Soft Shell Crab Appetizer

| | |
Prep Time: 40min | Servings: 6 Servings

Handy Soft Shell Crabs are renowned for their sweet, delicate, and unique flavor. Fully cleaned and ready to cook, these crabs can be enjoyed whole—shell and all. This appetizer features tempura-battered soft shell crabs served with a fresh tomato relish, making for a delightful and shareable starter.

Tomato Relish

  • 12 Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 TBS Olive Oil
  • 1 TSP Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1/8 TSP Parsley – Fresh
  • 1/8 TSP Thyme – Fresh
  • Dash – Sea Salt&Black Pepper

Tempura Batter (enough for 6-8 crabs)

  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Cup + 3 TBSP Cold Tap Water
  • 1 Egg

  1. Prepare the Tomato Relish:
    In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat, then let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Prepare the Soft Shell Crabs:
    Thaw the soft shell crabs if frozen and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tempura Batter:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cold tap water, and egg. Do not over-mix; the batter should be smooth and should cling loosely to the crab. Add one tablespoon of water at a time to achieve the desired thickness.

  2. Dredge the Crabs:
    Lightly dredge each thawed soft shell crab in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.

  3. Batter the Crabs:
    Dip the floured crabs into the prepared tempura batter, allowing any excess to drip off.

  4. Fry the Crabs:
    Heat the neutral oil in a deep fryer or shallow sauté pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the battered crabs into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on the size of the crabs. Remove the crabs from the oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray for one minute.

Assembly Instructions

  1. Plate the Crabs:
    Place the fried soft shell crab quarters on an appetizer dish.

  2. Add the Tomato Relish:
    Spoon the marinated tomato relish around the crab on the plate.

  3. Serve:
    Serve immediately, optionally with herbed mayonnaise for dipping.