CRUNCHY SOFT-SHELL CRABS

Crunchy Soft-Shell Crabs image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 soft-shell crabs, cleaned
Buttermilk, for soaking
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup fine cornmeal
1 cup flour
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving optional

Steps:

Soak crabs in a bowl of buttermilk.
In a deep fryer or saucepan, heat 4 inches of oil to 375 degrees.
Whisk together cornmeal and flour, and salt and pepper to taste.
Remove crabs from buttermilk, letting excess drip back into bowl. Coat crabs evenly in the cornmeal mixture. Working in batches, fry until golden brown and crisp all over, turning if needed, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. While warm, season with salt. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.