17 Chinese Soft Shell Crab Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Soft shell crab is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine that has gained popularity all over the world. The crispy and flavorful dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. While many may think that preparing soft shell crab at home is a daunting task, this Chinese soft shell crab recipe will prove otherwise. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this mouth-watering dish.
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Wondra Flour, Kosher Salt, Ground
If you're looking for a twist on the classic po boy sandwich, try making it with fried soft shell crab instead of the traditional fried shrimp or oysters. The crispy, delicate texture of the soft shell crab adds a whole new level of flavor to this iconic dish.
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Fried Soft-Shell Crab
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Egg, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Salt
Fried soft-shell crab is a popular dish in many coastal regions, and for good reason. The crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior make for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side of spicy remoulade sauce for a perfect blend of flavors.
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Homemade XO Chinese Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chinese Sausage, Dried Scallops, Shrimp, Crabmeat
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably heard of XO sauce. This spicy, savory sauce is made with dried seafood and chili peppers, and it's the perfect accompaniment to grilled soft-shell crab. Make your own homemade XO sauce for an extra special touch.
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Nashville Hot Soft-Shell Crab
Main Ingredients: Crabs, Louisiana Style Hot Sauce, Flour, Salt, Oil
For a taste of the South, try making Nashville hot soft-shell crab. This spicy dish is similar to the famous Nashville hot chicken, but with a twist. The soft-shell crab is battered and fried, then coated in a spicy cayenne pepper sauce for a fiery kick.
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Tempura Soft Shell Crab
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Flour, Soda Water, Lime Juiced, Egg
Tempura is a Japanese dish that involves battering and frying seafood or vegetables. For a unique twist, try making tempura soft shell crab. The light, crispy batter pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the soft-shell crab.
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Crispy Soft Shell Crab
Main Ingredients: Creole Seasoning, Lemon Juice, Italian Parsley, Eggs
For a simple and classic preparation, go for crispy soft-shell crab. This dish involves lightly coating the crab in flour or cornmeal, then frying it until golden brown and crispy. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
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Grilled Soft-Shell Crab
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Lemon
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to frying, try grilling your soft-shell crab. The high heat of the grill will give the crab a nice char and add a smoky flavor. Serve it with a refreshing citrus salad for a light and flavorful meal.
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Crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Flour, Cornmeal, Old Bay Seasoning
Who doesn't love a good sandwich? For a tasty and satisfying meal, try making a crispy soft-shell crab sandwich. Layer the fried crab on top of creamy avocado and your favorite sandwich toppings for a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Inspired by Indian cuisine, this soft-shell crab po boy is coated in a flavorful pakora batter and fried to perfection. Serve it on a crusty baguette with spicy mango chutney for a unique and delicious twist on the classic sandwich.
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Bahn Mi-style Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Salt, Sugar, Rice Wine Vinegar, Water, Soft
Bahn mi sandwiches are a popular Vietnamese street food that combines French and Vietnamese flavors. This soft-shell crab version is a delicious fusion of cultures, with the crispy crab paired with pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and spicy sriracha mayo.
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Crunch Into Billy Law’s Soft-Shell Crab Souvlaki
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Frozen French Fries, Oil, Sea Salt
This Greek-inspired dish features grilled soft-shell crab skewers marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs. Serve them with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Avocados, Cucumbers, Alfalfa Sprouts
If you're a sushi lover, you have to try this soft-shell crab sushi roll recipe. The crispy crab adds a delicious crunch to the rolls, and the gluten-free and dairy-free options make it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
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Panko-crusted Soft Shell Crab with Ginger Ponzu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Egg, Panko, Salt, Black Pepper
This Japanese-inspired dish features panko-crusted soft-shell crab served with a flavorful ginger ponzu sauce. The combination of the crunchy crab and tangy sauce is simply irresistible.
This simple but flavorful Chinese dish features soft-shell crab stir-fried with sliced scallions and ginger. The light and delicate flavors of the crab are complemented perfectly by the slightly spicy and aromatic scallions and ginger.
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Louisiana Crawfish and Soft Shell Crab Over Angel Hair...
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Crawfish, Flour, Cooking Oil, Angel
This Cajun-inspired dish is a delicious combination of soft-shell crab and crawfish served over a bed of angel hair pasta. The seafood is cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Panko Crusted Soft Shell Crab w/ Thai Salad
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Plain Flour, Eggs, Carrot, Vermicelli
For a taste of Thailand, try making this panko-crusted soft shell crab served with a refreshing Thai salad. The tangy and spicy flavors of the salad pair perfectly with the crunchy and flavorful crab.
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Ginger and Scallion Crab (姜葱蟹)
Main Ingredients: Crab, Ginger, Scallion, Corn Starch, Cooking Oil, Oil
This Chinese dish is a classic preparation for soft-shell crab. The crab is stir-fried with sliced ginger and scallions and seasoned with soy sauce and rice wine. Serve it with steamed rice for a simple but delicious meal.
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Singapore Chili Crab
Main Ingredients: Crab, Oil, Shallots, Garlic, Minced Ginger, Red Bird S
This popular Singaporean dish features spicy chili sauce served over stir-fried soft-shell crab. The flavorful sauce is the perfect complement to the delicate and tender crab meat.
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Chilli Crab
Main Ingredients: Crabs, Oil, Chilli Sauce, Light Soy Sauce, Rice
If you're a fan of Malaysian cuisine, you have to try this spicy and tangy chilli crab dish. The crab is stir-fried with a flavorful sauce made from chili paste, tomato sauce, and vinegar. Serve it with steamed buns for a complete meal.
This Vietnamese-inspired dish features tempura-battered soft-shell crab served with a sweet and tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce. The combination of crunchy and tender textures makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Choosing the Right Crabs
Freshness is Key
When it comes to making a delicious soft shell crab dish, the first and most important step is choosing fresh crabs. Look for live crabs that are active and have a sweet smell. Avoid crabs that have a strong fishy odor or are not moving. This ensures that your dish will have a sweet and succulent flavor.
Size Matters
When it comes to soft shell crabs, size does matter. It is recommended to choose medium to large-sized crabs for this recipe. These crabs are easier to handle and provide a good balance of meat and shell. Small crabs may not have enough meat for a satisfying meal, while large crabs may be difficult to cook evenly.
Cleaning and Preparing the Crabs
Remove the Gills and Face
Once you have chosen the right crabs, it's time to clean and prepare them for cooking. Start by removing the gills, also known as the "dead man's fingers," located on either side of the crab's body. These are inedible and can cause a bitter taste in your dish. Next, remove the face by lifting the top shell and gently pulling it off.
Remove the Apron
The apron is the triangular flap on the crab's belly and should also be removed before cooking. This part is tough and not edible. Simply lift the corners of the apron and pull it off.
Batter and Fry
Create a Crispy Batter
To give your soft shell crabs a crispy texture, it's important to make a light and airy batter. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and your choice of seasoning. Gradually add in cold water, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. For an extra kick of flavor, you can add in some Chinese five-spice powder or Sichuan peppercorns to the batter.
Deep Fry to Perfection
Heat up a pan with oil over medium-high heat. Dip the cleaned crabs in the batter, making sure to coat them evenly. Gently place the crabs in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until the batter turns golden brown. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the crabs are fried to perfection, it's time to plate and serve. Garnish with some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo. Now sit back, and enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade Chinese soft shell crab dish.
In conclusion,
With this easy and foolproof Chinese soft shell crab recipe, you can impress your family and friends with a restaurant-style dish at home. Remember to choose fresh crabs, clean and prepare them properly, and fry them to perfection for a crispy and flavorful dish. So, next time you're craving some seafood, skip the expensive restaurant and make this dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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