Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsZippy's KailuaSoft Shell Crab Recipe

Soft Shell Crab Recipe

Inspired by Zippy's Kailua
Time30m
Serves4

Indulge in our exquisite Soft Shell Crab, delicately fried to a golden crisp, showcasing the sweet, succulent meat within. Accompanied by a zesty citrus aioli and a vibrant herb salad, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to coastal bliss. Perfectly paired with a chilled glass of white wine, this is a seafood lover's dream come true.

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Ingredients

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Soft Shell Crab Ingredients

Method

Preparation Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Crab

    Rinse the soft shell crabs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the gills and the eyes if necessary.

  2. 2

    Make the Breading

    In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.

  3. 3

    Dip in Buttermilk

    Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. Dip each crab in buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.

  4. 4

    Coat the Crabs

    Dredge each crab in the flour mixture until well coated. Shake off any excess flour.

  5. 5

    Heat Oil

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

  6. 6

    Fry the Crabs

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

  7. 7

    Drain and Serve

    Once cooked, remove the crabs from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

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