If youre searching for delicious Maryland soft shell crabs for sale, youve come to the right place. Harbor House Crabs has been proudly supplying Maryland soft shell crabs and other high-quality seafood for more than twenty years and has built a reputation for giving our customers the best quality. Â.
Because their hard shells haven’t grown back yet, soft shell crabs are delicious. You can eat the whole crab. As a result, soft shells can be only harvested during specific times of the year. We gather soft shell crabs of different sizes so that they can be frozen and shipped quickly.
Our crabs come from the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and are as good as, if not better than, crabs you’d find in a restaurant. Our business sells fresh soft shell crabs that are sure to please. You can bake them, deep-fry them with egg, flour, butter, Old Bay, salt, and pepper, or pan-fry them with crab seasonings and put them in a salad. Â.
Soft shell crab is a delicious delicacy that is enjoyed by seafood lovers across the country. Its sweet, tender meat and crunchy exterior make it a unique eating experience. But where can you buy high-quality soft shell crab? This complete guide will walk you through the best places to purchase fresh soft shell crab.
Understanding Soft Shell Crab
Soft shell crab refers to blue crabs that have recently molted their hard outer shell. There is only a brief 2-3 day window after molting where the crab’s new shell is still soft and edible. This is when they must be harvested for consumption as soft shell crab.
Some key facts about soft shell crab
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They are harvested in coastal regions along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico where blue crabs are fished. Top sources are Chesapeake Bay the Carolinas Louisiana and Florida.
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The peak season is spring through early fall when crabs are molting most actively. However, you can find frozen soft shell crab year-round.
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Sizing ranges from mediums to extra large “whales”. The larger the crab, the larger the yield of edible meat. Common sizes are hotels (3.5”), primes (4-5”), jumbos (5-6”) and whales (6″+).
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Soft shell crabs are highly perishable and optimal when eaten fresh. They are typically sold live or frozen.
Where to Buy Fresh Soft Shell Crab In Season
If you live near a coastal region, your best bet for fresh soft shells is to visit local seafood markets during crab season. Here are some top places to find freshly molted soft shell crabs:
Local Seafood Markets
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In Maryland and Virginia, iconic crab houses like Jimmy’s Famous Seafood and The Crab Claw are great spots to pick up fresh soft shell crabs from nearby Chesapeake Bay
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In the Carolinas, look for seafood markets situated along the coast that source crabs from local fishermen. Quality seafood shops in places like Topsail Island, Beaufort and Carolina Beach often stock live soft shell crabs in season.
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On the Gulf Coast, Campo’s Seafood in Alabama and Bozo’s Seafood Market in Louisiana frequently carry fresh soft shells harvested right from the Gulf.
Fish Mongers at Farmers Markets
Many farmers markets, especially along the coasts, will have local fish mongers selling fresh caught seafood. Inquire ahead to see if they will have soft shell crab available in spring and summer. The crab will be more affordable when bought directly from the source versus retail shops.
Seafood Delivery Services
For the freshest crab without leaving your house, order from a reputable seafood delivery company like Crab Dynasty. They overnight ship live soft shell crabs direct from the Chesapeake Bay. Perks are choosing your preferred size and quantity. Expect to pay premium prices for the convenience and guaranteed freshness.
Asian Supermarkets
If you live in an urban area, check Asian supermarkets which frequently stock various types of live seafood. Several in cities like New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles sell live soft shell crabs seasonally. Quality can be hit or miss, so inspect the crabs closely before purchasing.
High-End Groceries
Some upscale grocers like Whole Foods or Fresh Market will carry soft shell crabs at their fresh seafood counter when in season. However, availability is sporadic and selling out fast is common due to small batch local sourcing. Call ahead to check on soft shell crab stock.
Where to Buy Frozen Soft Shell Crab Year-Round
Thankfully, you can enjoy soft shell crabs any time of year by purchasing frozen. Freezing helps lock in freshness. Here are the best options for buying frozen soft shells:
Online Seafood Shops
Your best bet for reliably sourcing frozen soft shell crabs year-round is ordering online from seafood retailers like Seattle Fish Co or Wild Fork Foods. They offer overnight shipping on vacuum-sealed frozen softies in various pack sizes. Buying in bulk quantity can give you a price break.
Warehouse Clubs
Membership warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s often carry bags of frozen soft shell crabs in their freezer section. However, stock can be seasonal or limited depending on your location. Check back frequently if not seeing them.
Grocery Store Freezer Sections
Well-stocked mainstream grocery chains may carry frozen soft shell crabs alongside other frozen seafood. But you’ll have better luck finding them at stores on the coasts versus landlocked areas. Inspect packaging dates carefully for freshness.
Food Distributors
Those with access to restaurant food distributors like US Foods and Sysco can sometimes source cases of frozen soft shell crabs through them. Cases tend to run expensive but offer large quantities for a volume discount.
Online eCommerce Sites
General online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart and Instacart can be go-to sources for frozen soft shells for home delivery. Compare deals across sites, reviews and shipping costs.
Local Seafood Shops
Coastal seafood markets that sell fresh soft shells in season will often carry frozen packs in the offseason. Typically the frozen are sourced locally, not imported. You’ll pay more than online but support local.
When buying frozen:
- Inspect for signs of freezer burn before purchasing
- Choose crabs that are vacuum sealed versus open bags
- Check production dating to confirm freshness
- Store at 0°F or below for max shelf life of 6 months
Tips for Picking the Freshest Soft Shell Crabs
If you have the option, taste and quality will be best with fresh soft shells versus frozen. Here are some tips for selecting the freshest soft shell crabs:
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For live crabs – Pick crabs that are very active and feisty when handled. Avoid any that appear sluggish or limp.
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Check odor – Give a sniff test. Fresh soft shells have a pleasant, briny sea aroma. Pass on any with an overt fishy or ammonia odor.
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Inspect texture – The shell should be pliable, not rigid or mushy. Meat should appear moist, not dried out.
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For whole crabs – Opt for male crabs which are more desirable, with a narrow “apron” flap on the underside.
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For cleaned crabs – Pick ones with vibrant orange color and no black or yellowing spots on the meat.
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Review packaging – Frozen soft shells should be solidly frozen with no freezer burn or ice crystals forming.
Storing Soft Shell Crabs at Home
Proper storage is key to preserving freshness and shelf life when you bring soft shells home:
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Keep live crabs chilled at 38-45°F. Place in a tray or pan layered with ice or refrigerant gel packs. Avoid direct contact with ice.
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Cook live crabs same day as purchasing for best flavor. At most, store 1-2 days.
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Frozen soft shells should be used within 2 weeks for ideal quality, though will last up to 3 months stored continuously at 0°F or below.
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Once thawed, use soft shell crabs within 2 days. Do not refreeze thawed soft shells.
Preparing and Cooking Soft Shell Crab
Among endless cooking options, soft shell crabs are most famous for frying, yielding an irresistible crispy crunch. They also hold up beautifully to sauteing, broiling, baking and grilling.
Here are some key tips for prepping and cooking soft shells:
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Thaw frozen soft crabs overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
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Rinse soft shells and pat very dry – moisture will make coating slide off.
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Use scissors to snip off eyes and mouth. Lift apron flap up and remove entanglements.
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Optional step is to “butterfly” or cut soft crabs in half prior to cooking for more even frying.
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Bread softened crabs with flour, cornmeal, panko or batter allowing coating to adhere.
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Fry at 350-375°F for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
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Broil buttery soft crabs sprinkled with breadcrumbs for 3-4 minutes per side.
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Saute soft shells in olive oil and deglaze pan with wine or broth to make a fast crab sauce.
When prepared properly, soft shell crab offers a sweet, succulent taste and gratifying crunch in each bite. Any seafood fan will delight in this unique seasonal treat. Use this guide to seek out the choicest fresh soft shells near you and stock up on frozen to enjoy their flavors all year long.
More Information On Maryland Soft Shell Crabs
Do you want to know how crabs get their soft shells? When a crab molts, its shell becomes soft. This means the crab is forming a new larger soft shell under its hard shell. The crab then sheds the hard shell and becomes a soft shell. It’s harder to catch soft shell crabs because they only stay in them for a short time. If you buy soft shells frozen, you can eat them all year. They are in season from May to October.
If youre searching for delicious Maryland soft shell crabs for sale, youve come to the right place. Harbor House Crabs has been proudly supplying Maryland soft shell crabs and other high-quality seafood for more than twenty years and has built a reputation for giving our customers the best quality. Â.
Because their hard shells haven’t grown back yet, soft shell crabs are delicious. You can eat the whole crab. As a result, soft shells can be only harvested during specific times of the year. We gather soft shell crabs of different sizes so that they can be frozen and shipped quickly.
Our crabs come from the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and are as good as, if not better than, crabs you’d find in a restaurant. Our business sells fresh soft shell crabs that are sure to please. You can bake them, deep-fry them with egg, flour, butter, Old Bay, salt, and pepper, or pan-fry them with crab seasonings and put them in a salad. Â.
How to Prepare Jumbo Soft Shell Crab
If you want to learn how to cook jumbo soft shell crabs for a big meal or for your family, Harbour House Crabs can help! Our crabs are already cleaned and ready to go, so all you have to do is:
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Next, put salt and flour together in one bowl and beat two eggs in another.
- Coat your soft shell in the egg bath and then the flour mix or a soft shell batter.
- To cook the crabs, put them in the oil and turn them over four times.
- It will get red and crispy on the outside, and golden brown on the inside. Put the soft shell on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
- Serve as a sandwich or as a main course meal.
Where I buy Soft Shell Crabs
Where can I get soft shell crab?
The best place to get Soft Shell Crab is the Baan Thai Rest. at the top of Magill Rd. just down from the Tower Hotel. It is next to the Post Office which is on the corner of Pepper St. and Magill Rd. ADELAIDE. You must try Chu’s Vietnamese Thai restaurant on Unley Rd. Their soft shell salt & pepper chilli crab is supurb!
How to cook soft shell crabs?
Once thawed, you can prepare soft shell crabs by baking, frying, or sauteing. To fry soft shell crabs, first, rinse them in cold water and dry them with a paper towel. Then heat the frying oil to 365 degrees. Take a bowl and beat an egg with some milk. In another bowl, add pepper and salt with some flour.
What is a soft shell crab?
Soft shell crabs are an important seasonal part of our coastal aquaculture industry. Crabs are identified and selected just prior to molting, then they are placed into special shedding trays and held until the molt takes place. While still soft (the new shell is soft …and edible at shedding), the crabs are removed and processed
Are soft shell crabs good?
Soft shell crab is a versatile protein you can prepare in many ways. Soft shell crabs possess a rich, tender flavor and texture, making them a favored delicacy across the country. Fabulous soft shells!! Super fast shipping. Definitely 10 out of 10! – Stacy Hudson When are Soft Shell Crabs in Season?