New Orleans Fried Soft Shell Crab Recipe
Cooking up seafood dishes is a tradition in New Orleans and among them is the delightful Fried Soft Shell Crab. This dish is prepared using crabs that have molted and have soft shells. The soft shells are edible and have a sweet flavor, which makes this delicacy a must-try when visiting New Orleans. In this article, we will share with you a recipe for New Orleans Fried Soft Shell Crab that you can easily try at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 soft shell crabs, cleaned and dressed
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Before you start cooking, make sure the crabs are properly cleaned and dressed. It's important to remove the gills, face, and apron before frying them.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the milk.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer, making sure the temperature reaches 375°F (190°C).
- Dip each crab in the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Carefully place each crab in the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Turn them once to make sure both sides are evenly fried.
- Remove the crabs from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off the excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
Enjoy your delicious Fried Soft Shell Crab, New Orleans style! This dish is perfect for a quick snack, a casual lunch, or a fancy dinner. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the taste to your liking.
Tips:
If you don't have fresh soft shell crabs available in your area, you can also use frozen ones. Just make sure they are thawed and properly cleaned before cooking.
If you prefer a healthier option or don't want to fry the crabs, you can also grill them or bake them in the oven.
Pair your Fried Soft Shell Crabs with some classic New Orleans dishes such as Jambalaya, Gumbo, or Red Beans and Rice for a complete culinary experience.
