Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBRAVO! Italian Restaurant & BarFried Soft Shelled Crab & Grits Recipe

Fried Soft Shelled Crab & Grits Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Enjoy crispy fried soft shelled crab served over creamy, buttery grits for a delightful Southern seafood experience.

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Ingredients

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Fried Soft Shelled Crab

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Grits

    In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of grits and 1 tsp of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the grits are thickened. Once cooked, stir in 2 tbsp of butter and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Crabs

    In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika. In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 1 cup of milk. Dip each soft-shelled crab in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mixture until well coated.

  3. 3

    Fry the Crabs

    In a large skillet, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated crabs and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.

  4. 4

    Serve

    Plate the creamy grits and top with the fried soft-shelled crabs. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

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