Soft Shell Crab Appetizer
LEVEL: Intermediate 40 MINS 6 Servings
Handy Soft Shell Crabs are considered by many to be the best thing from the sea for their sweet, delicate and unique flavor. We think you'll agree. Yes, absolute no shell. Yes, you can eat the entire crab! Yes, we fully clean them for you. Yes, they're always in season and of course, you'll absolutely love them! Cut them in quarters and share among many!
Ingredients
- Handy Soft Crab (Jumbo or Prime), Thawed
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
- Combine flour, 1 cup water, and egg together in a small bowl with whisk…do not over-mix
- Add 1 TBSP of water at a time to achieve desired thickness of batter (it should cling loosely to the crab)
- Thaw soft crab & pat dry with a paper towel
- Dredge crab in flour and shake off excess
- Dip in batter, allow excess to drip off
- Place into hot oil – 350°F degrees (in a deep fryer / shallow sauté pan)
- Cook until golden brown and crispy – cooking times will vary depending upon size of crab
- Place on wire rack or paper towel-lined tray for one minute
- Quarter crab – set aside
- Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise
- Toss with remaining ingredients and let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes
- Place crab quarters on appetizer dish
- Spoon tomato relish around crab and drizzle remaining marinade over all
- Serve with herbed mayo for dipping
