Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSalt Cellar RestaurantMaryland Soft Shell Crabs (seasonal) Recipe

Maryland Soft Shell Crabs (seasonal) Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Dive into the essence of coastal cuisine with our seasonal Maryland Soft Shell Crabs. Delicately fried to golden perfection, these tender crabs boast a sweet, savory flavor that captures the spirit of the Chesapeake Bay. Served with a zesty remoulade and a squeeze of fresh lemon, this dish is a true celebration of summer's bounty. Experience the soft crunch and succulent meat that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

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Ingredients

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Crab Preparation

Breading

Garnish

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Clean the Crabs

    Rinse the soft shell crabs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the gills and any unwanted parts.

  2. 2

    Season the Crabs

    Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the crabs and set aside.

Breading Setup

  1. 3

    Prepare the Breading

    In a shallow dish, combine the flour and cornmeal. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.

Cooking

  1. 4

    Coat the Crabs

    Dip each crab first into the egg and milk mixture, then dredge in the flour and cornmeal mixture until fully coated.

  2. 5

    Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.

  3. 6

    Fry the Crabs

    Carefully add the breaded crabs to the hot oil, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.

Serving

  1. 7

    Plate the Crabs

    Remove the crabs from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

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