Virginia Fried Soft Shell Crabs
Experience the taste of coastal Virginia with this irresistibly crispy Virginia Fried Soft Shell Crabs recipe, a true seafood delicacy perfect for any occasion. These tender crabs are marinated in creamy buttermilk, coated in a flavorful dredge of flour, cornmeal, and Old Bay seasoning, then fried to golden perfection for a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth bite. With hints of garlic, paprika, and a touch of black pepper, each crab offers a burst of savory goodness. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re best served fresh with a squeeze of bright lemon juice and classic sides like coleslaw or French fries. Whether you’re a seafood lover or trying soft shell crabs for the first time, this dish is a must-try for fans of Southern-style cooking.
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Ingredients
- 8 whole soft shell crabs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 4 whole lemon wedges
Directions
Step 1
Inspect the soft shell crabs and clean them if needed by removing the gills, apron, and eyes. Rinse gently under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Pour the buttermilk into a large shallow bowl or dish. Submerge the soft shell crabs into the buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3
In another shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the seasoned dredge.
Step 4
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a food thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
Step 5
Remove the crabs from the buttermilk one at a time, letting the excess drip off, and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Coat each crab thoroughly and shake off any extra flour.
Step 6
Gently place the coated crabs in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry each crab for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7
Transfer the fried crabs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process for the remaining crabs.
Step 8
Serve the Virginia Fried Soft Shell Crabs immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing on top. Pair with coleslaw, French fries, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2954.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 9960.4 |
| Total Fat 899.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 141.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 538.6g | |
| Cholesterol 693.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6035.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 323.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 25.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 35.9g | |
| Protein 208.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 253.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1517.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 26.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3177.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories