Soft shell crabs are a delicious delicacy enjoyed by seafood lovers across the country. Their sweet, tender meat and crispy edible shells make them a uniquely tasty treat. But if you’ve never eaten soft shell crabs before, you may be wondering – how exactly do you go about eating them?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to properly enjoy soft shell crab, from prep to table. You’ll be a pro in no time!
What Are Soft Shell Crabs?
Let’s start with the basics. Soft shell crabs are blue crabs that have recently molted their outer shell Blue crabs shed their shells as they grow, leaving behind a soft shell while the new one hardens
Soft shell crabs are harvested by fishermen within hours of molting before the new shell hardens. This leaves the entire crab edible – shell and all. The shell has a soft almost crunchy texture when cooked.
Purchasing and Prepping Soft Shell Crabs
When buying soft shell crabs, there are a few things to look for:
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Make sure they are alive and moving. Dead crabs will deteriorate quickly.
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Opt for crabs with minimal odor. They should smell fresh from the ocean.
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Avoid any dark or mushy spots on the shell, which indicate rotting.
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Choose crabs sized 4-5 inches for the best ratio of shell to meat.
Once home, give them a rinse and pat dry. Use scissors to snip off the eyes and mouth parts. Lift the top shell and remove the feathery gills. Give one final rinse.
How to Cook Soft Shell Crabs
There are several delicious ways to cook soft shell crabs:
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Pan frying – Dust with flour, cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs and pan fry in oil for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Deep frying – Coat in batter or breadcrumbs and deep fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
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Grilling – Brush with oil or butter and grill for 2-4 minutes per side.
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Baking – Place on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 4-6 minutes until shells are crisped.
Shoot for an internal temperature of 140-145°F to ensure safety.
How to Eat and Enjoy Soft Shell Crabs
Once your soft shell crabs are cooked to tender, crispy perfection, it’s time to dig in! Here’s how to eat them:
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Feel free to pick up and eat soft shell crabs with your hands. The shell is edible, so no silverware required.
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Bite straight through the crab from front to back to access the sweet meat inside.
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The cartilage on the side “points” can be eaten as well. Just avoid the spongy yellow hepatopancreas organs.
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Have napkins or wet wipes on hand – eating soft shell crabs can get messy with all those tasty juices!
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Don’t be afraid to get creative with sauces or extra flavors like lemon-butter or cocktail sauce for dipping.
Fun Ways to Serve Soft Shell Crabs
Beyond simple preparations, here are some fun ways to serve soft shell crabs:
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Pile crispy soft shell crabs on toasted buns for crab cake sandwiches.
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Serve on top of fresh greens or pasta for an entree salad.
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Chop and add to seafood stews, boiling pots or gumbos.
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Layer on crackers with remoulade as an easy appetizer.
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Include in sushi rolls, fish tacos or seafood boils for a mix of flavors and textures.
Key Tips to Remember
Follow these tips when prepping and eating soft shell crabs:
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Buy live crabs that are freshly molted – this ensures quality.
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Cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F.
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Feel free to use your hands – that’s part of the fun!
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Bite straight through the crab from front to back to access the meat.
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Play around with different cooking methods and flavor combinations.
Now that you’re armed with all the info you need on how to eat soft shell crabs, it’s time to give these delicious crustaceans a try. Just follow these simple steps for foolproof, mouthwatering softies every time. Get crackin’!
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Thanks for reading! If you want to learn more about cooking, look at our full interview with Chef Jeff Woodward.
How to Cook & Eat Softshell Crabs
Are soft shell crabs edible?
Essentially, yes. The entire soft-shell crab is edible, minus a couple of small parts. They do need to be cleaned first. The gills, abdomen, mouth, and tail should all be removed before cooking. These parts of the crab would not be pleasant to eat. Other than that, you can chow down on the entire creature, legs and all.
Is it easy to eat soft shell crabs?
Soft shell crabs are particularly easy to eat in this pan-fried version. The process involves nothing more than dredging the crabs in flour and cooking them in butter until they are crispy. Once fried to perfection, the crabs are garnished with fresh parsley and tangy lemon.
What is a soft shell crab?
Soft shell crabs are crabs in the process of molting, during which their hard shell grows about 30 percent. When they exit their old shell, they have soft shells for approximately 2 to 3 hours before their new shell starts to harden. Soft shell crabs are featured in Jim’s ideal sandwich recipe on white bread with tomatoes.
How do you cook a soft-shell crab?
To cook a soft-shell crab, first coat it in flour. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be very hot but not smoking. Place the flour-coated crab, back side down, in the sauté pan. If the pan starts to smoke, reduce the heat to medium.