🦀 Crispy Deep-Fried Soft Shell Crab

⏱ Time:

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Cook: 10 minutes

• Serves: 2–3

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🧾 Ingredients

Main

• 4 fresh soft shell crabs (cleaned)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 egg (optional, for thicker coating)

• Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Vietnamese Fish Sauce Dip (Nuoc Cham)

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons warm water

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1 clove garlic (minced)

• 1 red chili (finely sliced)

Garnish

• Cucumber slices

• Lime wedges

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🔪 Preparation

1️⃣ Clean the Crabs

If not pre-cleaned:

• Remove the face (front shell flap).

• Lift top shell slightly and remove gills.

• Trim pointed tips if desired.

• Rinse gently and pat completely dry.

👉 Drying is important for crispy texture.

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2️⃣ Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, mix:

• Flour

• Cornstarch

• Salt

• Pepper

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

For extra thick crust:

• Dip crabs in beaten egg first, then coat with flour mixture.

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Heat Oil

• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

• Oil should be deep enough to fully submerge crabs.

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Step 2: Coat the Crabs

• Dredge each crab thoroughly in flour mixture.

• Shake off excess flour.

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Step 3: Fry

• Carefully place crabs into hot oil.

• Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

• Remove and drain on paper towels.

👉 Do not overcrowd the pan.

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Step 4: Prepare Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl:

• Dissolve sugar in warm water.

• Add fish sauce and lime juice.

• Stir in garlic and chili.

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🍽 Serving

• Serve hot and crispy.

• Garnish with cucumber slices and lime wedges.

• Dip into fish sauce mixture before eating.

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🔥 Pro Tips

✔ Oil must stay at 350°F for crispiness
✔ Do not fry too long or crab will become dry
✔ Cornstarch helps create extra crunch
✔ Serve immediately for best texture

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🌟 Variations

• Add tempura-style batter for lighter coating

• Toss fried crab with salt & pepper seasoning

• Add chopped fried garlic on top

• Make a spicy chili-garlic glaze instead of dipping sauce