FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRABS

Prep Time: 45 Minutes
Yields: 6 Servings

Comment:
As crabs grow they molt, discarding their old shells to make room for new, larger ones. Once the old shell has been shed, the new covering is soft for a couple of hours. Soft-shell crabs were always considered a luxury in New Orleans where they graced the most aristocratic tables. Soft-shell crabs are still a delicacy today and are eaten in many ways, but frying them is definitely the most popular preparation method.

Ingredients for Batter:
1 cup milk
½ cup water
2 eggs
3 tbsps Creole mustard
salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Method for Batter:
In a 1-quart mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well blended. Set aside.

Ingredients for Breading:
2 cups yellow corn flour
2¼ tsps salt
1½ tsps granulated garlic
1½ tsps cracked black pepper
1½ tsps cayenne pepper
1½ tsps thyme

Method for Breading:
In a 1-quart mixing bowl, combine all breading ingredients and mix well. Set aside.

Ingredients for Frying:
6 soft-shell crabs, cleaned
1½ quarts vegetable oil

Method for Frying:
In a Dutch oven or home-style deep-fryer such as a FryDaddy®, preheat oil to 375°F according to manufacturer's directions. Place soft-shell crabs in batter and marinate 10–15 minutes. Drain excess liquid from crabs and coat well in breading mixture, shaking off excess. Fry 1 at a time until crab turns golden brown and floats to top of oil. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove crab from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot, topped with Louisiana-Style Crawfish Étouffée (see recipe).