Smith Island Soft Shell Crab

Twelfth-generation islander and Tylerton resident Missy Evans was willing to share her recipe for soft crabs prepared the Smith Island way. Missy’s initial preparation of the crabs is what sets her recipe apart from other soft shell crabs on the mainland. Missy removes the top shell of each crab and cleans out the mustard, delivering a much cleaner taste of the crabmeat.

By / Photography By | July 25, 2019

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 3 Serving(s)
  • 6 Live Soft Shell Crabs
  • 8 ounces seafood breading, House Autry is the preferred product
  • Old Bay Seasoning
  • Peanut Oil for frying

Preparation

Use a pair of scissors to clean the soft shell crabs by removing the top shell, cutting out the gills, and removing the mustard. Cut the ends of the claws and legs to prevent the extremities of the crab from popping while frying. Sprinkle a generous portion of Old Bay Seasoning onto the crab bodies. Dredge the seasoned crab bodies in the House Autry Seafood Breading to coat the entire crab. Using a deep fryer or a pan with peanut oil, fry the crabs for 3-4 minutes on a medium/high heat. The crabs and the breading should have a yellow/orange color, be sure to not overcook. If using a pan, flip the crabs as necessary to cook evenly. Remove the crabs and rest for 2-3 minutes on a paper cloth that will absorb any excess peanut oil. Serve the crabs on a platter with cocktail or tartar sauce or serve on a toasted bun with a thinly sliced tomato and lettuce.

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Ingredients

SERVINGS: 3 Serving(s)
  • 6 Live Soft Shell Crabs
  • 8 ounces seafood breading, House Autry is the preferred product
  • Old Bay Seasoning
  • Peanut Oil for frying
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