Best, Easiest Soft Shell Crabs Recipe

Name: Best, Easiest Soft Shell Crabs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 whole Soft Shell Crabs, Cleaned; 1 cup Milk Or Buttermilk; 1/4 cups Frying Oil Or Fat Of Choice; 1 cup Cornmeal; 2 teaspoons Paprika; 2 teaspoons Cumin; 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder; 2 teaspoons Onion Poweder; 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoons Cayenne (or More To Taste); 1/2 whole Lemon, Sliced

Servings: persons

4 whole Soft Shell Crabs, Cleaned
1 cup Milk Or Buttermilk
1/4 cups Frying Oil Or Fat Of Choice
1 cup Cornmeal
2 teaspoons Paprika
2 teaspoons Cumin
2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
2 teaspoons Onion Poweder
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoons Cayenne (or More To Taste)
1/2 whole Lemon, Sliced

1
Lay soft shell crabs in a baking dish and cover with milk or buttermilk.
2
Let them sit in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
3
Heat frying oil in a large skillet.
4
Combine cornmeal and spices and spread on a large plate.
5
Coat soft shell crabs in the cornmeal and spice mixture, making sure to coat the top and bottom.
6
Put them into the hot oil and fry about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
7
You may need to fry two at at time depending on skillet size.
8
Also if your soft shells are larger than they may take longer than 3 minutes per side.
9
Dont over cook them and dont worry about they being perfectly coated in the cornmeal.
10
Their soft shells form its own crispness once cooked.
11
When done remove them from the skillet using a slotted spoon or spatula.
12
Lay them on a plate lined with a paper towel to cool and drain excess grease.
13
Drizzle with lemon juice and enjoy!

617

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 whole Soft Shell Crabs, Cleaned, 1 cup Milk Or Buttermilk, 1/4 cups Frying Oil Or Fat Of Choice, 1 cup Cornmeal, and more.

Yes, Best, Easiest Soft Shell Crabs falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Best, Easiest Soft Shell Crabs

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions