Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›McElroy's Harbor House›Fried Blue Crab Claws Recipe

Fried Blue Crab Claws Recipe

Inspired by McElroy's Harbor House
Time45m
Serves4

Served w / Cocktail or Tartar

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Ingredients

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Crab Claws

Dipping Sauce

Method

Preparing the Crab Claws

  1. 1

    Clean the Crab Claws

    Rinse the blue crab claws under cold running water to remove any debris. Pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Breading Station

    In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.

  3. 3

    Bread the Crab Claws

    Dip each crab claw first into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even coating. Set aside on a plate.

Frying the Crab Claws

  1. 4

    Heat the Oil

    In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 5

    Fry the Crab Claws

    Carefully add the breaded crab claws to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

  3. 6

    Drain the Claws

    Using a slotted spoon, remove the crab claws from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Dipping Sauce

  1. 7

    Mix the Dipping Sauce

    In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Serving

  1. 8

    Plate and Serve

    Arrange the fried crab claws on a serving platter and serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

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