Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, Soft Shell Crabs Mia is a seafood lover’s dream that’s perfect for any occasion. This irresistibly delicious recipe features delicate soft shell crabs coated in seasoned flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunchy texture. Pan-fried to perfection and drizzled with a luscious garlic-lemon butter sauce, these crabs offer a vibrant combination of tangy, buttery, and savory notes. Garnished with fresh parsley and served alongside zesty lemon wedges, this dish makes for an elegant yet approachable seafood entrée. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a gourmet meal at home, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 35 minutes. Perfectly crispy fried soft shell crabs, rich lemon butter, and a hint of spice make this dish unforgettable.
Clean the soft shell crabs by trimming the front area (remove the eyes and mouth). Lift the sides of the shell and remove the gills. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together to create an egg wash.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
Dredge each crab in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it in the egg wash, then coat it evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully add the crabs to the skillet, cooking 2-3 at a time to avoid overcrowding.
Fry each crab for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Discard the oil from the skillet and wipe it clean. Reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Pour the lemon-butter sauce over the fried soft shell crabs.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for garnish.
Calories |
2685 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.0 g | 238% | |
| Saturated Fat | 52.7 g | 264% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 819 mg | 273% | |
| Sodium | 4149 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.7 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 114.3 g | 229% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 570 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 1290 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.