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 coastal flavors of our Cornmeal-Crusted Soft-Shelled Crabs with Cilantro-Lime Tartar Sauce, a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Soft-shelled crabs are a true delicacy, offering a delightful combination of tender meat and crispy texture that’s sure to impress seafood lovers. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the crabs while enhancing their flavor with a crispy cornmeal coating that delivers a satisfying crunch with each bite.

The accompanying cilantro-lime tartar sauce adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the richness of the crab. With just a few simple ingredients, this sauce embodies fresh flavors that elevate this dish to gourmet status. Imagine yourself enjoying these savory delights with loved ones—each crab fried to golden perfection and served hot, offering both visual appeal and culinary satisfaction.

Ideal for special gatherings or a comfortable evening at home, this recipe serves up to four, making it a fantastic option for sharing. While the preparation may take a bit of time, the end result is undoubtedly worth every minute spent. Prepare to embark on a delicious culinary adventure that brings a taste of the ocean right to your kitchen!

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