Soft Shell Crabs With Cream Sauce
Description
Indulge in the delicate sweetness of whole soft shell crabs, perfectly fried until golden and crisp, then paired with a luxurious homemade cream sauce. This dish features a robust sauce made with sautéed shrimp, tender crabmeat, and melted cream cheese, creating a velvety texture that complements the crunchy crab shells. The blend of black, white, and cayenne peppers adds a subtle warmth, while fresh basil and green onions provide bright aromatic notes. Ideal for a special dinner party or a decadent seafood feast, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant main course.Directions
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Clean and wash the soft shell crabs thoroughly, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
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In a shallow bowl, beat the egg with lemon juice.
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In another shallow bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne, black pepper, and white pepper.
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Dip each crab into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
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Dredge the egg-coated crab in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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Heat cooking oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
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Carefully place the dredged crabs into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Remove crabs and drain on paper towels. Keep warm.
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For the sauce, melt butter in a heavy pot over medium heat.
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Add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
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Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and all liquid has evaporated, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for 1 minute until softened.
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Reduce heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
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Add the dried basil, salt, and mixed peppercorns to the sauce.
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Gently fold in the crabmeat, stirring slowly to avoid breaking up the clusters.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through.
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Turn off the heat.
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Serve the fried soft shell crabs topped with the cream sauce, or spoon the sauce into pastry shells as an appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1135kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 85g131%
- Saturated Fat 35g175%
- Cholesterol 450mg150%
- Sodium 2900mg121%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 65g130%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.