Fried Soft-Shell Crab

4.8
(41)
33 Reviews
10 Photos

These fried soft-shell crabs are crisp and delicious — you can eat the whole crab! This is my favorite food.

Submitted by WESBRYANT
Updated on November 18, 2024
10
10
10
10
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 4 soft-shell crabs

  • 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Lift one pointed side of the top shell of one crab; pull out and discard the gills. Lower the shell and repeat on the other side. Remove the tail flap on the bottom side by twisting and pulling. Use a pair of scissors to cut behind the eyes and remove the face. Repeat to clean remaining crabs. Rinse cleaned crabs thoroughly with cold water, then dry on paper towels.

  2. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).

  3. Whisk milk and egg together in a shallow bowl. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in another shallow bowl. Lightly salt each crab. Dredge in flour; shake off excess. Dip into beaten egg. Lift up so excess egg drips back into the bowl. Press into flour to coat both sides.

  4. Working in batches if necessary, carefully lower crabs into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on one side, 1 to 2 minutes. Carefully turn and cook until golden brown on the other side, 1 to 2 minutes more. Drain on paper towels.

From the Editor

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

64 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

358 Calories
24g Fat
25g Carbs
9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 358
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g 31%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 65mg 22%
Sodium 76mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 9g 18%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 64mg 5%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 149mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.