Soft shell crab is a sublime seasonal delicacy cherished by seafood lovers for its tender, sweet meat and crispy fried texture. But with a limited harvest period, you may be wondering – where can I find soft shell crabs to enjoy?
This guide will explore the best places to source these delectable crustaceans so you can indulge in soft shell crab even if you don’t live near a coastline,
What Makes Soft Shell Crabs Special
Soft shell crab refers to blue crabs that have recently molted their outer shell to grow a new one. During this brief window the entire crab is edible, since the new shell hasn’t hardened yet.
Normally only the claws and body meat of a blue crab are eaten. But soft shell crabs allow you to savor the delicate meat in the legs and outer shell as well. This yields more tender meat with a crispy texture when fried.
The peak soft shell crab season runs from roughly March to September. This limited harvest period means seeking out quality suppliers to get your hands on them.
Where to Find Soft Shell Crabs In-Person
If you live near where blue crabs are fished, you may find options for buying soft shell crabs locally:
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Seafood Markets – Independent fish and seafood shops, especially in coastal towns, may carry soft shell crabs when in season. Ask if they can special order some.
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Asian Grocery Stores – Markets specializing in Asian foods often sell seafood like soft shell crabs. Check the freezer or seafood counter.
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Farmer’s Markets – Ask vendors if any local fishers sell soft shell crabs. They may connect you with sources.
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Grocery Store Fish Counters – Larger grocery chains may be able to source soft shell crabs through their suppliers. Ask the fishmonger.
If striking out in-person, purchasing soft shell crabs online opens up many convenient options.
Buying Soft Shell Crabs Online
Thanks to overnight shipping and insulated packaging, you can enjoy fresh caught soft shell crabs without living near harvesting waters. Here are some top places to buy soft shell crabs online:
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Specialty Seafood Retailers – Companies like Crab Dynasty and Maine Lobster Now ship live soft shell crabs overnight nationwide, sourced from major fishing areas.
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Local Fishermen – Search for soft shell crab fishermen in MD, VA, the Carolinas and other harvesting states. Many sell online and ship overnight.
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Meal Kit Companies – Services like Blue Apron and HelloFresh include soft shell crabs in seasonal recipes with ingredients and cooking instructions.
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Online Grocery Services – National chains like FreshDirect, AmazonFresh and Walmart Grocery carry soft shell crabs in season and deliver to your door.
No matter where you live, buying soft shell crabs online makes enjoying this seasonal delicacy accessible.
Choosing Quality Soft Shell Crabs
When sourcing soft shell crabs, look for these signs of freshness and quality:
- Clean, bright appearance without grit or murkiness
- Leg meat should bulge slightly from the shell
- Shell feels soft and pliable when gently squeezed
- Sweet ocean aroma without fishy odor
- Lively movement if purchasing live crabs
- Shipped with ice packs if ordering online
- Prompt harvesting, processing and overnight shipping
- Reputable seafood retailer with product guarantees
Top-notch sellers stand behind their soft shell crab quality. Reach out if your order doesn’t meet expectations.
Handling Soft Shell Crabs
Proper handling maintains the delicate texture of soft shell crabs:
- Store live crabs in the fridge up to 2 days in damp newspaper/towel.
- Frozen soft shells keep in the freezer up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
- Eat within 2-3 days after thawing or cooking. Don’t refreeze.
- Rinse and pat dry just before cooking to prevent sogginess.
- Fry, sauté or bake immediately after thawing and cleaning.
With careful handling, freshly shipped or thawed soft shell crabs deliver sweet, tender meat.
Popular Ways to Prepare Soft Shell Crabs
Once you’ve found a reliable soft shell crab source, it’s time to savor these scrumptious crustaceans. Here are some delicious ways to eat them:
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Fried Soft Shell Crabs – The classic preparation! Dredge in flour, egg and breadcrumbs then fry until golden brown.
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Soft Shell Crab Po’ Boy – Stuff fried soft shells into a toasted sub roll with lettuce, tomato and remoulade sauce.
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Soft Shell Crab BLT – Top fried soft shells with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise between bread slices.
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Grilled Soft Shell Crabs – Baste with butter/oil and grill 2-3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
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Sautéed Soft Shell Crabs – Quickly sauté in butter and garlic for 2 minutes per side. Finish with a squirt of lemon.
Any way you prepare them, soft shell crabs are a sublime warm weather delicacy. Follow these tips to find soft shell crabs near you and savor their tender, sweet brininess. With a bit of searching, you can enjoy this seasonal treat no matter where you live.
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Buying Soft Shell Crab
FAQ
Where are soft shell crabs found?
The first soft shell crabs of the year generally come from Florida, beginning as early as March. As the Florida soft shell crab season ends, a new one begins in Georgia and South Carolina, then trickles up the coast to Virginia, Maryland, and into the Northeast.
What months are soft shell crabs available?
The soft-shell is the blue crab in its molted state. The molting process means an abundant supply of soft crabs from late spring to early fall, with May through September ranking as the most productive months. They are available frozen year round.
Is there a shortage of soft shell crabs?
Soft-shell crab, a seasonal delicacy, is currently facing a shortage due to a combination of factors including climate change, overfishing, and unsustainable farming practices.
How are soft shell crabs sold?
Our super soft, soft shell crabs are sold frozen to maintain freshness. Buy some of ours today! Our soft shell crabs shed their hard outer shell, making it possible for you to eat them virtually whole. Our super soft, soft shell crabs are sold frozen to maintain freshness.