Where to Buy Frozen Soft Shell Crab Near Me

Soft shell crab is a delicious seasonal delicacy that many seafood lovers look forward to every year. While soft shell crabs are only harvested during certain times of the year, you can enjoy them year-round by purchasing frozen soft shell crabs. If you’re wondering where to find frozen soft shell crab near you this guide will walk you through your options.

What are Soft Shell Crabs?

Soft shell crabs are blue crabs that have recently molted their hard outer shell. During this brief window after molting and before the new shell hardens the entire crab is edible. Soft shell crabs have a sweet tender texture and delicious crab flavor that crab aficionados crave.

The soft shell crab season coincides with the peak blue crab molting period, which occurs in early spring through early fall depending on location. In the Chesapeake Bay, the heart of soft shell crab country, the season runs from April/May through September. During this time, soft shell crabs are abundant and many restaurants feature them as daily specials.

Outside of soft shell season, the only way to enjoy these delectable crabs is to buy them frozen. Frozen soft shells retain their texture and flavor remarkably well.

Where to Buy Frozen Soft Shell Crabs

You have several options for purchasing frozen soft shell crabs, even if you don’t live near the Chesapeake Bay where they are harvested. Here are some of the best places to buy frozen soft shells:

Online Seafood Retailers

Ordering frozen seafood online has become very popular in recent years. The best online seafood companies ship overnight to ensure the seafood arrives as fresh as possible. When ordering soft shell crabs online, look for companies like Crab Dynasty that source soft shells from the Chesapeake Bay during peak season and immediately freeze them to lock in freshness.

The major benefits of ordering online include convenience, wide selection, and overnight shipping direct to your door. You can order exactly what you want, whether it’s a few soft shells for dinner tonight or a large bulk order to stock up your freezer.

Local Seafood Markets

Check with your local specialty seafood market to see if they stock frozen soft shell crabs. The seafood counter at well-stocked grocery stores may also carry them when they are in season.

The benefit of buying from a local seafood market is you can inspect the soft shells in person rather than ordering them sight unseen online. Look for plump crabs with an intact shape. Avoid any with broken legs or shells.

Fish Mongers at Farmers Markets

Many farmers markets offer more than just produce stands – you can often find local fish mongers selling their catch. Talk to them to find out if they ever have frozen soft shell crabs available and request to be notified when they come in.

Shopping farmers markets allows you to buy from local fishermen and takes advantage of your area’s seasonal bounty. The catch is usually very fresh. Just keep in mind selection is more limited.

Seafood Restaurants

Some restaurants are willing to sell diners frozen seafood to take home, including soft shell crabs if they have them in stock. Many Maryland and Virginia crab houses freeze extra softies during peak harvest season to extend the soft shell enjoyment.

Call your favorite local seafood restaurants to ask if they ever have frozen soft shell crabs for retail sale. This allows you to skip shipping costs and buy them already frozen fresh off the boat.

Asian Supermarkets

Markets specializing in Asian foods, especially those with live seafood tanks, are another good place to check for frozen soft shell crabs. Soft shells are popular in many Asian cuisines, so some Asian markets import them frozen from the Chesapeake Bay.

Shopping at Asian supermarkets expands your options beyond just what’s locally in season. You can often find imported seafood and specialty ingredients you won’t find at regular grocers.

What to Look for When Buying Frozen Soft Shell Crabs

To end up with delicious soft shell crabs, it’s important to start with a quality product. Here’s what to look for when purchasing frozen soft shells:

• Reputable seller – Buy from a trusted source known for fresh seafood. Online companies should ship overnight. Avoid discount seafood that may be old or mishandled.

• Firm not mushy – Soft shell meat should be firm and springy, not mushy or limp. Mushy means they thawed and refroze.

• Intact shape – Legs should be intact, not broken off. Shell should fully encase.

• Bright orange color – Color should be vibrant orange, not dull or brown. Dull color indicates age.

• Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) – IQF freezing locks in freshness better than freezing in blocks.

• Vacuum sealed packaging – Prevents freezer burn which degrades texture and flavor.

Following these guidelines will lead you to the best tasting frozen soft shell crabs!

How to Store Frozen Soft Shell Crabs

Proper storage is essential for preserving the delicious taste and texture of frozen soft shell crabs. Here are some storage tips:

• Place soft shell crabs in a freezer bag or airtight container with as much air pressed out as possible. Vacuum sealed is ideal.

• Avoid storing soft shells in the freezer door where the temperature fluctuates. Store in the coldest part of the freezer.

• Once frozen, soft shells maintain optimal quality for about 9-12 months if stored at 0°F or below.

• When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature or refreeze after thawing.

• If keeping thawed soft shells overnight before cooking, store in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

Following proper freezing and thawing methods will deliver the freshest, best tasting frozen soft shell crabs to your table!

Cooking Your Frozen Soft Shell Crabs

While you can eat soft shell crabs as soon as they thaw, most people prefer to cook them before eating. Cooking enhances their signature flavor and texture.

Here are some popular cooking methods:

• Pan frying – The most traditional preparation. Dredge in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs then fry in butter or oil until crispy.

• Deep frying – Deep frying makes them extra crispy outside while keeping the inside tender.

• Sauteeing – Quick sauté in butter or olive oil. Optionally add garlic, herbs and citrus.

• Grilling – Grill over direct high heat just long enough to get grill marks.

• Baking – Bake in the oven prepped as you would for frying for a lower fat option.

Any cooking method brings out the briny sweetness of the soft shell crab. Prepare them simply with just salt and pepper or incorporate into more complex recipes. They pair well with fresh herbs, citrus, spices, and seafood seasonings.

The next time soft shell crab season rolls around, stock up on frozen softies so you can enjoy them year-round. Following this guide on where to buy frozen soft shells, how to select quality product, proper storage methods, and cooking techniques will ensure you have delicious soft shell crabs any time you get a craving.