Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 soft-shell crabs, cleaned
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Tongs
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted.
3. Dredge each crab in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Place the crabs in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the crabs from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Add lemon juice and parsley to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Pour the lemon-garlic butter over the crabs and serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 273
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Soft-shell crabs can be substituted with shrimp or scallops.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with cornmeal or breadcrumbs.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with olive oil or coconut oil.
Variations:
- Add hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
- Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or basil for added flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to clean the soft-shell crabs thoroughly before cooking.
- Do not overcook the crabs as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Serve with a side of lemon wedges for added flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Soft-shell crabs are best served fresh and should not be stored for more than a day.
Reheating instructions:
- Soft-shell crabs are best served fresh and should not be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soft-shell crabs on a bed of lettuce or arugula for added color and texture.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or lemon wedges.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crabs are not crispy, increase the heat and cook for an additional minute on each side.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to clean the soft-shell crabs thoroughly before cooking to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Soft-shell crabs are a delicacy in many coastal regions and have been enjoyed for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- The lemon-garlic butter adds a tangy and savory flavor to the crispy soft-shell crabs.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soft-shell crabs as an appetizer or main course with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
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