Maryland Fried Soft-Shell Crabs

Recipe from Alice Harrison

Adapted by Marian Burros

Total Time
30 minutes
Rating
4(24)
Comments
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Featured in: THE CULINARY SIGNS OF SPRING ACROSS THE LAND

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings
  • 4 to 6soft-shell crabs
  • 1cup flour
  • ½teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil
  • Lemon wedges and tartar sauce, optional
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

436 calories; 19 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 13 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 49 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 16 grams protein; 321 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Wash and clean crabs by cutting off the face just behind the eyes. Lift top of shell and remove the spongy fingers. If the crab is a female (identified by striped markings), remove the back or apron. Rinse and dry.

  2. Step 2

    Season flour with salt and pepper and mix in baking powder. Dredge crabs in mixture.

  3. Step 3

    Pour oil into skillet to depth of 1 inch. Heat to 375 degrees. Cook crabs on both sides until brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
24 user ratings
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Comments

Jay s.

And Maryland soft crabs are typically sautéed in butter!

Jay s.

After you cut off the eyes, there is a little sac behind the cut. The "Sand bag". Remove this as well. If the crab sloughed in seaweed/on the sandy bottom, there may be sand in this little filter bag. If you buy crabs already "cleaned" - Most commercial sellers miss this "sandbag".

Karen H

If you like your soft shells simple, go with this recipe. It's fast and features the crab. Simple and elegant.

Jay s.

After you cut off the eyes, there is a little sac behind the cut. The "Sand bag". Remove this as well. If the crab sloughed in seaweed/on the sandy bottom, there may be sand in this little filter bag. If you buy crabs already "cleaned" - Most commercial sellers miss this "sandbag".

Jay s.

And Maryland soft crabs are typically sautéed in butter!

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Credits

From Alice Harrison

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