as directed.
Crab meat is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Soft-shell crabs provide important minerals like zinc, which supports the immune system, and copper, which is vital for forming red blood cells and maintaining healthy bones.
Crab is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and brain function. While frying adds other fats, the inherent benefits of the crab meat remain.
A single serving of fried soft-shell crab (one crab) contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the size of the crab and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
While crab itself is a healthy source of lean protein and minerals, this dish is deep-fried, which adds significant fat and calories. It's best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a health-focused diet.
Soft-shell crabs are seasonal, typically available from spring to early fall. You can find them at reputable fish markets, seafood specialty stores, and sometimes in the frozen section of well-stocked grocery stores.
No, you don't have to. Most fishmongers will clean and 'dress' the soft-shell crabs for you upon request. This is the easiest option if you are new to preparing them.
They are wonderful served simply with lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce or remoulade. They also pair well with coleslaw, a fresh green salad, corn on the cob, or french fries.
Yes, you can adapt this for an air fryer for a lower-fat version. After dredging, spray the crabs generously with cooking oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. The texture will be slightly different from deep-frying but still delicious.