Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shelled Crabs with Cilantro-Lime Tartar Sauce

Health score
11%
Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shelled Crabs with Cilantro-Lime Tartar Sauce
4500 min.
4
4602kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the sea with our Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shelled Crabs, perfectly accompanied by a vibrant cilantro-lime tartar sauce. This dish is a true culinary delight that combines the tender, delicate meat of soft-shelled crabs with a satisfying crunch that will tantalize your taste buds. The flaky cornmeal crust not only elevates the texture but also adds a rustic charm that makes it irresistible.

Imagine treating your friends and family to this seafood masterpiece at your next lunch or dinner gathering. With a preparation time that might seem a bit daunting, the end result is well worth every minute. As you soak the crabs in a savory buttermilk mixture, the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. The frying process creates a golden-brown exterior that contrasts beautifully with the succulent crab meat inside.

Whether you're an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will impress. The cilantro-lime tartar sauce provides a fresh and zesty accompaniment that perfectly complements the richness of the fried crabs. Serve this stunning dish as a main course, and watch your guests devour it with delight. Join us in savoring the maritime flavors of this Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shelled Crabs, a splendid choice for those celebrating the joys of cooking and good food!

Ingredients

  • teaspoon pepper black
  • cups buttermilk well-shaken
  • cup cake flour 
  • large eggs 
  • tablespoon kosher salt 
  •  figs cleaned (preferably 4 to 5 inches wide)
  • servings tartar sauce 
  • qt vegetable oil 
  • cup cornmeal yellow

Equipment

  • paper towels
  • whisk
  • pot
  • ziploc bags

Directions

  1. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt, and pepper and pour into a 3-quart shallow dish.
  2. Add crabs and soak, covered and chilled, 1 hour.
  3. Heat enough oil to measure 2 inches deep in a wide 4-quart heavy pot (about 4 inches deep) to 375°F.
  4. Whisk together flour and cornmeal and transfer to a large sealable plastic bag. Lift 1 crab out of buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and shake in bag to coat with flour. Knock off excess flour and transfer to a tray. Repeat with remaining crabs, arranging them in 1 layer as coated.
  5. Deep-fry crabs, 2 at a time, turning over halfway through frying (watch out for popping), until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Return oil to 375°F between batches.
  6. Drain crabs on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce.
  7. If you can't find self-rising cake flour, you can use 1 cup all-purpose or cake flour mixed with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Nutrition Facts

Calories4602kcal
Protein1.3%
Fat92.85%
Carbs5.85%

Properties

Glycemic Index
57.38
Glycemic Load
36.53
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
23.446956541227%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:4601.69kcal
230.08%
Fat:482.71g
742.63%
Saturated Fat:75.78g
473.63%
Carbohydrates:68.36g
22.79%
Net Carbohydrates:62.17g
22.61%
Sugar:14.38g
15.97%
Cholesterol:106.27mg
35.42%
Sodium:1916.19mg
83.31%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:15.25g
30.5%
Vitamin K:874.6µg
832.95%
Vitamin E:39.4mg
262.69%
Selenium:27.04µg
38.63%
Manganese:0.67mg
33.25%
Phosphorus:282.93mg
28.29%
Fiber:6.19g
24.74%
Vitamin B2:0.39mg
22.98%
Magnesium:77.18mg
19.3%
Calcium:188.55mg
18.85%
Vitamin B6:0.35mg
17.53%
Zinc:2.39mg
15.96%
Vitamin B1:0.22mg
15%
Vitamin D:2.06µg
13.73%
Potassium:472.23mg
13.49%
Iron:2.43mg
13.49%
Vitamin B12:0.77µg
12.91%
Vitamin B5:1.29mg
12.9%
Copper:0.26mg
12.76%
Folate:43.15µg
10.79%
Vitamin B3:1.53mg
7.63%
Vitamin A:339.61IU
6.79%
Source:Epicurious