Fried Soft-Shell Crab

These fried soft-shell crabs are lightly breaded and cook in minutes. They're golden brown and crisp on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 358 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
• 4 soft-shell crabs
• 0.5 cup milk

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Lift one pointed side of the top shell of one crab; pull out and discard the gills. Lower the shell and repeat on the other side. Remove the tail flap on the bottom side by twisting and pulling. Use a pair of scissors to cut behind the eyes and remove the face. Repeat to clean remaining crabs. Rinse cleaned crabs thoroughly with cold water, then dry on paper towels.

Step 2

Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).

Step 3

Working in batches if necessary, carefully lower crabs into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on one side, 1 to 2 minutes. Carefully turn and cook until golden brown on the other side, 1 to 2 minutes more. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4

Whisk milk and egg together in a shallow bowl. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in another shallow bowl. Lightly salt each crab. Dredge in flour; shake off excess. Dip into beaten egg. Lift up so excess egg drips back into the bowl. Press into flour to coat both sides.