Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs with Tartar Sauce Recipe

Name: Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs with Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon drained capers, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon snipped chives; 1 tablespoon finely chopped cornichons; 1 tablespoon minced pickled jalapenos; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay; Salt and freshly ground pepper; Vegetable oil, for the grill; 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 small shallots, minced; 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay; 4 rolls, split; 12 cleaned soft-shell crabs; Salt and freshly ground pepper

Servings: persons

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon drained capers, finely chopped
1 tablespoon snipped chives
1 tablespoon finely chopped cornichons
1 tablespoon minced pickled jalapenos
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Vegetable oil, for the grill
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 small shallots, minced
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay
4 rolls, split
12 cleaned soft-shell crabs
Salt and freshly ground pepper

1
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.
2
Light a grill.
3
Brush the grate with oil.
4
Melt the butter in a saucepan.
5
Add the garlic, shallots and seafood seasoning and cook over high heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes; don't let the garlic brown.
6
Grill the rolls until golden; move the rolls to a cooler part of the grill.
7
Brush the crabs generously with the aromatic butter and season with salt and pepper.
8
Grill the crabs over high heat, turning occasionally, until bright red, crisp and charred in spots, about 4 minutes.
9
Spread the tartar sauce on the rolls, top with the crabs and serve.

691

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 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon drained capers, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon snipped chives, 1 tablespoon finely chopped cornichons, and more.

Yes, Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs with 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!

Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs with Tartar Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions