Soft shell crabs are a delicious culinary delight that have a sweet, succulent taste unlike any other seafood. Their unique flavor and tender texture make them a favorite for seafood lovers around the world. But what exactly does a soft shell crab taste like and what makes them so special?
Soft shell crabs refers to blue crabs that have recently molted their hard exoskeleton and are still soft. They are harvested immediately after molting when their new shell has not yet hardened. This gives them their soft, almost crunchy texture. While most crabs are sold after their shell has hardened, soft shell crabs are removed from the water right after molting so they can be enjoyed in their delicate state.
Soft shell crabs are available from spring through early fall when crabs are naturally molting They are highly perishable and their soft shells start to harden within hours of being caught, So quality soft shell crabs need to go straight from the water to your plate!
The Sweet, Succulent Flavor of Soft Shell Crabs
So what do these freshly molted wonders actually taste like? Soft shell crabs have a delicious sweet and succulent flavor. Their meat has a soft consistency that is almost creamy. It offers a more delicate texture than hard shell crab meat.
The sweet taste of soft shell crabs comes from the crab itself. Blue crabs naturally have a sweet, briny flavor in their meat. This sweetness really shines through when you eat a freshly molted soft shell crab. The meat has not had time to become tough and is still infused with sweet juice.
Soft shell crabs also pick up flavors very well They can be fried, grilled, sautéed, or steamed, giving them versatility in preparations while keeping their signature tenderness Seasonings and cooking methods can bring out additional flavors like a buttery grill or crisp breading. Lemon, butter, and herbs also pair nicely with soft shells to enhance their sweetness.
Tasting Soft Shell Crab for the First Time
If you have never tried soft shell crab, you are in for an amazing culinary experience! Here are some tips for your first taste:
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Try soft shell crab at a high quality seafood restaurant known for preparing them well. This will let the sweet crab flavor shine.
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Opt for a simple preparation like fried or sautéed to experience the natural crab flavor.
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Keep an open mind and savor the sweet juiciness of your first bite. Let the tender meat dazzle your tastebuds.
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Order soft shell crabs as an appetizer or entree to make them the star. They pair nicely with fresh lemon and cocktail sauce for dipping.
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Focus on the unique texture, which is crispy on the outside and tender inside when fried.
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Note how the crab itself has a sweetness different from other seafood like shrimp or lobster. Let this natural sweetness delight you.
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Try different cooking methods like grilling or steaming next time to appreciate how the flavor profile changes while keeping the signature soft texture.
Why Soft Shell Crabs Are Considered a Delicacy
It is the combination of their short harvest season, delicate texture, and sweet flavor that makes soft shell crabs an incredible delicacy. Finding them freshly molted before their shells harden requires perfect timing. Their soft shells cannot withstand shipping and storage like hard shell crabs either. This makes fresh soft shells a fleeting delicacy.
They are also labor intensive to prepare because each crab must be cleaned and breaded individually by hand. So soft shell crabs command a higher price tag than hard shell crabs. This adds to their reputation as a decadent seafood treat.
Food critics and chefs praise soft shell crabs for their sublime flavor and texture. They are eagerly anticipated each spring when the crabs begin to molt. Experiencing their unique texture and savoring the sweetness of their soft meat is a must for any seafood lover.
How to Fully Enjoy Their Sweet, Succulent Flavor
Here are some tips to help you fully enjoy the sweet succulence of soft shell crabs:
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Savor them fresh and prepare within a day of purchasing for optimal flavor and texture.
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Keep preparations simple to let the crab flavor shine instead of relying solely on sauces or heavy breading.
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Try frying, sautéing or grilling to experience the soft shells different cooking methods.
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Dip each bite in fresh lemon or remoulade sauce to accentuate the sweetness.
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Use high quality soft shell crabs from a reputable seller, never pre-frozen.
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Focus on each tender bite and appreciate the delicateness of eating these freshly molted crabs.
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Pair with a crisp white wine or light beer so as not to overpower the sweet crab’s natural flavors.
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Share with friends and family so you can all enjoy this decadent seasonal delicacy together.
Soft shell crabs offer an extraordinary culinary experience with their short season, delicate texture, and sublime sweet flavor. Savoring their taste is a unique summer pleasure that all seafood aficionados should indulge in when fresh soft shells are available!
What Does a Soft Shell Crab Taste Like?
If you’ve had crab before, you know it has a savory yet sweet flavor and a soft, light texture.
Soft shell crabs maintain a similar center but are also coated and fried, giving them a characteristic crunch and a buttery flavor.
Soft Shell Crab vs Hard Shell
Soft shell crabs are not a special species of crab.
Their name is literal, and it comes from the fact that they are harvested during the small window of time when they have molted and their new shell is not yet hardened. This soft-shell stage is only 2-3 hours!
All crabs molt, but blue crabs are the ones you will see commercially sold as soft shell crabs in the US. These crabs are found along the Atlantic Coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
Once a crab has molted, it becomes incredibly fragile. Unfortunately, this means that many soft shell crabs that are handled too soon after molting do not survive the trip to their destination. For this reason, crabbers allow the shells to harden slightly before transportation. This is also a delicate process, as they cannot allow the shell to become too hard to eat.
Trying Soft-Shell Crab for the First Time
FAQ
Do you eat the entire soft shell crab?
Yes, the entire soft shell crab is typically eaten, including the shell, after it has been cleaned.
Can you eat the yellow stuff in soft shell crab?
When eating soft shell crabs, you typically do not eat the guts, which are often referred to as the “crab mustard.” While some people do enjoy this part, as it can have a rich flavor, others prefer to remove it due to its texture and potential for a stronger taste.
Why is soft shell crab so expensive?
Why Is Crab So Expensive? Crab is expensive because of supply and demand, and because it’s inconvenient to catch, ship, stock, store, and sell. Unless frozen, it is highly perishable, and it is also subject to more government regulations. In restaurants, crab is expensive typically because it is based on market price.
What is the difference between soft shell crab and regular crab?
After examining many legal size crab, people note that the crab which seem light for their size are generally soft-shelled. The shells of soft-shelled crabs also tend to be white on the underside. The shells of hard-shell crabs tend to be a darker yellowish brown and are often covered with barnacles and algae.