There’s really nothing better to me than a light and crunchy soft shell crab, nestled on a soft sandwich roll, and dressed with fresh, sweet cole slaw.  That’s the perfect lunch for me on any day! One delicious bite can immediately transmit  images, textures, sounds, and smells of Coastal Carolina.

Soft shell crabs are very easy to prepare and the little time and effort they require makes them so worth it!  Frozen soft shells are usually available at coastal seafood markets.  You can also find fresh, live soft crabs at some markets during the Spring and Summer.  One of my favorite sources for these delicate creatures is Full Circle Crab Company in Columbia, NC, where you can find both frozen and fresh soft crabs in various sizes.

Cleaning the crabs is the first step, whether they are fresh or frozen.  If the crabs are alive, you’ll want to quickly clip off the face and eyes of the crab first.  Turn the crab over and snip off the triangular shaped apron. Without removing the soft outer shell, gently turn back the edges and remove the gills, which will be a greenish yellow color. Rinse and drain on clean paper towels.  Now you’re ready to cook!

I don’t like a heavily breaded soft crab, so I avoid the egg wash, double-dipping technique!  Mine are dusted with a light cornmeal mixture and fried quickly in hot oil.  Be sure to arm yourself with an apron and a shield of some sort, because they will pop!  Here’s the recipe….

4 soft shell crabs, cleaned and drained
1 cup of plain yellow cornmeal
½ cup of cracker meal (substitute plain bread crumbs if you can’t find cracker meal)
1 tsp. salt
1-2 cups canola or blended vegetable oil

Pour oil into your favorite frying pan to a depth of ¾ inch.  Heat oil until it’s hot. Dust crabs with the cornmeal mixture, shaking off any excess. Gently place crabs in hot oil.  Fry for a few minutes until crabs turn pink and crust has browned, then turn.  When your crust turns a golden brown, the crabs are ready!  Remove and drain on paper towels.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

Let me know how you like them!