SOFTSHELL CRAB GRILLING
May 24, 2012
Softshell crab is an acquired taste, one which can only be fulfilled during certain months when blue crabs shed their hard exterior. Here’s VIP blogger Curt McAdams with his take on maximizing the flavor of these perfect crustaceans.
One of the things I never understand that people won’t try is soft shell crab. They’ll eat crab legs, crabcakes, stuffed crab, crab stuffed mushrooms, anything else crab. But you leave the sucker in his shell, even when that shell is really, really soft, and they act like you’re asking them to eat coconut! (Sorry if you like coconut… it’s evil stuff in my opinion!)
Blue crabs molt their exoskeletons when they’re about to grow, up to 30%. During the time when they’ve molted, they enter what I consider, and excuse me for any technical terms, the “delicious phase.” They’re often served lightly battered and fried, but I find I prefer them with no batter, and either lightly sauteed or, preferably, grilled.
I picked up a couple the other day and sprinkled them with a bit of blackened seasoning that my wife made up for me. They then went onto the grill over a hot fire… Usually, the hot part is used just to sear, but with shrimp and soft shell crab, that’s all that gets used. The crabs only need a couple of minutes per side, and they get a bit of a char on the shell while the crab inside is sweet and tender.
They can be eaten as is or in a sandwich. The first time I had soft shell crab was in New Orleans, on a po’ boy sandwich, with a bit of roumalade sauce. I’ll admit they’re a bit different, as the shell is a bit chewy, but it adds an interesting texture, while the crab is sweet and really delicious. What I’m saying basically is don’t be afraid of these little guys! They’re too good to pass up!
Oh, one note about fresh vs. frozen… There’s a substance under the top shell of fresh crabs that is called the “mustard.” This is normal and natural, and tastes pretty damn good. However, don’t be shy about removing it if you don’t want it! If the crab was frozen, this will be removed as it doesn’t freeze and thaw well.
yum! sounds good to me!
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I love soft shell crabs! When I grill them, I brush them with melted butter mixed with Old Bay.
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