15 Soft Shell Crab Sandwich Southern Living Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 7, 2024
Soft shell crab sandwiches are a staple in Southern cuisine, offering a perfect balance of crispy, savory and tangy flavors. With its rich history and unique taste, it's no wonder why this dish has become a fan favorite. While there are many variations of this sandwich, we've curated a recipe that captures the essence of Southern living. From the perfect crab to the ideal condiments, this sandwich is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Wondra Flour, Kosher Salt, Ground
If you're a fan of classic Southern cuisine, then you'll love this twist on a traditional po' boy sandwich. Instead of using battered and fried shrimp or oysters, this recipe calls for crispy soft shell crab as the star ingredient. The result is a deliciously crunchy sandwich that will have your taste buds singing with every bite. Serve it on a soft roll with your choice of toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and a spicy remoulade sauce, for the ultimate indulgence.
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Crispy Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Flour, Cornmeal, Old Bay Seasoning
For those who prefer a lighter option, this crispy soft shell crab sandwich is the perfect choice. The crabs are lightly battered and pan-fried, creating a delicate and crispy texture that pairs perfectly with a soft bun. Top it off with some fresh greens and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
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Bahn Mi-style Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Salt, Sugar, Rice Wine Vinegar, Water, Soft
For a fusion twist on the classic Vietnamese bahn mi sandwich, try this recipe that swaps out the traditional pork filling for crispy soft shell crab. The crab is coated in a flavorful marinade and then pan-fried until golden and crispy. Served on a toasted baguette with pickled veggies and a spicy mayo, this sandwich is bursting with bold flavors and textures.
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Crispy Maryland Soft-Shell Crabs
Main Ingredients: Hoisin Sauce, Orange Juice, Sambal Oelek, Fish Sauce
For a taste of the East Coast, try this recipe for crispy Maryland soft-shell crabs. The crabs are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and then quickly pan-fried to perfection. Serve them on a bed of greens with a side of tartar sauce for a simple and delicious meal.
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Fried Soft Shell Crabs
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, All Purpose Flour, Fish, Milk, Eggs
This classic recipe for fried soft shell crabs is a must-try for any seafood lover. The crabs are coated in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices, and then fried until golden and crispy. Serve them with your choice of dipping sauce, such as a zesty aioli or a spicy cocktail sauce, for a mouthwatering dish.
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Sautéed Soft-Shell Crabs
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Wondra Flour, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy soft shell crabs, try sautéing them in a bit of butter or oil. This method allows the natural flavors of the crab to shine through, while still giving them a nice crispy exterior. Serve them on a bed of pasta or rice for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
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Tempura Soft Shell Crab
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Flour, Soda Water, Lime Juiced, Egg
For a taste of Japanese cuisine, try this recipe for tempura soft shell crab. The crabs are coated in a light and airy batter and then fried until golden and crispy. Serve them with a side of sweet and tangy dipping sauce for a unique and delicious meal.
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Cajun Fried Soft Shell Crabs
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Milk, Eggs, Cajun Seasoning
Get a taste of the South with this Cajun-inspired recipe for fried soft shell crabs. The crabs are coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning and then fried until golden and crispy. Serve them with a side of creamy coleslaw for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Avocados, Cucumbers, Alfalfa Sprouts
If you have a love for both sushi and soft shell crabs, why not combine the two in this unique and delicious recipe? The crabs are lightly battered and fried, and then rolled up in sushi rice with your choice of fillings, such as avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo. The result is a gluten-free and dairy-free sushi roll that is bursting with flavor and texture.
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Spicy Soft-Shell Crabs
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, All Purpose Flour, Cayenne Pepper
If you like a bit of heat in your food, then this recipe for spicy soft-shell crabs is a must-try. The crabs are coated in a spicy marinade and then pan-fried until crispy and delicious. Serve them on a bed of rice with some steamed veggies for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
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How to Clean and Fry Soft Shell Crabs
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Vegetable Oil, House Autry Seafood
If you've never cooked with soft shell crabs before, don't worry – this recipe has got you covered. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to properly clean and prepare the crabs for frying, so you can enjoy the freshest and most delicious meal possible. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and sides for a perfect dinner option.
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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 recipe puts a Greek spin on soft shell crabs by serving them in a souvlaki wrap. The crabs are marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices and then grilled to perfection. Serve them in a warm pita with some fresh veggies and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a unique and tasty meal.
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Grilled Soft-Shell Crab
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Lemon
For a healthier and more flavorful option, try grilling your soft shell crabs. They are marinated in a tangy and spicy sauce and then grilled until crispy and charred on the outside. Serve them with a side of rice and veggies for a delicious and nutritious meal.
When it comes to cooking with soft shell crabs, the fresher, the better. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of the crabs by simply pan-frying them and serving them with a squeeze of lemon. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this delicacy.
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Preparing Soft Shell Crabs
Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Salt, Old Bay Seasoning, Soft Shell Crabs
If you're new to cooking with soft shell crabs, this recipe is a great place to start. It provides detailed instructions on how to properly prepare and cook the crabs, as well as some tips on how to enhance their flavor. Serve them with your choice of sides for a tasty and impressive meal.
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Soft Shell Crabs with Spicy Remoulade (Gluten-Free)
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Prepared Horseradish, Sriracha, Capers
This recipe takes soft shell crabs to the next level by pairing them with a zesty and flavorful remoulade sauce. The crabs are coated in a gluten-free breading and then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve them with a side of coleslaw for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Soft Shell Crabs on Soba Noodles with Nori and Pickled...
Main Ingredients: Soft Shell Crabs, All Purpose Flour, Wasabi Powder
This Asian-inspired recipe features soft shell crabs served on a bed of soba noodles with nori and pickled vegetables. The crabs are coated in a flavorful sauce and then pan-fried until crispy and delicious. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to impress.
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Fritto Misto Di Mare
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Shrimp, Squid, Sardines, Fish, Scallops, Soft
This Italian seafood dish features a mix of fried seafood, including soft shell crabs, calamari, and shrimp. The crabs are coated in a light and crispy batter and then fried until golden and delicious. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping for a mouthwatering meal.
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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 recipe features panko-crusted soft shell crabs served with a zesty and flavorful ginger ponzu sauce. The crabs are coated in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and spices and then quickly pan-fried until crispy. Serve them with a side of rice and steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal.
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Japanese Rainbow Roll
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Tuna, Avocado, Imitation Crab Meat, Cucumber
For a creative and delicious way to enjoy soft shell crabs, try this recipe for a Japanese rainbow roll. The crabs are rolled up in sushi rice with a mix of colorful veggies, such as cucumber, avocado, and carrot. The result is a beautiful and tasty dish that is perfect for sushi lovers.
How to Choose the Perfect Soft Shell Crab
Size Matters
When it comes to selecting the best soft shell crab for your sandwich, size does matter. Look for crabs that are around four inches wide as this ensures a meaty and satisfying bite. Anything smaller may be too small and could potentially be overcooked, while anything larger may be too tough and chewy.
Appearance
A fresh and healthy soft shell crab should have a bright orange or red color, with a firm and plump body. Avoid crabs that have a grayish or dull color, as this is a sign of age and may result in a less flavorful sandwich.
Seasonality
While soft shell crabs are available year-round, they are at their peak during the late spring and early summer months. This is when the crabs shed their hard shells and are at their most tender and delicious. If possible, try to source your crabs during this time for the best results.
Preparing the Crab for the Sandwich
Cleaning and Prepping
Before cooking, it's important to clean and prep your soft shell crab. First, cut off the crab's face and remove the gills located on either side of the body. Then, lift and remove the apron, which is the triangular flap on the underside of the crab. Finally, using scissors, trim the legs and claws to prevent them from burning during cooking.
Marinade
To add an extra layer of flavor to your sandwich, consider marinating the crab in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite spices for 30 minutes before cooking. This will not only infuse the crab with delicious flavors but also help to tenderize the meat.
Constructing the Ultimate Soft Shell Crab Sandwich
Bread
The bread you choose for your sandwich can make or break the overall taste. We recommend using a soft, yet sturdy bread such as a brioche bun or a ciabatta roll. These bread options will hold up well to the juicy crab and won't overpower the delicate flavors.
Condiments
While some may prefer a more traditional approach with just lettuce and tomato, we like to add a little kick to our sandwiches. Try topping yours with a homemade remoulade sauce made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, and pickle relish. This tangy and creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy crab.
Cooking Method
When it comes to cooking your soft shell crab, there are a few different options. You can pan-fry, deep-fry, or grill the crab. Each method will result in a slightly different texture and flavor, so it's important to choose the method that best suits your taste preferences.
In conclusion, the perfect soft shell crab sandwich comes down to selecting the right crab, prepping it properly, and choosing the right bread and condiments. With these tips and our curated recipe, you'll be able to create a sandwich that truly captures the essence of Southern living. So next time you're craving a taste of the South, give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness that is a soft shell crab sandwich.
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