Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsMister A'sMaryland Soft Shell Crab Recipe

Maryland Soft Shell Crab Recipe

Inspired by Mister A's
Time1h
Serves4

crispy polenta, garlic cream-scented savoy spinach, corn, lemon caper trout roe butter (gf)

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Ingredients

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Crab

Garlic Cream-Scented Savoy Spinach

Lemon Caper Trout Roe Butter

Method

Prepare the Polenta

  1. 1

    Cook the Polenta

    In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in cornmeal, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 15 minutes). Spread onto a baking sheet to cool. Once firm, cut into squares and set aside.

  2. 2

    Fry the Polenta

    In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry polenta squares until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Crab

  1. 3

    Prepare the Crabs

    Clean the soft shell crabs by removing the gills and innards. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.

  2. 4

    Coat and Fry the Crabs

    Dredge the crabs in flour and then in cornmeal. In a skillet with hot oil, fry the crabs until crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Savoy Spinach

  1. 5

    Sauté the Spinach

    In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add savoy spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Make the Lemon Caper Trout Roe Butter

  1. 6

    Prepare the Butter

    In a bowl, mix softened butter, lemon juice, capers, trout roe, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Plate and Serve

  1. 7

    Assemble the Dish

    On a plate, place a layer of garlic cream-scented savoy spinach, top with crispy polenta squares, and finish with the fried soft shell crabs. Drizzle with lemon caper trout roe butter and serve immediately.

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