In search of gourmet moments that stimulate both taste and imagination, I recently found myself in Atlanta, Georgia, where the classic ambiance of Galatoire’s is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle. The Atlantic City Boardwalk may be the place to come for the “next big thing,” but when it comes to tradition in the kitchen, fairness is the old faithful; and thus, Galatoire’s is a delightful fish to fry, especially Galatoire’s Crispy Fried Soft-Shell Crab in the best of worlds.

Photo Credit – Brandi G. Yelp.com

As soon as I stepped through the doors of Galatoire’s, I felt myself bathed in an atmosphere of undying grace combined with the ineluctable charm of all things Southern. The restaurant’s interior, thick with chandeliers and awash with the reflected glow of polished brass, seemed a kind of hallowed light, or a setting much more likely for a profound event rather than what is, for most, a simple matter of eating and drinking. It was a space that called for one to take pause, and in that pause, to let the growling in one’s stomach reach a level of eventfulness all its own.

With a celebratory presentation, the Southern classic of Fried Soft-Shell Crab arrived at my table. It perfectly captured what Southern cooking is truly about. The crab was fried, and the meal I enjoyed could make no humbler claim to the food that makes the South a very special part of this country. Those who can appreciate the luxury of the lightest pot of vegetable soup topped with a tumble of cooked crabmeat are damned and doomed to always wanting the meal they relish served to them again and again.

Galatoire’s takes great pride in presenting regional flavors and seasonal dishes. The main course I had there could not possibly have been a better representative of that identity. It was a fish dish, and everything about it – the flavor, the texture, and even the appearance – was so perfect that it almost seemed as if it had been written in a recipe or as if it illustrated a pamphlet on how to make a good dish.

Motivated by this superb food, I resolved to create at home a dish reminiscent of the wonderful few hours I had just spent at Galatoire’s. Of course, I could duplicate the precise combination of flavors and textures I had tasted only by returning to the Quarter or calling up the nearby bistro for a take-away. Instead, I roughed out the procedure for making their great Fried Soft-Shell Crab with a filching heart. Then, by way of acidity and efficiency, I reduced its execution to my usual culinary shorthand that, I hope, neatly conveys the essential steps to you.

Chef’s Notes – Fried Soft-Shell Crab

Soft-shell crabs cook quickly, so ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
For a lighter version, you can pan-fry the crabs with a small amount of oil instead of deep-frying.

Occasion Notes

This Crispy Fried Soft-Shell Crab is perfect for elegant dinner parties or as a standout dish for weekend brunches.
Impress your guests with this delightful seafood treat that combines simplicity with gourmet appeal.

Crispy Fried Soft-Shell Crab

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Dive into the delightful crunch of our Crispy Fried Soft-Shell Crab! Perfectly golden and irresistibly crispy, this dish allows you to savor the entire crab, shell and all. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or trying soft-shell crab for the first time, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that’s both simple and quick to prepare. Get ready to impress at your next meal with this exquisite seafood classic!

Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

358

kcal

Total time

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Seafood Preparation
4 cleaned soft-shell crabs
Frying Components
1 quart vegetable oil for deep frying
Batter Mixture
1/2 cup whole milk
1 large chicken egg
Coating Mixture
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusted to taste
Alternative Ingredients
Almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Directions

Preparation of Crabs – Clean each crab by lifting the shell slightly to remove and discard the gills and tail flap. Use kitchen scissors to trim away the face. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Batter Preparation – In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until fully combined.
Flour Mixture – In another shallow bowl, mix the flour with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
Coating Process – Season the crabs lightly with salt. Dredge each crab in the flour mixture, shake off excess, then dip into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off. Press each side into the flour mixture to coat evenly.
Frying – Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C). Fry the crabs in batches if necessary until golden brown on each side, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.