Best 5 Fried Hard Crabs In Gravy Recipes

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Are you craving a delectable and savory seafood dish that tantalizes your taste buds? Look no further than fried hard crabs smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This classic Southern delicacy is a true culinary gem, offering a perfect balance of crispy texture and succulent crab meat. With its distinct blend of spices and aromatic herbs, the gravy elevates the flavors of the crab to new heights, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're a seasoned seafood enthusiast or just looking for a new and exciting dish to spice up your dinner table, fried hard crabs in gravy is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRAB



Fried Soft-Shell Crab image

These crabs are fried to a light crisp, and you can eat the whole crab. It is my favorite food.

Provided by WESBRYANT

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Seafood Main Dish Recipes     Crab

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 soft-shell crabs
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups oil for frying, or as needed

Steps:

  • Clean each crab. Lift one pointed side of top shell and remove the gills by pulling them out. Put top shell back down and repeat on other side. On the bottom side remove tail flap by twisting and pulling off. Using a pair of scissors, remove the face by cutting behind the eyes. Rinse the crabs thoroughly with cold water. Dry on paper towels.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees F). In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk using a fork. In a separate bowl, stir salt and pepper into the flour. Lightly salt the crab, then dip in the flour, dip in the egg, then in the flour again.
  • Carefully place crabs into the deep-fryer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown on one side. Carefully turn over, and cook until golden on the other side. Drain on paper towels. Serve as soon as they are cool enough to eat. You can eat the whole crab.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357.9 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 65.2 mg, Fat 24.4 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 76 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

CRAB GRAVY



Crab Gravy image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h5m

Yield 8 to 10 portions

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups diced celery
1 1/2 cups chopped leek whites
1 1/2 cups diced onions
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Pinch dried oregano
2 bay leaves
1 small bunch fresh parsley
1 small bunch fresh thyme
12 blue crabs, backs off and cleaned
1 cup white wine
1 gallon canned crushed plum tomatoes
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay
2 pounds linguine

Steps:

  • Combine butter and oil in an 8- to 10-ounce stockpot over medium heat. Add celery, leeks and onions and cook, making sure they do not brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, red pepper, oregano, bay leaves, parsley and thyme. Cook just to bring everything together, about 3 minutes.
  • Add crabs and cook over medium to low heat, covered, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes. Add white wine and cook until wine is cooked out, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and 3 to 4 cups water and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add salt, pepper and seafood seasoning to taste.
  • Boil linguine and pour sauce over top.

MARYLAND FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRABS



Maryland Fried Soft-Shell Crabs image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 to 6 soft-shell crabs
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil
Lemon wedges and tartar sauce, optional

Steps:

  • Wash and clean crabs by cutting off the face just behind the eyes. Lift top of shell and remove the spongy fingers. If the crab is a female (identified by striped markings), remove the back or apron. Rinse and dry.
  • Season flour with salt and pepper and mix in baking powder. Dredge crabs in mixture.
  • Pour oil into skillet to depth of 1 inch. Heat to 375 degrees. Cook crabs on both sides until brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 430, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 48 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 312 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams, TransFat 0 grams

DEEP-FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRAB



Deep-Fried Soft-Shell Crab image

Don't be put off by the idea of eating the whole crab. It's tender, slightly salty, and delicious. And the insides look like straight meat after frying with no visible "guts."

Provided by Brian Genest

Categories     Seafood

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 tablespoon ground paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 (4.5 ounce) soft-shell crabs, cleaned
½ cup milk
2 large eggs

Steps:

  • Heat 2 inches oil in a deep pot to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Whisk flour, bread crumbs, cornstarch, seafood seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder together in a bowl until evenly combined. Mix milk and eggs together in a separate bowl.
  • Dredge each whole crab in the flour mixture, dunk in the egg mixture, then back in the flour mixture to coat.
  • Lower crabs carefully into the hot oil. Fry until they start to float, then fry for an additional minute, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to drain oil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 881.6 calories, Carbohydrate 81.1 g, Cholesterol 218.1 mg, Fat 46.7 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 33.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 1304.7 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

PAN-FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRABS



Pan-Fried Soft-Shell Crabs image

Boom! Pan-fried soft-shell crabs served with lemon-butter and an Asian-inspired ginger and scallion soy sauce.

Provided by ERIKIM21

Time 20m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 13

¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk
3 (4.5 ounce) soft-shell crabs, cleaned
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
1 tablespoon Creole mustard
½ tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine flour and seafood seasoning in a resealable zip-top bag. Seal and shake to mix. Combine egg and milk in a bowl. Dredge crabs in egg mixture, then add to seasoned flour and shake to coat. Shake off excess when removing from bag.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add crabs in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes; flip and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes more. Remove to a serving dish.
  • Mix mayonnaise, chives, pickle juice, mustard, seafood seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together for remoulade. Serve with crabs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 516.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.8 g, Cholesterol 100.4 mg, Fat 48 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 10.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 1224.1 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

Tips:

  • To clean the crabs, hold each crab and remove the top shell, exposing the gills. Remove and discard the gills, stomach sac, and yellow/orange "mustard" from the body cavity. Rinse the crabs thoroughly under cold water.
  • Season the crabs generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
  • For the gravy, use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning. Heat the butter or oil over medium heat, and then add the flour, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring until the gravy is thickened. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
  • To fry the crabs, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the butter or oil and swirl to coat the pan. Place the crabs in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the crabs are golden brown and cooked through.
  • To serve, place the fried crabs on a platter and pour the gravy over them. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or coleslaw.

Conclusion:

Fried hard crabs in gravy is a classic seafood dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for a casual dinner or a special occasion. With its crispy crab shells, flavorful gravy, and tender meat, fried hard crabs in gravy is a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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