Fried Soft-Shell Crab

Ingredients

• 4 soft-shell crabs
• 1 quart oil for frying , or as needed
• 0.5 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Lift one pointed side of the top shell of one crab; pull out and discard the gills. Lower the shell and repeat on the other side. Remove the tail flap on the bottom side by twisting and pulling. Use a pair of scissors to cut behind the eyes and remove the face. Repeat to clean remaining crabs. Rinse cleaned crabs thoroughly with cold water, then dry on paper towels.

2. 2

   Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).

3. 3

   Whisk milk and egg together in a shallow bowl. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in another shallow bowl. Lightly salt each crab. Dredge in flour; shake off excess. Dip into beaten egg. Lift up so excess egg drips back into the bowl. Press into flour to coat both sides.

4. 4

   Working in batches if necessary, carefully lower crabs into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on one side, 1 to 2 minutes. Carefully turn and cook until golden brown on the other side, 1 to 2 minutes more. Drain on paper towels.