Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Old Bay Tartar Sauce

Name: Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Old Bay Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ½ tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 shallot, minced; 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning; 12 soft shelled crabs, cleaned; 6 slices white bread; 6 lettuce leaves (Boston or Bibb lettuce); 1 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced; Old Bay Tartar Sauce; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 -2 pickled jalapeno pepper, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon drained capers; 1 tablespoon chopped pickle (preferably cornichons); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon basil; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning; fresh ground black pepper

Servings: persons

½ tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, minced
2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
12 soft shelled crabs, cleaned
6 slices white bread
6 lettuce leaves (Boston or Bibb lettuce)
1 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
Old Bay Tartar Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1 -2 pickled jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 tablespoon chopped pickle (preferably cornichons)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon basil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
fresh ground black pepper

1
Make the sauce: add mayonnaise, peppers, capers, pickles, lemon juice, chives, tarragon, mustard, and Old Bay seasoning to a bowl; whisk to mix.
2
Season to taste with black pepper; sauce can be refrigerated, covered, for at least 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving.
3
The crabs: melt the butter in a small saucepan over med-high heat.
4
Add in garlic, shallot, and Old Bay seasoning; cook until the garlic and shallot have lost their rawness, about 2 minutes; they should be soft and translucent; do not let them brown; set flavored butter aside.
5
Set up grill for direct grilling; preheat to high.
6
When ready to cook brush and oil the grill grate; brush the crabs on both sides with some of the flavored butter.
7
Place the crabs on the hot grate and grill until cooked through, about 2-4 minutes per side, basting with some of the flavored butter.
8
When done, the shells will turn bright red.
9
Brush the bread slices with the remaining flavored butter and grill them as well, about 1 minute per side.
10
To serve: slather the toast with some of the Old Bay Tartar Sauce; place a lettuce leaf, a few tomato slices, and 2 soft-shell crabs on top.
11
Serve with the remaining tartar sauce on the side.

534

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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How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1 shallot, minced, 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, and more.

Yes, Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Old Bay Tartar Sauce falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!