Fried Soft Shell Crabs

[Mama Mangia]

FRIED SOFT SHELL CRABS

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
12 Maryland soft shell crabs, cleaned
fat or oil, for frying
Mix together flour and seafood seasoning. Dredge crabs in flour mixture to coat well.

In large fry pan or electric skillet, heat about 1/2 inch cooking oil to 375*. Add crabs and turn heat down to 350 degrees. Cook crabs until browned, about 5 minutes on each side. Serves 6 (2 crabs each).

[Mama Mangia]

FRIED SOFT SHELL CRABS 2

12 fresh soft-shell crabs
3 lg. eggs
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1-1/2 c. cornmeal
1 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
Vegetable oil

To clean crabs:
Remove spongy gills that lie under the tapering points on either side of back shell. Place crabs on back and remove the small piece at lower part of shell that terminates in a point (the apron). Wash crabs thoroughly; drain well.

Combine eggs and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a large shallow dish. Add crabs, turning to coat. Let stand 10 minutes. Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, pepper, garlic powder and red pepper. Remove crabs from egg mixture. Let stand 5 minutes; dredge in cornmeal mixture again.

Pour oil to depth of 1/2" into a large heavy skillet or electric skillet; heat oil to 375°. Fry crabs 2 minutes on each side or until browned. Drain; serve immediately with tarter sauce, lemons, cocktail sauce or peanut sauce.