Crispy Virginia Soft Shell Crabs Delight
Experience the coastal charm of Virginia with this delectable Crispy Virginia Soft Shell Crabs Delight recipe. These tender, sweet crabs, coated in a flavorful, crunchy breading, create a perfect balance of textures that will delight your taste buds. Ideal for lunch or as a savory snack, this classic dish captures the essence of local seafood while bringing a touch of elegance to your dining table. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a side of tartar sauce for an unforgettable treat that transports you straight to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soft Shelled Crabs
12 (dressed (fresh or thawed))
Milk
1/4 cup (regular)
All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup (unbleached)
Large Eggs
2 (beaten)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Dry Breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (plain or seasoned)
Cooking Oil
for frying (preferably vegetable or canola)
Instructions
1
Start by dressing fresh soft shell crabs or thawing frozen ones if necessary. Gently rinse the crabs under cold water and let them drain thoroughly.
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt until fully combined.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and dry breadcrumbs, ensuring an even blend of ingredients.
4
To prepare the crabs, first dip each one into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
5
Then, roll the crabs in the flour and crumb mixture, coating them evenly. For an extra-crispy texture, let the coated crabs sit for a few minutes and repeat the dipping and rolling process. You may also add spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder for additional flavor.
6
Heat a heavy frying pan over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of fat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking.
7
Carefully place the crabs in the hot oil, frying them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they achieve a rich golden brown color.
8
When both sides are perfectly fried and crispy, remove the crabs from the pan and place them on absorbent paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Virginia Soft Shell Crabs Delight?
It is a coastal seafood dish featuring tender, sweet soft shell crabs coated in a flavorful, crunchy breading, inspired by the cuisine of the Chesapeake Bay.
How many soft shell crabs does this recipe require?
This recipe requires 12 dressed soft shell crabs.
What ingredients are in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture consists of 2 large beaten eggs, 1/4 cup of milk, and 2 teaspoons of salt.
What comprises the dry breading?
The breading is a blend of 3/4 cup all-purpose unbleached flour and 3/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs.
Can I use frozen soft shell crabs?
Yes, you can use frozen crabs as long as they are thoroughly thawed and drained before preparation.
How should the crabs be prepared before coating?
Crabs should be dressed, rinsed gently under cold water, and allowed to drain thoroughly.
How do I get an extra-crispy texture on the crabs?
To achieve extra crispiness, let the coated crabs sit for a few minutes and then repeat the dipping and rolling process a second time.
What additional spices can I add to the breading?
You can add spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder to the flour and crumb mixture for additional flavor.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable or canola oil is preferred for frying these crabs.
How much oil should I put in the pan?
Add enough oil to cover the bottom of a heavy frying pan with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of fat.
What is the correct oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be hot but not smoking before placing the crabs in the pan.
How long should the crabs be fried on each side?
Each crab should be fried for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side.
How do I know when the crabs are fully cooked?
The crabs are done when they have achieved a rich, golden brown color and a crispy texture on both sides.
Why should I use paper towels after frying?
Placing the fried crabs on absorbent paper towels helps drain any excess oil before serving.
What are the recommended condiments for this dish?
This dish is best served with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of tartar sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is ideal for lunch or as a savory snack due to its balanced textures and coastal charm.
How many calories are in a serving of these crabs?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 15g of fat.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
This recipe provides about 12.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour.
Should the breadcrumbs be seasoned?
You can use either plain or seasoned dry breadcrumbs depending on your preference.
What size should the eggs be?
The recipe specifies using 2 large eggs.
What part of Virginia does this dish represent?
It captures the essence of the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal seafood traditions of Virginia.
What should I do if the oil starts smoking?
Reduce the heat immediately, as the oil should be hot but not smoking to prevent burning.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: crabs, milk, flour, eggs, salt, breadcrumbs, and oil.
Can I serve these as snacks?
Yes, these crispy crabs make for an elegant and savory snack.
Do I add the salt to the dry or wet mixture?
The salt is whisked into the egg and milk mixture.
What type of pan is best for frying the crabs?
A heavy frying pan is recommended for even heat distribution.
Should the crabs be rinsed?
Yes, fresh or thawed crabs should be gently rinsed under cold water before starting the breading process.