Seafood

Soft Shell Crab Po' Boy

Soft Shell Crab Po' Boy
Experience a true taste of the Gulf Coast with this golden-fried soft shell crab sandwich, known as the legendary Po' Boy. Each bite features a crunchy, seasoned crust, succulent crab meat, and a zesty homemade remoulade sauce that ties the whole New Orleans classic together.

Prep

20m

Cook

15m

Serves

4


1 Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
4 jumbo 4 pieces Soft shell crabs, cleaned and patted dry
1 cup 120 g All-purpose flour
1/2 cup 60 g Yellow cornmeal
2 tbsp 30 g Cajun seasoning
1 cup 240 ml Buttermilk
1 1 piece Large egg
1/2 cup 120 ml Mayonnaise
2 tbsp 30 ml Creole mustard
1 tsp 5 ml Hot sauce
4 sections 4 pieces French bread loaves (6-inch sections)
2 cups 150 g Shredded iceberg lettuce
8 slices 8 pieces Tomato slices
1 quart 946 ml Vegetable oil for frying

2 Method

1

Step 1. Prepare the Remoulade: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, hot sauce, a pinch of Cajun seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2

Step 2. Set up Dredging Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg together. In a second shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and Cajun seasoning.

3

Step 3. Heat Oil: Fill a heavy skillet or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat to 365°F (185°C).

4

Step 4. Bread the Crabs: Dip each cleaned crab into the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick coating.

5

Step 5. Fry: Carefully place crabs in the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

6

Step 6. Assemble: Slice the French bread open and toast lightly. Spread a generous amount of remoulade on both sides. Layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and one fried crab per sandwich. Serve immediately.

💡 Chef's Tips

  • ·

    Ensure the crabs are very dry before starting the breading process to help the crust stick.

  • ·

    Don't crowd the pan when frying; fry in batches if necessary to keep the oil temperature consistent.

  • ·

    Use a serrated knife to cut the French bread to avoid squishing the airy interior.

  • ·

    A wire rack is better for draining fried food than paper towels as it prevents the bottom from getting soggy.

? FAQ

How do I know when the crab is done?
The crab will turn bright red under the coating and the exterior will be a deep golden brown. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes total.
Can I use frozen soft shell crabs?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted extremely dry with paper towels before breading.
What is the best bread for a Po' Boy?
Traditional New Orleans French bread is ideal because it has a very thin, crispy crust and a light, airy center. If unavailable, use a soft baguette.
What does 'dressed' mean in Po' Boy terms?
When a Po' Boy is 'dressed,' it typically includes mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.

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