Soft-shell crabs have a mysterious cult-like following. Every spring, fanatics come out of hibernation to get their fill of these unique crustaceans. As soon as deep-fried soft-shell crabs show up on menus along the Atlantic coast, everyone knows it’s spring.
Also nicknamed “soft-shells” or “softies,” soft-shell crabs are equal parts weird and fascinating. Their wrinkled paper-thin shells almost make them look fake. Yet, so many people enjoy their delicate, sweet flavor and hop on board the soft-shell craze every year.
When you see a whole deep-fried crab in front of you, you might be scared if you have never done it before. Maybe youve even somehow missed the buzz on these strange creatures and dont know much about them. Maybe you want to know, “How do I cook soft shells? Can I eat the whole thing?” We’re here to clear things up for you. We talked to Max Harvey, co-owner and vice president of Wulfs Fish in Boston, Massachusetts, to find out more about these interesting crustaceans. As a longtime fishmonger, Harvey is no stranger to the soft-shell crab phenomenon. He helps us answer all your biggest questions about soft-shell crabs.
Soft shell crabs are a delicious seafood delicacy. Their sweet, tender meat and crispy outer coating make them an indulgent treat. But for first-timers, biting into the crab’s crunchy shell may seem off-putting. So can you really eat the entire soft shell crab – shell and all? Let’s crack this case wide open.
Why Soft Shell Crabs Have Edible Shells
Wondering how soft shell crabs get their name and edible shells? Here’s a quick biology refresher:
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Crabs periodically shed their hard outer shells as they grow. This is called molting.
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Immediately after molting, the new shell is soft and flexible.
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Crabbers will harvest crabs at this brief stage to enjoy as soft shell crabs.
So essentially, soft shell crabs have recently emerged from their old, hardened shells. Their new shell has not had time to calcify and toughen up yet. This makes the entire shell pliable enough to eat.
Preparing Soft Shell Crabs for Consumption
Before cooking. soft shell crabs undergo preparation to make them totally safe and enjoyable to eat whole
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The eyes and gills are removed – they are not eaten,
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The abdomen or “apron” is cut off underneath.
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Any remnants of the old shell are cleaned away.
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The crab is rinsed thoroughly
This leaves just the crab’s edible meat and its thin, soft shell remaining. Now it’s ready for cooking and eating!
Popular Cooking Methods
While soft shell crabs can be sautéed, grilled, or broiled, the most common cooking method is frying. Crispy fried soft shells are a quintessential appetizer in many coastal seafood restaurants.
Frying allows the soft shell to get ultra crispy and crunchy, contrasting with the interior meat’s tender texture. The shell also protects the meat from drying out and absorbs delicious flavors from breading or batter.
Tips for Eating Soft Shell Crab
It may seem intimidating the first time you bite into an entire fried or sautéed crab. Here are tips to dive right in:
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Use your hands! Picking it up is the easiest way to eat it.
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Bite right in as you would with finger food. Don’t try to cut or dismantle it.
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The shell should be thin, crisp, and flaky – not hard or chewy.
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Expect a rich crab flavor with a buttery crispness in each bite.
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Grab a lemon wedge to spritz on for some fresh citrus flavor.
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Relax and savor it! The experience is part of what makes soft shells special.
Why Eating the Shell is Safe
For the squeamish, eating the shell may still seem questionable. Rest assured, when prepared properly soft shell crab shells are totally edible and safe. Here’s why:
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The shell is a soft membrane, not a hardened exoskeleton.
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All toxic parts like gills and eyes are removed.
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Thorough cleaning and cooking kill any bacteria present.
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The USDA sets regulations for selling soft shells commercially.
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Rare cases of food poisoning are from mishandling, not the shell itself.
So while shells aren’t usually considered food, soft shell crab shells are a unique and safe exception.
The Appeal of Eating Soft Shell Crab Shells
Beyond just being edible, soft shell crab shells actually appeal to foodies in several ways:
Texture – The crispy crunch contrasts wonderfully with the interior meat.
Flavor – Frying enhances the shell’s inherent crab flavor.
No Waste – You can enjoy the entire crab without anything going to waste.
Uniqueness – It’s an adventurous eating experience you can’t get anywhere else.
Convenience – No need for cracked claws, hammers, or picking tools!
So rather than a challenge to overcome, the soft shell can be the best part of eating soft crabs for many fans.
Can You Remove the Shell?
If you try soft shells and just can’t warm up to eating the shell, you can still enjoy the meat. Simply use a knife, fork, and fingers to peel off and discard the fried or sautéed shell. Underneath you’ll find the same tender crabmeat ready to enjoy on its own.
You’ll still get the delicious flavor sans the crisp shell texture. This does take a bit more work and risks wasting some meat stuck to the shell. But you can enjoy soft crab meat anyway you prefer.
Kids and Soft Shell Crab Shells
Due to the unusual texture, soft shell crab shells may understandably seem unappealing to kids. Here are some tips to help them enjoy soft shells:
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Explain what soft shell crabs are so they understand why the shell is edible.
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Start with a small piece of shell-on meat to get them accustomed to the texture.
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Offer dipping sauces like ketchup or ranch to enhance flavor.
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Let them scrape off and discard the shell if they don’t like it.
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Stick to white delicate meat from the claws if texture is an issue.
With patience, you can usually get kids comfortable enough with soft shells to enjoy them. But if they just can’t get past the crunch, don’t force it.
Are Soft Shell Crab Shells Healthy to Eat?
Since we don’t normally view crab shells as food, you may wonder if eating them is bad for health. Rest assured, soft shell crab shells are totally safe and healthy:
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Soft shells are low calorie – about 120 calories per crab.
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The shell is high in calcium, providing over 10% your daily value.
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Shells contain chitin, a natural fiber that aids digestion.
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Soft shells have lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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They are low in fat, especially when grilled or broiled rather than fried.
So not only are soft shell crab shells safe to eat, they actually deliver additional nutrients and health benefits!
The Verdict on Eating Soft Shell Crab Shells
While the notion may seem strange initially, eating deep fried, sautéed, or broiled soft shell crab shells is totally normal and encouraged. The shells provide a crispy, flaky texture contrasting the interior meat’s juicy sweetness. It’s an adventurous food experience for seafood lovers. Once you get over the novelty, the flavors and textures make soft shell crab shells a true highlight of eating these scrumptious crustaceans. Go ahead – crack into that soft shell without fear or hesitation! Your taste buds will thank you.
When can you buy soft-shell crabs?
In theory, you could buy soft-shell crabs all year long thanks to improvements in food technology. However, they will be easiest to find when they are time to harvest.
Soft-shell crab season runs from late spring through the summer (via National Geographic). According to Harvey, “The first soft-shells of the year appear as early as mid-April, but generally by the beginning of May at the latest. The season hits its peak in June and then starts to decline. By the end of July, the season has generally come to an end.” While there are still crabs available in August and September in some places, they are much rarer.
There is an old wives’ tale that crabs molt at the same time every month, but that is not true. Harvey instead explains how the molting is related to ocean temperatures. When the ocean waters warm, the crabs start to molt. It starts in Louisiana and Florida, where the temperature rises the first, and goes up the Atlantic coast from Georgia. The crabs’ molting season lasts longer than the usual six to eight weeks because it starts at different times in different places.
Where to buy soft-shell crabs
When in season, soft-shell crabs are readily available at local seafood markets and sometimes even major supermarket chains. They are sold either live or “dressed.” Live soft shells should be kept alive until ready to cook, while “dressed” ones (meaning they are killed and cleaned) are ready to cook without the extra hassle of having to butcher the crabs yourself. Fresh soft-shell crabs are an incredibly time-sensitive ingredient. Locals Seafood recommends buying soft-shell crabs the day you plan to cook them, as both live and dressed crabs can only last one to two days at most in your fridge.
Fresh crabs don’t last long, so frozen soft shells may be a good option for people who want to try these crustaceans but can’t get live ones. A few seafood companies now sell frozen soft-shell crabs and ship them all over the country, even to places in the middle of the country that don’t get much fresh seafood. Harvey supports the process of flash-freezing soft-shell crabs at their peak quality. He explains, “Freezing extends their shelf life, but it also elongates the season past their typical availability. “.
How to Cook & Eat Softshell Crabs
FAQ
Are soft shell crab shells edible?
When you eat soft shell crab do you eat the guts?
What part of a crab can’t you eat?
What do soft-shell crabs taste like?
Are soft shell crabs edible?
Softies are almost entirely edible including the claws, legs and bodies. All you need to do to prepare a soft-shell crab for cooking is to remove a few key parts: the face, lungs, and the abdominal flap. The best tool for this job is a pair of sharp kitchen shears so that you can make controlled cuts.
Can you eat soft shell crabs?
They have to be careful, however, not to wait too long, or the shells will become too crunchy to enjoy eating. When in season, soft-shell crabs are readily available at local seafood markets and sometimes even major supermarket chains. They are sold either live or “dressed.”
How to cook a soft shell crab?
All you need to do to prepare a soft-shell crab for cooking is to remove a few key parts: the face, lungs, and the abdominal flap. The best tool for this job is a pair of sharp kitchen shears so that you can make controlled cuts. The first cut should be the face of the crab, which kills it instantly.
Are soft shell crabs real?
Also nicknamed “soft-shells” or “softies,” soft-shell crabs are equal parts weird and fascinating. Their wrinkled paper-thin shells almost make them look fake. Yet, so many people enjoy their delicate, sweet flavor and hop on board the soft-shell craze every year.