Soft Shell Crab from Pappadeaux features tender, golden-fried crab with a crispy, flaky coating, served alongside zesty remoulade sauce and fresh lemon wedges for a flavorful seafood delight.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Sheet pan
- Cooling rack
- Paper towels
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Plate for serving
Ingredients
- 4 soft shell crabs, cleaned
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Creole mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced green onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Lemon wedges, for serving
When preparing the Soft Shell Crab from Pappadeaux copycat menu, ensure your soft shell crabs are thoroughly cleaned and patted dry to achieve a crispy, flaky coating during frying. Use a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornmeal combined with spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the crab's flavor and texture. The buttermilk and egg wash helps the coating adhere properly, so whisk them well before dipping the crabs. Vegetable oil should be heated to the correct temperature to prevent soggy or greasy crab, aiming for a golden-fried finish. Your homemade remoulade sauce, made with Creole mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and dill pickle relish, perfectly complements the tender crab, bringing an authentic taste to your dish.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk.
- Pat soft shell crabs dry with paper towels.
- Dredge crabs in flour mixture, coat in egg mixture, then dredge again in flour mixture.
- Place coated crabs on sheet pan.
- Fry crabs in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer crabs to cooling rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
- For remoulade, whisk mayonnaise, Creole mustard, Dijon, lemon juice, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, relish, parsley, green onions, and garlic in a mixing bowl.
- Cut lemon into wedges with chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Plate crabs, serve with remoulade sauce and lemon wedges.
Substitution
Soft Shell Crab from Pappadeaux copycat recipe uses tender crabs with a crispy cornmeal and flour coating, delivering a flavorful seafood experience. If fresh soft shell crabs are unavailable, you can substitute with peeled shrimp or lobster tail for a similar texture and taste. When frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350degF to ensure a golden, flaky crust without sogginess. Your remoulade sauce can be adjusted by swapping Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a coarser texture or adding extra hot sauce to increase spice. Be sure to drain fried crabs on paper towels and a cooling rack to preserve crispiness before serving with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips
Ensure soft shell crabs are thoroughly dried with paper towels before dredging to achieve a crispy coating that adheres well. Maintain the deep fryer temperature consistently at 350degF (175degC) for even cooking and to prevent greasy crabs. Use a cooling rack over paper towels after frying to drain excess oil and keep the crust crunchy. Your homemade remoulade sauce benefits from fresh lemon juice and a balance of Creole and Dijon mustards to enhance the seafood flavors.
Nutritions
Soft shell crab from Pappadeaux provides a rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while the breading adds carbohydrates for quick energy. The dish contains healthy fats from the vegetable oil used in frying and the mayonnaise-based remoulade sauce, which also offers vitamins from fresh herbs and spices like parsley and green onions. You receive key nutrients such as vitamin C from the lemon wedges and minerals from crab meat, including zinc and selenium important for immune function. Keep in mind, the frying process increases calorie content, so enjoy this flavorful seafood delight in moderation.
Storage
Store leftover soft shell crabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess. Keep the remoulade sauce separately in a sealed jar or container and refrigerate for up to 5 days to preserve fresh flavors. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to restore the crabs' crispy texture without compromising their golden coating and tender inside.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs for the cornmeal to achieve an even crunchier texture on the soft shell crabs. For a lighter alternative, try baking the crabs at 425degF (220degC) on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper instead of frying. Incorporating fresh herbs like tarragon or basil into the remoulade sauce enhances complexity and freshness. To boost flavor depth, marinate your crabs briefly in buttermilk with a splash of hot sauce before dredging.
Allergies
Soft Shell Crab from Pappadeaux contains common allergens such as shellfish, eggs, and dairy from buttermilk, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes mustard in the remoulade sauce, which is a known allergen for some people. You should take caution if you have allergies to shellfish, eggs, dairy, or mustard before enjoying this flavorful seafood meal.
Why this recipe?
Soft Shell Crab at Pappadeaux restaurant captivates diners with its perfectly crispy texture and fresh, delicate flavor that highlights the seafood's natural sweetness. The dish is expertly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender crab meat inside. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to bring this restaurant-quality experience into your own kitchen, offering a chance to enjoy a gourmet treat tailored to your taste preferences. Your efforts in replicating this favorite menu item result in a delicious and impressive seafood dish that stands out in any meal.