SAUTEED SOFT-SHELL CRABS

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Sauteed Soft-Shell Crabs image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Categories     dinner, lunch, main course

Time 40m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
1/2 clove garlic, chopped (any green part removed)
2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste
1/4 pound chilled, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 to 2 drops lemon juice (optional)
2 medium leeks
Peanut oil for deep frying
8 hotel or 12 prime crabs, cleaned
Milk for dipping
Flour for dredging
3 tablespoons peanut oil
Parsley or basil leaves for garnishing

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a saute pan and add shallot and garlic. Cook gently for about two minutes, or until translucent. Add the tomatoes and stir until the juices are released.
  • Turn up the heat and cook until the tomatoes are somewhat dry.
  • Season with salt, pepper and cayenne.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, a few cubes at a time. Adjust seasoning and stir in the parsley and basil. Add lemon if necessary. Keep the sauce warm (do not overheat or it may curdle).
  • Prepare the leeks. Remove the green part and cut the leeks in julienne. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Heat the peanut oil in a deep fryer and fry the leeks until light golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and salt lightly. Set aside.
  • Prepare the crabs. Dip the crabs in milk, then in seasoned flour. Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet and saute the crabs, starting with the shell side down first, for two minutes. Turn over and saute for one-and-a-half to two minutes on the other side. Drain of paper towels.
  • Serve the crabs on heated plates. If serving two crabs person, spread tomato butter on each plate and place the crabs in a V shape, with the legs facing each other. Mound the fried leeks in the middle of the V and garnish with parsley or basil leaves. If serving three crabs, arrange them in a triangle and mound the the leeks in the center. Garnish.

Hope Lemaster
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I can't wait to try this recipe!


Nazi Technical
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover soft-shell crabs.


Kamil Ah Sadat Moufaq
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I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my crabs turned out soggy.


Kadezia Coker
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These crabs are the perfect appetizer for a summer party.


Sofiya Sankhar
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I love the way the lemon and garlic flavors complement each other in this dish.


Mercy Okyere
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I've made this recipe several times, and it's always a hit. The crabs are always crispy and flavorful.


Arshad Gujjar
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These crabs were a bit too greasy for my taste.


Qaisar Jutt
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I'm not a big fan of seafood, but I really enjoyed these crabs. They were cooked perfectly.


Tristan caleb Chippendale
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The crabs were a bit pricey, but they were worth it. They were so delicious!


Keasha Kwacha
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This recipe is a keeper! I'll be making it for my friends and family all summer long.


Yasmin Arshad
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I'm allergic to shellfish, but I still enjoyed watching my family eat these crabs. They looked delicious!


Liaqat Lashari
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The crabs were a little bland. I think I'll add some more seasoning next time.


Mahir Pk
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These crabs were so good, I ate the whole batch myself!


Khuliso Ramphai
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I thought the recipe was a bit too complicated. I ended up simplifying it, and the crabs still turned out great.


AXMED YARE
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The crabs were a little overcooked, but the flavor was still good.


Shadricka Tema
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These crabs were amazing! I'll definitely be making them again.


Janak Aryal
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I've never cooked soft-shell crabs before, but this recipe made it easy. The crabs were tender and flavorful, and the sauce was the perfect complement.


Umar Aamir
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These soft-shell crabs were a hit! The batter was light and crispy, and the crabs were cooked perfectly. I served them with a side of lemon wedges and tartar sauce, and they were delicious.