Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMerritt CanteenSoft Shell Crab Platter Recipe

Soft Shell Crab Platter Recipe

Inspired by Merritt Canteen
Time45m
Serves4

Make Soft Shell Crab Platter Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Soft Shell Crab

Dipping Sauce

Method

Prepare the Soft Shell Crabs

  1. 1

    Clean the Crabs

    Rinse the soft shell crabs under cold water and remove any remaining gills or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Batter

    In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.

Fry the Crabs

  1. 3

    Heat the Oil

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

  2. 4

    Batter the Crabs

    Dip each crab into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.

  3. 5

    Fry the Crabs

    Carefully place the battered crabs into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

  4. 6

    Drain the Crabs

    Once cooked, transfer the crabs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  1. 7

    Mix the Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, chili sauce, and salt to taste. Mix well until smooth.

Serve

  1. 8

    Plate the Dish

    Arrange the fried soft shell crabs on a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

  2. 9

    Serve with Dipping Sauce

    Serve the soft shell crabs hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

More from Merritt Canteen