Delicious Soft-Shell Crabs in Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce
Indulge in the delicate flavors of soft-shell crabs sautéed to perfection and enhanced with a rich lemon butter sauce. This simple yet elegant dish combines the sweetness of the sea with the bright acidity of fresh lemons, creating a culinary experience that is both light and satisfying. Perfect for a special dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests, this recipe allows you to enjoy soft-shell crabs in their best form. Pair it with a crisp salad or a side of asparagus for a delightful meal that tantalizes the taste buds.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (measured)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (ground)
salt
to taste (fine sea salt recommended)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (measured)
paprika
1/8 teaspoon (measured)
soft shelled crabs
8 (cleaned)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (cut into pieces)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (measured)
medium shallot
1 (finely chopped)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
medium garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
lemon slice
for garnish (freshly sliced)
fresh parsley sprig
for garnish (whole)
Instructions
1
Prepare the coating by combining all-purpose flour, fresh ground black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish. Mix thoroughly.
2
Carefully remove the feelers from underneath the crab shells on both sides. Rinse the crabs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy coating.
3
In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and vegetable oil over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbly. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté for about 1 minute, or until they become lightly softened and fragrant.
4
Dredge each crab in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Carefully place the crabs in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sauté the crabs for approximately 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and have turned pink.
5
Once the crabs are cooked, pour in the fresh lemon juice and add minced garlic, parsley, and a touch of salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
6
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Ensure the garlic is perfectly cooked to bring out its flavor.
7
Serve the soft-shell crabs on individual plates, generously spooning the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and parsley sprigs. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
15g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Delicious Soft-Shell Crabs recipe?
The dish features delicate soft-shell crabs with a rich lemon butter sauce that balances the sweetness of the sea with bright lemon acidity.
What ingredients are needed for the crab coating?
The coating consists of all-purpose flour, fresh ground black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
How many soft-shell crabs does this recipe require?
This recipe requires 8 cleaned soft-shell crabs.
How should the crabs be prepared before coating?
Remove the feelers from underneath the shells, rinse under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels.
What type of fat is used for sautéing the crabs?
A combination of 1/4 cup unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil is used.
How long should the crabs be sautéed?
Sauté the crabs for approximately 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and pink.
When should the shallots be added to the pan?
Add the finely chopped shallots to the melted butter and oil before dredging and adding the crabs.
What are the components of the zesty sauce?
The sauce is made from fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper added to the pan drippings.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the soft-shell crabs?
The recipe provides 17.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
The dish contains 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It contains a small amount (1/8 teaspoon each) of cayenne pepper and paprika for a subtle kick.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and whole parsley sprigs.
How much lemon juice is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of salt should I use?
Fine sea salt is recommended for this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are used?
Two medium garlic cloves, minced, are used in the sauce.
What is a suggested side dish to pair with these crabs?
A crisp salad or a side of asparagus is recommended for a light and satisfying meal.
Why is vegetable oil added to the butter?
Adding vegetable oil to the butter helps prevent the butter from burning at higher sautéing temperatures.
How should the shallots be prepared?
One medium shallot should be finely chopped before cooking.
How much parsley is used in the sauce?
Two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley are added to the sauce.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe uses a total of 14 ingredients.
How long do you cook the garlic?
Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it is fragrant but not browned.
Can I prepare the crabs in advance?
The crabs should be served immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include seafood, lemon butter, gourmet, French cuisine, and easy recipe.
How much flour is used for the coating?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of measured all-purpose flour.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
Unsalted butter is required, cut into pieces for even melting.
Is it important to avoid overcrowding the pan?
Yes, ensure the crabs have space in the skillet to cook evenly and become golden brown.
How do you ensure a crispy coating on the crabs?
Patting the crabs thoroughly dry with paper towels before dredging in flour helps ensure crispiness.
What is the heat setting for cooking?
The recipe recommends using medium heat for sautéing.