Chef's Corner: Pan-Fried Soft Shelled Crab

PAN-FRIED SOFT SHELL CRAB WITH SMOKED TOMATO AND JALAPEÑO GRITS

2 soft shelled crabs

1 tomato, smoked

2 jalapeños, smoked

Hickory chips

2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Butter, to taste

1/2 cup grits (not instant)

1/4 cup whole milk

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup all-purpose breading

Dried herbs of your choice

Olive oil

Clean soft shell crabs and set aside.

To smoke the tomato and jalapeños, place wood chips on a hot grill. Score the top of the tomatoes and sides of the jalapeños place near the wood chips and cover for about 10 minutes. This step can be done up to a week in advance. When cool, peel the skins off the tomatoes and jalapeños. Puree the tomatoes and jalapeños in a blender or food processor. Put aside.

In a sauce pan, bring two cups of water, salt and butter to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits.

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for four to six minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the milk and tomato-jalapeño puree, then fold in the Parmesan cheese.

Save some of the cheese for garnish.

Mix the breading and dried herbs and bread all parts of the cleaned crabs.

In a large sauté pan, heat the oil and place the breaded crabs in the pan and cook until golden brown. Turn over and finish the other side.

Place the grits in a bowl and put the crabs on top. Garnish with the left-over Parmesan cheese.

Category:

Howto & Style

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[madtiger111]

@hardcorechicano

In the soft-shell stage, it isn't hard. Molting period = shell is shed.

[Joe3179]

@hardcorechicano

yes, the shell 2, when u deep fry the crab, the shell has a crispy and crunchy texture.

[hardcorechicano]

do you eat the shell also?

[btesh69]

nope, eat as is, freakin good!!

[Guitar4God1]

do you take off the shell and eat it?

[irich62]

FYI, the crabs are alive while this process takes place.

[OneAussieBloke]

cool

[Marseglia12345]

Detroit

[deeziejf89]

You from New Orleans?

[Marseglia12345]

Thanks, I had no idea how to cook the 12 frozen ones I got from MacKenzies LTD yesterday. I hope I can get over the insect aspect to them.