Soft Shelled Crabs

[Big AL]

Hello Everyone, Have been reading past posts on soft shelled crabs. Are they really as good as the posts lead me to believe? I have been tempted to try them in a resturaunt but always chicken out  when it comes time to order. Are the crabs cleaned and shell removed prior to making an appearance at the table. Some of the post I've read mention the crabs face and finger being removed, how about the center portion ? is that still on the crab ? Any info will be welcomed.
                    Keep smiling  Big AL  

[Joe Crabs]

Big Al, I personally clean the guts out but everything else goes down the hatch. Tastes great when they are fried and breaded.

[Big AL]

Joe crab,
   I do think next time I have a chance, I may just try one.
      Big AL

[Joe Crabs]

Try it you will love it. My wife said the same thing now she loves them in a marinara sauce. But I have to clean them. Put what ever seasoning or condiments you like, won't regret it.

[Crabpop]

Big Al, here's the scoop:
The shell of a soft shell crab is like paper.  When fried it's about the same consistency as fried chicken or turkey skin....perfectly edible.
Now, when you or any reputable restaurant prepares a soft shell, first scissors are used to remove the eyes and mouth....one quick snip across the front of the crab and the eyes and mouth are gone.  Next, gently lift up the top shell (but don't detach it entirely) to remove the gills and guts. A quick rinse with water, replace the top shell,  and the crab is ready for the pan.  I like to coat my  crab with seasoned flour (season with Old Bay or what ever seasoning you prefer).  Fry in butter, or clarified butter if you prefer, browning on both sides for a few minutes.  Drain on a paper towel.  On to a plate with fresh garden tomato or into a sandwich with whatever condiment you prefer.
You will think you've died and gone to heaven!  

Crabpop

[Big AL]

Hey Crabpop.
   Thank you for the reply. I am not ready to die yet,however I've never known you to give a bad steer to anyone so I'm keeping your instructions on file. Next time I see it on a menu I'll give it a try. Will let you know how I like it. Also if I get a chance this season will try cooking one the way you stated.
                   Keep Smiling  Big Al  

[jack1747]

If you have never had a fried soft crab get one that is fresh the first time.  Forzen softys are noughting like fresh ones.  Many folks that come to visit us say they do not like soft crabs.  I ask them to try just one more time.  Next morning I get the softest of the soft from our float.  Wife makes them up for lunch.  Everytime our guests ask for more.  

Now I aint saying that people that dont like fish and crabs to start with are converted.  Just the ones that have only had resturant soft crabs.

[cw4340]

big al i agree with jack make sure your first ex is fresh you might even be beter cookin youself first pop the top write off cut off mouth &eyes cut off dead man wash gut put you some butter in fry pan put crab in pan season to tatse when turns red flip now you wana talk about some fine eats

[indoe]

I also agree with these fine gentilmen that a home cooked soft crab beats a restraint soft crab 70 percent of the time. A lot of the crabs at restriants are small and have little meat on them. Now if you go buy one that is a Jumbo or whale for 4 to 6 dollars and put it between some bread that is a meal in it's self. I like to cook my crab the same way as Crabpop but slab on some maynaise and 2 slices of sandwatch stackers. (pickels) And maybe a fresh tomato from the garden. Then down the hatch it goe's. I would take my time with one so that I can enjoy every last bite but it tast so good it only last for a few seconds some times. It's ok becouse I have a smile on my face becouse I know I have another one on the plate waiting for me.   I have to stop looking at this part discussion I just makes my mouth water and my stumach growl.   But It wont be long.

[Big AL]

OK Guys. Yall have me talked in to trying the soft shell crab. Seems like most recomendations are for me to cook the crab myself. I have all the directions on file. Next question ? All the soft crabs I've seen are being carried by a large jimmy. Most of them are too small so I always let them go. I suppose I'll have to purchase some. Do most crab places sell soft shell crabs? What is a good way to identify a soft shell crab. Down in Delaware bay we use a shedder crab for bait best way to tell if its a shedder crab is to snap off the point on the shell. Shedder, soft shell, one and the same ?
                                  Big AL

[cw4340]

big al hes a sheder before hes a soft shell a good ripe sheder is about 24 hours away from bein soft crab

[CRABGUY]

DOES ANY BODY REMEMBER THE PICTURES
OF THE CRABS IN VARIOUS STAGES OF SHEDDING
WHAT THREAD WERE THEY ON???

ANY BODY?


CRABGUY

[CRABGUY]

OOPS   NEVER MIND I FOUND THEM

http://www.blue-crab.org/redsign.htm

http://www.blue-crab.org/prime.htm

PICS WERE A REAL EYE OPENER

[jack1747]

Sed this before and I'll say it again.  Hold the bread, hold the lettuce and mayo.  Fry'em up and eat em with your fingers.

[cw4340]

im with you jack ;)some things are ment to be ate that way soft crabs,tomatoes when you take the salt shaker in garden with you come on summer

[jack1747]

Tomatoes, corn on the cob

[Big AL]

And ice cold watermelon  Yummmmm  

[eelfisher]

stop....stop!! you guys got me slobberin all over the keys...........come on summer!!!!

[cw4340]

HANG IN THERE YOU CAN ALMOST SMELL IT IN THE AIR 8

[jack1747]

8 what

[cw4340]

i don,t no were that came from