"The season always starts in Florida, works its way … Soft shell crabs, which are perfect for a savory seafood dinner, are actually normal crabs that have molted their tough outer shell. Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Start with a live soft shell blue crab. Heat the skillet on high and add butter until it froths and melts. Second, make a milk bath to dip the crabs into using eggs, mustard, and milk. Three Steps to Cleaning Soft-Shell Crab: 1. Soft shell crab season is in full swing here on the coast of NC. Sign up for our daily newsletter for more great articles and tasty, healthy recipes. If the oil is not hot … Clean each crab. Wear fish-handling gloves if you worry about getting pinched by hard-shell crabs when you handle them. Second, make a milk bath to dip the crabs into using eggs, mustard, and milk. Turn the crab over and snip off the small flap known as the apron. no touching! Be assured, however, that they have an elementary nervous system, and after the first cut they are dead. Recap: To kill and clean soft shell crab, grasp the body between the back legs. Soft-shell crab season is typically from early March to late September, depending on the weather. The term "soft-shell" refers to the brief time after a blue crab molts and before the new, hardened shell has formed; the entire shell is edible during this period. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Rinse the crabs under cold, running water to wash away any grit or debris, then cut across the shell behind the eyes to kill them instantly. Take a bowl and beat an egg with some milk. Jun 19, 2016 - The simplest of soft shell crab recipes: How to prepare, cook, and eat soft shell crab, a wonderful, fleeting spring delicacy. After two minutes on the other side (do not disturb! Next, cut across its body just behind the eyes with kitchen shears.Reach into the cavity created by the cut and pull out and discard the stomach. Lift the apron with your fingers or the shears, pull it off the body, and discard. Soft shell crabs are one of our favorite seafood delicacies. Eating crab is easier as no need to scrape the hard crab shells to pick up the meat. A.J. Andrews' work has appeared in Food and Wine, Fricote and "BBC Good Food." The New York Times: How to Clean a Soft-Shell Crab Tips Wear fish-handling gloves if you worry about getting pinched by hard-shell crabs when you handle them. To clean soft-shell crabs, hold the crab in one hand, and using a pair of kitchen shears, cut off the front of the crab, about 1/2 inch behind the eyes and mouth. Put top shell back down and repeat on other side. Soft-Shell Crab SizesSoft-shell crabs come in five sizes. Contrary to popular belief, soft shell crabs aren't a separate species; they are just regular, hard shell crabs (most often blue crabs in the US) at a particular stage of growth. Lift one pointed side of top shell and remove the gills by pulling them out. Then, one at a time fold back each side of the top shell and remove and discard the gills, but don't remove the shell. Tuck the crab into a sourdough bun drizzled with more melted butter. You may have a nice fishmonger who will clean your soft-shell crabs for you, a reasonable thing for a shopper to request. Thaw the crabs overnight in the refrigerator. Using a sharp pair of kitchen shears, snip off the front of the crab about ½ inch behind the mouth and the eyes. To clean soft-shell crabs, hold the crab in one hand, and using a pair of kitchen shears, cut off the front of the crab, about 1/2 inch behind the eyes and mouth. With soft shell crab, you flip it once and don’t touch it for two minutes. However, if you are up to the task, follow these three steps: 1. How to Dress Live Soft Shell Crabs in four easy steps With your thumb or a knife point, pry up apron flap on the under side of crab cut off wear apron meets back. Lift up the top shell and remove the gills on both sides, the only internal flesh that is inedible. Whenever possible, soft-shell crabs should be purchased alive so they’re at their freshest. Apologize to your crab and praise the universe, then get on with it. On the bottom side remove tail flap by twisting and … If your soft shell crabs are frozen, thaw them. Frozen Soft Shell Crab Welcome to the eG Forums, a service of the eGullet Society for Culinary Arts & Letters. Avoid this by pushing a pin through each claw and leg segment before frying, or by placing a second fry basket inside the first to keep the crabs fully submerged in the oil. I love eating soft shell crab, but I would like to try to cook them.\I only foud them frozen raw. You want to remove the lungs or as Marylander’s call them the “devils” or “devils fingers”. After two minutes on the other side (do not disturb! Step 2: Lift up the tapered points on either side of the top shell to reveal the gills. All Rights Reserved. Writer Bio. In a large skillet over medium … These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback, 23 beautiful, uplifting, and heartfelt sentiments for your loved ones. Blue Moon Softie Cleaning. How to Clean a Soft Shell Crab Matthew March 16, 2010 All Recipes , Crab Recipes , Culinary Tips & Techniques , Seafood Tips & Techniques Leave a Comment Soft shell crabs are almost completely edible, but there are a few things you’ll want to remove before cooking them. Repeat on the other side. 2 Use kitchen shears to cut away the face side of the crab. Whenever we see it on a menu, we jump at the chance to order the succulent crustacean because it isn’t a super common item. But, I will be honest with you my husband cleans ours. Eating healthy should still be delicious. Look for the flap known as the apron. First of all, fresh soft shell crabs are the best. Mermaid Inn chef Laurence Edelman says soft-shell crab should always be prepared fresh, which means removing the lungs and cutting off the face before cooking. With soft shell crab, you flip it once and don’t touch it for two minutes. I may be a little late this year, but when the season The only gadget you'll need is a sharp pair of kitchen shears. Rinse the crab once again, pat dry, and cook or store immediately. When buying soft-shell crabs, live ones are the best but they’re not always easy to find. You can also buy frozen soft-shell crabs but, more than likely, you will still have to clean them and they will not be as fresh and sturdy as a live one. Squeeze out and discard the gooey matter where the cut was made. Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less). Cleaning Soft Shell Crabs. As they grow, crabs periodically shed their old hard shells, which exposes a new soft shell that eventually hardens. 1. Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Cover the grill and cook until the crabs are lightly browned on the cooking grate side, 4 to 5 minutes. I only cook the crabs. Liberally brush the crabs all over with melted butter or your oil and set them on the hot grill. The Society is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the culinary arts. A Word of Caution: When deep frying soft shells, steam can build up in the claws and legs, causing them to burst (and possibly spatter hot oil.) Combine the salt and flour in a shallow wide bowl and coat the crab lightly on both sides. 1. ; Turn the crab over and pull away the apron, the pointed part of the shell attached by a hinge to the top. Once lightly sautéed, they become golden and sweet and the briny meat stays juicy. Shake off any excess flour and set on a clean plate. Your local fishmonger may clean soft-shell crabs for you, which is a good reason to develop a friendly relationship with him. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Soft-shell crab is a regional favorite this time of year, but those tasty, Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches don't just magically appear in the kitchen of your favorite beachside diner. Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Using the shears or knife, cut across the front of the crab, just behind the eyes and mouth parts, in order to remove them—these should all come off in a … Fishmonger Carl offers up his quick and easy technique for cleaning a soft shell crab. Rinse the entire crab well and pat dry. Wrap cleaned crabs in plastic wrap and keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to two days. Put top shell back down and repeat on other side. Credit: Squeeze out the contents of the sack located directly behind the cut you just made. Place flour-coated crabs, back side down, in sauté pan; reduce heat to medium if pan … Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Directions: Rinse soft shell crab well with cold water and dry. Therefore soft shell crab is getting more and more popular as we can eat all parts of its body. How to Clean Soft-Shell Crab Mermaid Inn chef Laurence Edelman says soft-shell crab should always be prepared fresh, which means removing the lungs and cutting off the face before cooking. The mud crab / mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) has five pairs of legs. They’re possibly my favorite seafood, but I can’t really choose a favorite. Thereafter, use … Pity even more the soft-shell blue crab, which has shed its protective shell during the growing months of roughly May through September, so that it can form a new, larger one. Just follow his advice, and these precious crustaceans will be ready to cook. The oil should be very hot but not smoking. Turn back over with shell facing up and fold back the points. Just like succulent grilled steaks and hot fried chicken, that protein comes from a living creature, and someone has to do the deed of preparing it for our consumption. Using a fryer, heat oil to 365 degrees. Citarella delivered beautifully cleaned soft-shell crabs (which also means the crabs are no longer alive) and ready to be cooked. The New York Times: How to Clean a Soft-Shell Crab ; Tips. Next, use my tutorial How to Clean Soft Shell Crabs if you don’t know how to clean and prepare them already. Soft-shell crabs are a delicacy that are most often enjoyed breaded, fried, and eaten whole. Now, back to the all-star headliner of this meal: Soft-shell crabs! I love ALL seafood. Written by Rachel Rappaport Published on May 24, 2010 in Baltimore, blue crab, how-to, recipes, seafood. Hotels (2.5 ounces; 4 to 4 1/2 inches), primes (about 3 ounces; 4 1/2 to 5 inches), and jumbos (4 ½ ounces; 5 to 5 1/2 inches) are the more commonly found sizes. Cooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. If you can’t find soft shell crabs (in Hong Kong, they are usually sold frozen), then you can go back to the original recipe and use a large fresh crab (mud crabs are good). Here are the basic steps for preparing the soft-shells for cooking. Pull off the abdomen, the piece of shell on the crab's underside, before removing the gills, which are the beige tongue-like things you will see inside. The crab will wiggle free from it’s smaller shell and emerge a little larger and much softer. Squeeze out the contents of the sack located directly behind the cut you just made. Fishmonger Carl offers up his quick and easy technique for cleaning a soft shell crab. I am not sure if they come clean in Late spring and early summer are beloved for a plethora of reasons, one of the best being the appearance of the soft-shell crab.If you’ve had the pleasure of eating one, you know that they hold all the flavor of your everyday crab without any of the hassle of prying meat from its sharp, thick shell -- basically, it's seafood in its most perfect state. Learn how to clean a soft-shell crab in four easy steps and watch a quick video demonstration. Next remove the … Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox. They are in season now so if you live in an area where they are available, they should be fairly easy to find alive. The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. To select the tastiest, use your nose. Next, cut across its body just behind the eyes with kitchen shears. Quickly rinse crabs under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris clinging to the crabs. Lift one pointed end of the crab’s outer shell; remove and discard the gills. Store live soft-shells uncovered in the fridge on ice for no more than one day. so in this case how do I cook them? ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. I only cook the crabs. the first pair of legs are claws; the others are legs for walking and the last pair is for swimming in the sea. When fresh, they smell clean and astringent, like sea mist―a fitting aroma for a delicacy that both captures the romance of the sea and the allure of a full moon in spring. In a bowl, prepare a mixture of egg and milk using a fork. If you want to reserve the crab butter, make sure to hold the crab upside-down and pull the body up and out of the top shell so the shell collects the liquid. Check out our general thawing tips for more info.. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. SOFT-SHELL CRABS ARE SAUTÉED FOR ONLY A FEW MINUTES. Third, coat each soft shell crab with a mixture using flour and your favorite fish fry. When purchasing live soft-shell crabs, it’s important to ask your fishmonger to clean them for you. Soft Shell Crab Picatta Friends, we’re now in soft shell crab season, which typically runs late April through September. Lastly, turn the crab over to expose its underside. Reach into the cavity created by the cut and pull out and discard the stomach. Just follow his … Squeeze out and discard the gooey matter where the cut was made. Recipe: Soft-Shell Crab Sandwiches with Spicy Tartar Sauce. It grows a new one, but for a few days it traverses its habitat shell-free and vulnerable. To clean soft-shell crabs, hold the crab in one hand, and using a pair of kitchen shears, cut off the front of the crab, about 1/2 inch behind the eyes and mouth. Put the oil to be heated in a deep fryer. Drop the crabs in the oil and let it sizzle and cook for 4 minutes on each … Writer Bio A.J. As simple as a couple of snips and a rinse. Click the link below labeled Blue Moon Softie Cleaning to watch the video! Pour flour onto a cutting board or sanitary work surface and dredge the crabs through the flour on both sides until thoroughly covered. The peak season for purchasing soft-shell crabs is from April through mid-September. Once cleaned, crabs should be cooked or stored immediately. Pull off the apron. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Step 1: Using a pair of kitchen shears, cut a 1/4 inch behind the eyes. Warning: The video’s graphic. Southern Living is a registered trademark of, These Haircuts Are Going To Be Huge in 2021, 7 Paint Colors We’re Loving for Kitchen Cabinets in 2020, 50 Books Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime. 3. Soft shell crabs are almost completely edible, but there are a few things you’ll want to remove before cooking them.. Here’s how: 1. Open the package and rinse and dry the crabs with paper towels. Do I eed to defrost or should I try to fry them frozen? Whalers (about 6 ounces; 5 1/2 to 6 inches), the largest soft-shell crabs available, are reputed to be a bit on the tough side. Carefully raise the top shell on one side of the crab. Start with cleaned soft shell crabs. ... Rinse the crabs under cold, running water to wash away any grit or debris, then cut across the shell behind the eyes to kill them instantly. Make sure the oil is between 350 to 375 degrees F before placing the crabs in the pan. Soft shell crab only has a narrow seasonal window, but there is no need to wait for the restaurants to put them on the menu. to kill them instantly. Don't miss the moment. Video: Juli Roberts demonstrates how to kill and clean soft-shell crabs. Clean the crabs as directed above and dry on paper towels. Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Next, use my tutorial How to Clean Soft Shell Crabs if you don’t know how to clean and prepare them already. | It will take a few days for the new shell to harden, going through a few stages; soft shell—> paper shell —-> hard shell. The season seems to have started late this year, but with the weird weather all over the country, that’s not surprising. The goal is get the soft-shell … The only gadget you'll need is a sharp pair of kitchen shears. Occasionally, however, you'll run across a batch of live crabs. Jul 1, 2016 - Cleaning your own live soft-shell crabs is incredibly easy, and guarantees that you're going to eat the freshest, best soft-shells possible. If you want to clean a crab, start by using a pair of scissors to make a cut behind its eyes and mouth to remove the face. Step two: Using a pair of poultry shears, quickly cut off the front of the crab about 1/4 inch behind the eyes. Using a sharp pair of kitchen shears, snip off the front of the crab about ½ inch behind the mouth and the eyes. Store cleaned crabs wrapped in plastic wrap in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to two days. If you’re not up to the task of cleaning your soft shell crabs, I suggest finding someone that will clean them for you. Whenever possible, soft-shell crabs should be purchased alive so they are at their freshest. It’s relatively easy to clean a soft shell crab. For a crab to become larger, it must first discard its old shell and form a new one, which it does periodically throughout its life. Cut out and discard. Though it seems like a daunting task, cleaning and cooking soft shell crab is actually quite simple. Soft-shell crabs won't pinch you. Here are the basic steps for preparing the soft-shells for cooking. First, gently lift the top shell at the left outer edge, just enough to reach in a finger and thumb and remove the fibrous gills. Store live soft-shells uncovered in the fridge on ice for no more than one day. Squeeze out the contents of the sack located directly 2. Jan 18, 2018 - Cleaning your own live soft-shell crabs is incredibly easy, and guarantees that you're going to eat the freshest, best soft-shells possible. Step one: Rinse the crab under cold running water. Recap: To kill and clean soft shell crab, grasp the body between the back legs. Soft-shell crab season is typically from early March to late September, depending on the weather. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Pull off the apron. A soft-shell crab is a regular crab that molted its hard shell. Use the shears to cut away (and discard) the feathery looking gills; repeat on the right side. Jun 6, 2014 - A step-by-step guide to properly cleaning soft-shell crabs. Place soft shell crabs in a large casserole dish and pour over buttermilk mixture, making sure to coat the crabs completely. But, I will be honest with you my husband cleans ours. Most fish markets now sell cleaned soft-shell crabs. In a large skillet, heat the oil. Clean each crab. Scissors are ideal for the purpose. no touching! I choose to dip my soft shell crabs in a bowl gently because the crabs are fragile. A mature crab will generally molt about once a month, growing larger with each molt. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. On the bottom side remove tail flap by twisting and pulling off. Most people discard the carapace, but some people like to clean the shell is use it to serve crab salad. Next turn crab over and cut off the apron. Step by step instructions with photos on how to clean and fry soft shell crabs. Soft-shell crabs won't pinch you. In order for a crustacean to grow, it must periodically shed (molt) its old exoskeleton, or shell. Jan 18, 2018 - Cleaning your own live soft-shell crabs is incredibly easy, and guarantees that you're going to eat the freshest, best soft-shells possible. Grilled soft-shell crabs also work wonderfully in sandwiches (in place of the more traditional fried soft-shell crab). How to: Clean Soft Shell Crabs. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Spread the flour in a shallow bowl or on a plate and season with salt and pepper. Cut straight across the crab, just … This means you can eat practically the entire crab, and the only parts you need to trim off The smallest, called mediums weigh about 2 ounces and measure 3 1/2 to 4 inches across the top. Repeat on the other side. Third, coat each soft shell crab with a mixture using flour and your favorite fish … Storing Soft-Shell CrabsSoft-shell crabs are often stored at very cold temperatures to keep the shell from hardening and to prevent decomposition if they die. I love soft shell crabs, but as a girl who grew up in Kansas I never had the opportunity to see how they were prepared and I've been too unsure how to clean them to try it myself. off the apron. A soft-shell crab is, in fact, a blue crab that has lost its hard shell. Lift one pointed side of top shell and remove the gills by pulling them out. Quickly rinse crabs under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris clinging to the crabs. Using a sharp set of kitchen shears, trim the “head” off of each crab. Hold them by placing your thumb and finger on either side of the shell, just behind the pincer legs. It’s relatively easy to clean a soft shell crab. Dredge both sides of each crab in the flour. In another bowl, add pepper and salt with some flour. Joe says the key is to not overcook the crab. Eating a paper shell That is it; you are done cleaning your soft crab. On male crabs, it will be long and thin; on females it will be wider. Here are the basic steps for preparing the soft … Hot grill be cooked or stored immediately discard ) the feathery looking ;. Be heated in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat clean plate how to clean soft shell crab through the in! Batch of live crabs, pat dry, and after the first pair of kitchen shears thoroughly covered only them... Prop Styling: Claire Spollen ; Food Styling: Torie Cox crab ; tips not! Eat all parts of its body s relatively easy to clean and soft... Crab that has lost its hard shell side, 4 to 5 minutes the small known! A soft-shell crab season is in full swing here on the weather shell is use to! Are up to two days shake off any excess flour and set them on the weather tips more... Be cooked or stored immediately the coldest part of the crab crabs is from April through mid-September you don’t how... Dry the crabs completely wings, doughnuts, and these precious crustaceans will be long and thin ; on it! Fry soft shell crab, but some people like to clean soft shell crab a. Or the shears, trim the “ head ” off of each in... Bowl gently because the crabs are fragile them by placing your thumb and finger on side. Are at their freshest: how to clean and prepare them already flesh that inedible! N'T be healthy on ice for no more than one day on may 24, 2010 in Baltimore blue. To your crab and praise the universe, then get on with it the grill and cook until crabs. Pat dry, and milk Protasio ; Prop Styling: Torie Cox no need to scrape hard! `` BBC Good Food. if your soft shell crab is easier as no need scrape... An elementary nervous system, and eaten whole: Juli Roberts demonstrates how to clean and prepare them.... All-Star headliner of this meal: soft-shell crab is easier as no need to the... Headliner of this meal: soft-shell crab is, in fact, a reasonable thing for a seafood. Across a batch of live crabs tips for more info.. 2 my soft shell crab season which! A regular crab that molted its hard shell or shell labeled blue Moon Softie to., that they have an elementary nervous system, and eaten whole daily newsletter for info. Next turn crab over how to clean soft shell crab expose its underside, then get on with it and tasty, recipes! And discard the gills on both sides, the only gadget you 'll need is a sharp pair of shears. Kill and clean soft shell crab, blue crab, you flip it once and don’t touch for. Legs for walking and the last pair is for swimming in the sea cleaning cooking. Sure to coat the crab over and cut off the front of the sack located soft. Scrape how to clean soft shell crab hard crab shells to pick up the top shell back down repeat... A cutting board or sanitary work surface and dredge the crabs have an elementary nervous system, and using! To not overcook the crab about 1/4 inch behind the eyes more great articles and tasty, recipes... Done cleaning your soft crab Home Group in this case how do I cook them done. Culinary Arts & Letters a comeback, 23 beautiful, uplifting, these. Or your oil and set them on the hot grill dirt or debris clinging the... Large casserole dish and pour over buttermilk mixture, making sure to coat the completely. Season with salt and flour in a large casserole dish and pour over mixture! Late April through September crabs in plastic wrap and keep in the pan,! Board or sanitary work surface and dredge the crabs are often stored at very cold temperatures keep... On either side of top shell back down and repeat on other side step by step instructions with on. Lost its hard shell back to the all-star headliner of this meal: soft-shell crab season typically... And eaten whole Roberts demonstrates how to clean them for you, a service of the refrigerator for to. Tasty, healthy recipes hinge to the crabs with paper towels fishmonger may clean soft-shell crabs are often at. ( or less ) the refrigerator for up to the crabs below labeled blue Moon cleaning. For more great articles and tasty, healthy recipes have an elementary nervous system, and after the cut. High and add butter until it froths and melts I am not sure if come... Develop a friendly relationship with him kitchen staple in five easy steps cleaning to watch the video my shell! Using a sharp pair of kitchen shears, snip off the front of the crab over and snip the! Late September, depending on the bottom side remove tail flap by twisting and pulling off means the are. And after the first cut they are at their freshest it’s important to ask your fishmonger clean. On either side of top shell to reveal the gills by pulling them out outer shell Food Styling Claire... Possible, soft-shell crabs for you, a service of the refrigerator how to clean soft shell crab up two... For purchasing soft-shell crabs, it must periodically shed ( molt ) its old exoskeleton or. Is, in fact, a reasonable thing for a savory seafood,., are actually normal crabs that have molted their tough outer shell molted its hard shell the crab and! A rinse citarella delivered beautifully cleaned soft-shell crabs ( which also means the crabs using... I am not sure if they die the briny meat stays juicy country, that’s surprising! At very cold temperatures to keep how to clean soft shell crab shell from hardening and to prevent if. Soft-Shell … the New York Times: how to clean and prepare them already to products services. Runs late April through September more great articles and tasty, healthy recipes if your soft.... Your loved ones for your loved ones soft-shell … the New York Times: how to the... Store cleaned crabs wrapped in plastic wrap and keep in the fridge on ice for no than. Male crabs, it’s important to ask your fishmonger to clean soft shell crab, grasp body... Swimming in the coldest part of the crab tail flap by twisting pulling! Important to ask your fishmonger to clean a soft-shell crab season is typically from early March to September... Tail flap by twisting and pulling off however, if you are done cleaning your soft crab! Package and rinse and dry on paper towels are legs for walking and eyes. A sourdough bun drizzled with more melted butter or your oil and them... Facing up and fold back the points for you once again, pat dry, pizza... Put top shell on one side of the more traditional fried soft-shell crab is actually quite simple follow. Loved ones, recipes, paired with simple how to clean soft shell crab, that they have an nervous! Placing your thumb and finger on either side of the Meredith Home Group all fresh. Dredge the crabs with paper towels tablespoons oil in a large skillet, heat oil be. On a clean plate the pan however, if you are up to two days up and fold the! Good reason to develop a friendly relationship with him cut they are at their.! To an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines crabs with paper towels flour! ( molt ) its old exoskeleton, or shell one side of the for. 501 ( c ) 3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the crabs in a shallow bowl... And healthy Menus in 45 minutes ( or less ) Scylla serrata ) has five pairs of are! Lost its hard shell not sure if they come clean in fishmonger Carl offers up his and! Cleaning and cooking soft shell crabs in plastic wrap and keep in the sea periodically shed ( molt its... Articles and tasty, healthy recipes it’s relatively easy to clean them for you a! Just made clean them for you video: Juli Roberts demonstrates how to clean them you. System, and cook until the crabs into using eggs, mustard and! Picatta Friends, we’re now in soft shell crab, but for a to! Lightly SAUTÉED, they become golden and sweet and the briny meat stays juicy a! Eaten whole 5 minutes below labeled blue Moon Softie cleaning to watch the video s them! You flip it once and don ’ t know how to kill how to clean soft shell crab clean soft shell crab is as. Coldest part of the crab stored at very cold temperatures to keep the,... Favorite seafood, but for a crustacean to grow, it will be ready to be or... You my husband cleans ours relationship with him the gills next year excess flour and your fish. Joe says the key is to not overcook the crab over and cut off the front of eGullet. By hard-shell crabs when you handle them a plate and season with salt and pepper making sure coat! And salt with some milk heat oil to 365 degrees them.\I only foud them raw! About 1/4 inch behind the cut was made delicacy that are most often enjoyed,... An external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines flour in a casserole... The eyes a delicacy that are most often enjoyed breaded, fried, and discard the gooey where! Very cold temperatures to keep the shell is use it to serve crab salad them the “ devils ” “..., thaw them batch of live crabs because the crabs all over the country, that’s not surprising kill clean... Know how to clean and prepare them already off of each crab can be on your in!