Where Can I Find Soft Shell Crab? A Guide to Sourcing This Delicate Seafood

Soft shell crab is a delicacy that crab lovers eagerly await each year While you can find hard shell crabs like Dungeness and blue crab year-round, the availability of soft shell crab is limited to just a few weeks in the late spring and early summer. During this short season, soft shell crabs command premium prices at fish markets and restaurants. However, with some effort you can source high-quality soft shells even when they are not in season locally This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find soft shell crab.

What Exactly is a Soft Shell Crab?

Soft shell crab refers to blue crabs that have recently molted their outer shell. Crabs molt their shells periodically in order to grow. Immediately after molting, the crab’s new shell is soft and tender. At this stage, the crab is considered a soft shell crab. The new shell will begin to harden within a few hours after molting. So soft shell crabs need to be harvested immediately after molting to capture them in their delicate soft shell state before the shell has a chance to harden.

While soft shell crabs are often talked about as if they were a separate species from blue crabs they are actually just blue crabs caught at a specific point in their life cycle. Blue crabs molt around 18-20 times before reaching full adult size. Soft shell crabs are juveniles that have molted but not yet reached maturity.

Why Are Soft Shell Crabs a Delicacy?

The soft pliable shell and creamy interior meat make soft shell crabs an entirely different eating experience from regular hard shell crabs. The soft shell can be eaten along with the meat after being fried or sautéed to crispy perfection. The meat has a richness and tenderness that contrasts the crispy shell. This unique texture and flavor is why soft shell crabs are so highly coveted.

Soft shell crabs are often described as having a sweet, succulent flavor. The meat is juicier and more buttery compared to hard shell crab meat. The delicacy and mild briny flavor make soft shells ideal for highlighting with simple preparations rather than heavy sauces. A light dredge in flour and pan fry is all it takes to let the crab flavor shine.

When is Soft Shell Crab Season?

The availability of soft shell crabs depends entirely on the natural molting cycle of blue crabs. In the United States, the season generally ranges from May through July. However, the exact timing can vary a bit year to year and region to region.

On the East Coast, soft shell season starts earlier. Maryland and Virginia produce the majority of U.S. soft shells, with the season kicking off as early as March or April. On the Gulf Coast, the season typically runs from May through July. West Coast soft shell season also peaks in the summer months of June to August.

The molting cycle is triggered by warming water temperatures in the spring. So areas like the Chesapeake Bay that warm up earlier are able to kick off soft shell season sooner. Cooler Pacific Coast waters take longer to warm up, delaying the molting cycle. This is why East Coast and Gulf states are the major producers of American soft shells.

Where to Find Soft Shell Crabs In and Out of Season

In Season Locally

The best way to get soft shell crabs is straight from the source during peak season. If you live near a major soft shell producing region like the Chesapeake Bay or Gulf Coast, look for soft shells at local seafood markets in spring and summer. Many crab shacks and seafood restaurants in these regions will also serve soft shells when they are in season locally.

Farmer’s markets are another good option for finding seasonal soft shells. Ask your local seafood vendor or check the calendar to see when soft shells will be available. Premium quality soft shells will be alive and should be cooked within a day of purchase. Avoid any that appear cracked or dried out.

Out of Season Locally

If soft shell season has passed in your area, you still have options for finding high-quality soft shells:

• Frozen – Flash freezing means soft shells can be enjoyed year-round. Look for frozen pack soft shells for sale at reputable fish markets or order online. Vacuum-sealed frozen soft shells maintain excellent flavor and texture for up to 12 months in the freezer.

• Coastal seafood markets – If you live near the coast, specialty seafood markets may source and ship in fresh soft shells during peak season from major producing regions like the Chesapeake Bay. These will be higher quality than frozen but still pricey out of season.

• Asian fish markets – Some Asian markets, especially those focused on Southeast Asian cuisine, stock imported frozen soft shells from Asia. These are a different species but still delicious. Popular alternatives include Chinese white shrimp soft shells and flower crab soft shells from Thailand.

• Canned – Canned or pasteurized soft shell crab provides a shelf-stable option. The canning process alters the flavor and texture but still makes a decent substitute. Asian markets are the most likely source for canned soft shells.

Farm Raised vs Wild Caught

Most soft shell crabs in the U.S. market are wild caught, meaning they are harvested straight from their natural habitats. However, fisheries in some Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and China farm raise soft shell crabs. Farm raised soft shells are produced in controlled ponds to eliminate uncertainties in sourcing from natural crab populations.

How do farm raised and wild caught soft shells compare?

• Availability – Farm raised soft shells have a more consistent year-round supply that is not dependent on seasonal wild molting cycles. However, U.S. consumers are most likely to find wild caught Gulf or Chesapeake soft shells in season.

• Price – Farmed soft shells are typically more affordable, while seasonal wild caught soft shells have price premiums.

• Flavor – The consensus from taste tests is that wild soft shells have better flavor and texture. However, high end farm raised soft shells can still deliver excellent quality.

• Sustainability – Farm raised offers a more sustainable choice by reducing pressure on wild crab populations. However, U.S. soft shell fisheries are well managed for sustainability.

Ultimately, the quality of the product comes down to factors beyond just farmed vs wild. Excellent soft shells can be sourced both ways.

How to Store Soft Shell Crabs

• Fresh soft shells are highly perishable and should be cooked live on the same day they are caught or purchased. Keep them chilled at 32-38°F until ready to cook.

• Place fresh soft shells in a single layer on top of crushed ice. Avoid stacking them or they may crush each other.

• For short term storage of 1-2 days at most, live soft shells can be kept in the refrigerator inside a container or bag with a damp paper towel. Keep them away from strong odors as they can absorb flavors.

• Commercially frozen soft shells can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months while maintaining quality. Vacuum sealed is best for preventing freezer burn.

• Thaw frozen soft shells overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature. Cook within 1-2 days of thawing.

Preparing and Cooking Soft Shell Crabs

Soft shells require very minimal preparation before cooking. It’s best to do the prep steps right before cooking live crabs:

• Use kitchen shears to snip across the front of the crab behind the eyes and mouth. This kills the crab quickly.

• Lift the top shell and pull out the gills. The gills look like wispy feathers and pull off easily.

• Turn the crab over to remove the apron flap on the bottom then rinse.

That’s all there is to prepping soft shells! Now you are ready to cook them to crispy perfection. Simple pan frying is the quickest and most foolproof soft shell preparation. Just dredge in flour, pan fry in oil and butter for 2-4 minutes per side, and finish with fresh herbs and lemon.

Other fantastic cooking methods include sautéing, baking, broiling, and crisping up breaded and fried soft shells. Soft shells shine in everything from po’ boys to soft tacos and classic seafood platters. Dig in and enjoy these scrumptious seasonal treats!