What do you know about soft shell crabs? Let us help you learn some interesting facts and a bonus soft shell crab recipe!
It is natural to be confused when you hear ‘soft-shell crabs‘. Many may think this is one of the 4500 species of crabs found worldwide in different water bodies such as oceans, rivers, streams and more. Did you think so too? If yes, it is time that you learn what they are.
While the name may suggest that these are crabs with permanently soft shells, what they really are, are crabs that have recently moulted, as a result, their bodies are softer than usual. If you are someone who loves to eat crab meat, you will be happy to learn that soft-shell crabs are simpler to eat, and you get the taste of crab meat more conveniently. They hold all the flavours that you look for in crabs, making them the perfect items to prepare your favourite crab recipes.
These forms of crabs are found mainly in the months of monsoon and autumn when their population is the largest after the spawning season in the spring and summer months. However, this can further vary depending upon the region of availability. The soft shell crabs are harvested with great enthusiasm in several Asian countries so that they can be stored to be enjoyed during the winter months.
Interesting Facts About These Crabs
Here are more interesting facts that you should know. These include:
- They are also known as ‘softies’ because of the soft meat type that they turn into when cooked.
- The complete moulting process of the shell by crabs can last for 4-8 weeks, depending upon the species of crabs.
- Before shedding the shell, crabs form a soft inner shell underneath that swells its body due to the presence of water and to help break the current shell.
- Whatever may the species of crabs be, it is the female crab that has more amount of meat than the male crabs.
What are the health benefits of soft shell crabs?
Eating these crabs is not only a delectable experience but there are also several health benefits of Soft Shell Crabs when cooked in any form. Here are a few:
- They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential to maintaining heart health.
- They make for a good source of Vitamin B12, essential to prevent the risks of anaemia deficiency resulting in regular weakness and fatigue.
How to Cook Soft Shell Crabs?
Ingredients
- 8 pieces of Soft Shell Crabs
- 1 ½ cups of oil
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin powder
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups soda water
- Salt as per taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the flour, coriander powder, cumin powder and salt to mix them well.
- Add the soda water slowly to the mix and keep beating gently to have the consistency of heavy cream.
- Take a deep pan, add oil and allow it to heat well.
- Dip a crab into the batter, remove the excess batter as you lift it up, and carefully slip the piece into the oil.
- Fry each side for 1-2 minutes or until they turn into a nice golden brown colour.
- Repeat the same with all the crabs.
- Serve hot with mint or your favourite sauce!
- Enjoy