soft shell crab

[stymie]

planning on pan frying some soft shell crab. never had them. how do you like to eat them?.. I'm leaning towand a sandwich. What kind of bread works well?

[MGZ]

I posted this thread on Friday, perhaps it will help:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847634

[EricMM]

I love soft shell crabs far too much to bury in a sandwich. I just clean them myself, dip them in milk, then dredge them in flour. Sauteed briefly in butter, maybe with a split or crushed garlic clove. Then all they need is a sprinkle of lemon. I could see putting the tougher ones in a sandwich....but its the softest ones possible that I go for.

[tim irvine]

To me soft shell sandwiches are the preferred way to consume them, but as with crab cakes, too much bread is not good. I'd toast a thin white bread like Pepperidge Farms or home made, flour the crabs and brown lightly in a little butter and peanut oil, and go with minimalist toppings, like a light spread of capered tart mayo on one of the slices. Mmmmmm. I miss callinectes sapidus.

[fourunder]

I do enjoy Pan Fried/Deep Fried Soft Shell Crabs.....either alone or on a sandwich with Aioli or Remoulade....but my favorite way to have them is pan sauteed.....first dipped in flour and egg....then dressed in a Francese/Francais or other lemon and butter sauce enhanced with herbs and Concasse Tomatoes ...served with a starch of choice and vegetables on the side.

[1POINT21GW]

I'm with you - I'd put them on some New Orleans French bread and make a po boy out of them.