Fried Soft Shell Crab w/ Caviar

Lightly battered and fried soft shell crab achieves a perfectly crisp crust, then is topped with luscious Golden Goat caviar and flaky salt for a luxurious crunch and briny pop. This dish combines simple technique with high-end ingredients for an effortless gourmet experience.

Why You'll Love Fried Soft Shell Crab w/ Caviar

This dish perfectly balances crispy, crunchy soft shell crab with the luxurious, creamy pop of golden goat caviar. It's a simple yet indulgent treat that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Tips and Tricks

• Don't overmix the batter - a slightly clumpy texture yields the crispiest coating.
• Maintain oil temperature around 330°F to ensure the crab cooks evenly and stays crispy.
• Baste the crab with hot oil while frying to get an extra golden, crunchy crust.

Variations

Try these twists to personalize the dish:

• Swap golden goat caviar for traditional sturgeon caviar or salmon roe for different flavor profiles.
• Add finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives to the batter for a subtle aromatic boost.
• Use tempura batter instead of this flour and starch mix for a lighter crunch.

Substitutions

Need to switch up ingredients? Try these options:

• Use tapioca starch or rice flour instead of corn starch for a gluten-free batter.
• Replace AP flour with gluten-free flour blends if needed.
• Canola or peanut oil can substitute for avocado oil when frying.

Best Served With

• Light, crisp salads like watercress or arugula
• Citrus vinaigrette or a lemon aioli dipping sauce
• Champagne or crisp white wine
• Simple steamed rice or lightly seasoned fingerling potatoes

How to Store Leftovers

• Fried soft shell crab is best eaten fresh for maximum crispiness. If needed, store cooled crab in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 day and reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crunch.

Common Questions

Fried Soft Shell Crab w/ Caviar

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Lightly battered and fried soft shell crab achieves a perfectly crisp crust, then is topped with luscious Golden Goat caviar and flaky salt for a luxurious crunch and briny pop. This dish combines simple technique with high-end ingredients for an effortless gourmet experience.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, Seafood

Cuisine: American, Seasonal

Calories: 244

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

• 2 Soft shell crab cleaned
• ½ cup Corn starch
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoon All-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon Baking soda
• Kosher salt to taste
• Sparkling water as needed
• 2-3 cups Avocado oil
• Golden Goat Caviar
• Flaky sea salt

Equipment

• Medium pot or deep fryer
• Thermometer
• Mixing Bowls
• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan

Method

 

Prepare the Batter and Crab

1. Lightly season soft shell crabs with kosher salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine corn starch, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Slowly add sparkling water while gently stirring until batter reaches a thick pancake batter consistency - clumpy but cohesive. Do not overmix.

Fry the Crab

1. Heat avocado oil in a medium pot or cast iron skillet over medium heat to 330°F.
2. Dip each crab into the batter, ensuring full coating. Let excess drip off.
3. Carefully add crab to hot oil. Cook, turning every minute, lightly basting with oil, until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Remove crab and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Immediately season with kosher salt.

To Plate

1. Place fried soft shell crab on serving plates.
2. Top with dollops of Golden Goat caviar.
3. Finish with flaky sea salt and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.03gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 279mgPotassium: 2mgFiber: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.3mg

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