This recipe and blog post is in memory of my friend, Eric Forsberg that was always so helpful when I visited my local seafood market. Eric was kind enough to show me how to clean soft shell crabs in this post in 2012.
Eric passed away in 2015 from cancer at the young age of 42. He was passionate about his work and cooking. Eric always had a smile on his face and will be missed by many. Rest in peace, my friend.
Soft shell crab season is in full swing here on the coast of NC. They’re possibly my favorite seafood, but I can’t really choose a favorite. I love ALL seafood.
“Soft shell” simply means the crab has molted and the shell is still soft. Fishermen will place the crabs in a cold environment, keeping them dormant so that their shells take longer to harden than normal.
The first time I tried my hand at frying up soft shell crabs, I screwed up. BIG TIME. After calling my Mom (about to cry) I figured out that my oil wasn’t hot enough and they were all soggy. I ate them anyway.
My local seafood market is Blue Ocean Market in Morehead City, NC. Their seafood is always fresh and LOCAL. They know me by name and Eric even helps me figure out what I’m going to cook for dinner that night. Most times I don’t even know what seafood I want to buy when I go in the market. Eric is a chef and has some mad cooking skills.
I recently asked if he would show me how to clean soft shell crabs. I went in for my little tutorial and suddenly realized why I’ve always purchased these little critters already cleaned: they’re freakin’ alive and moving. I just can’t do it, but I love to cook and eat ’em.
I watched the process and it didn’t break my heart too bad… it was quick. But I’ll definitely continue to purchase them already cleaned for sure.
Eric showed me the difference between male and female soft shell crabs. Once you look, it’s kinda obvious, but it’s something I’ve never thought of.
The crab is positioned for cutting – the blue lines show what needs to be cut first. Cut the face first (this kills the crab), then the tail (apron) using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. The apron will look different for males and females.
Pull the “points” back on the top of the shell and remove the lungs or “gills” from each side; they have a feathery texture.
Squeeze the “mustard” (fat) out of each tip.
Peel the shell back and remove the organs (I’ve read that some people don’t do this part and it is personal preference). What you see in the above picture is the female ovaries. I choose not to eat those. 😮
Rinse the crabs good to remove any remaining mustard (fat).
This was the easy part for me…frying up these little critters. 🙂 This is how I’ve always done it and it’s really simple. I mix House Autry Seafood Breader with a little Old Bay Seasoning in a large bowl. Some people prefer to shake it in a resealable bag. I choose to dip my soft shell crabs in a bowl gently because the crabs are fragile.
Make sure the oil is between 350 to 375 degrees F before placing the crabs in the pan. If the oil is not hot enough, your soft shell crabs won’t be crispy; they’ll be soggy. I always test the oil by placing a tip of a claw in the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles then I know it’s ready.
Cook for a couple of minutes on each side, turning gently. The crabs are ready when they’re a coral color and the breading is golden brown. Place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
I like to eat my soft shell crabs on a bun with coleslaw and tartar sauce.
A very special thanks to Eric and Chris for teaching me how to clean soft shell crabs. You guys rock! 🙂
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Fried Soft Shell Crabs
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
- 4–6 soft shell crabs, cleaned and dampened with water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups House Autry Seafood Breader (or your favorite breader)
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (more or less, to taste)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk seafood breader and Old Bay Seasoning to combine.
- Gently dip crabs in breader mixture to coat on both sides.
- Heat oil in a skillet (350 to 375 degrees F using a candy thermometer) over moderately high heat.
- Place crabs in skillet and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until crabs are a coral color, fully cooked and breading is golden brown.
- Place crabs on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Fry
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried soft shell crabs, how to clean soft shell crabs
Dankjewel voor het delen van je recept. Top❣️
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Perfection
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Hi Amy, I am from Maryland prior to moving to Florida and spent 39 years there. So, I guess you know I already know how to cook softshell crabs. If I could add a few things to the recipe if you don’t mind I think the sandwich is much preferred over a dinner of just softshells. I use a Crusty Bread tht is multi grain toasted. I cut this on a diagonal and use a little mustard on the bread. Next I tak mixed Field greens on one side with tomato slices on the other with a few slices of Sweet Onions on it. Place the crab on top after frying and Heaven is in your hands. Once you bit into this sandwich, you will have died and gone to heaven. This is amazing!!!
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Ohhhh that does sound heavenly, Thomas! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
One last thing If I may add….please do not remove the mustard from the soft shell crab….it adds so much flavor and is one of the best parts for added that flavor of freshness. thanks, Tom
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Not surprised that you’re blonde – lol!!!
Geez – removing the mustard & ovaries. Frankly my dear, you shouldn’t be eating crabs at all. And frying them in so much oil when they’re so much better (& healthier) just lightly sautéed in olive oil with a little garlic & herbs. You are crab clueless. Please leave crabs alone & stick to some other recipes better suited to you.
Much love from Coastal NC! 🙂
Bonnie my dear… I’m black headed and this is my favorite way to cook crabs… I caught and cooked crabs my whole life.. so I’m just saying honey… maybe you should leave crabs alone!! You just don’t know what’s good! Bless your heart!!!
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We all have preferences, Bonnie!! I think at this time it would be nice to say thank you if you differ and add you own recipe. That is how I have cooked them all of my adult life and we all have a comfortability preference!
Fantastic info!
Thanks Ray!
I wonder if other places take out the ovaries. I will not order a soft crab out for this reason.
Do you think only the Seafood markets do this? I am 75 years old and my father taught
me this when I was a teenager. He said that the ovaries are good for fishing. Who. Knew?
DOT
Stumbled on your website while surfing the net for soft shelled crabs. Ate my first soft shell many years ago in Morehead City while stationed at Fort Macon during the Korean war. Noticed a mention of a cookbook. Does it have recipes for some of the more popular local seafood recipes in it? If so let me know and the details for obtaining a copy. Used to eat these at Mason’s Drive Inn on the outskirts of Morehead City on the way to Cherry Point or New Bern and also at the famous seafood restaurant in Beaufort. Understand it’s still in business. Ate a lot of them on Harker’s Island too. Anyway I will await your reply and order some soft shells that have been flown in to the West Coast.
This is so much easier than picking “hard-shell” crab!!!
Oh YES! The cookbook came earlier this week. What a hoot! I’ve enjoyed reading thru it. So many choices!
I make my own pizza so last night I spoiled the dogs with their own!! I think they thought they died and went to heaven !! My husband is not too sure it was a good idea….
We moved frow Kansas City 2 years ago, so I am familiar with Three Dog Bakery! I am thrilled to have their book! Thanks.
Keep up the great blog!
OK,OK! You made my mouth water for crab at 8am! I also LOVE seafood but have a special “soft spot” in my heart for soft shell crab. I have never fixed them at home. That could be because I live in OKLAHOMA. Ha. Your tutorial made me appreciate the rare opportunity to order them when I do go out to eat. I’m with ya though, not sure I could kill and clean either!
You made me laugh out loud Liz! It was hard for me to take the final picture–my mouth was watering too! I also now appreciate the hard work that goes into cleaning each one…but don’t think I could do it (unless I absolutely HAD to)! 🙂 Have you received your book yet? If not you should get it any day now.