Crispy Soft Shell Crabs with Silky Chive Cream Sauce

Crispy, golden soft shell crabs are the star of this luxurious seafood dish, perfectly paired with a velvety chive-infused cream sauce. Whether served as a decadent appetizer or a light main, this recipe brings bold coastal flavors with refined elegance.

🌿 Ingredients

For the Soft Shell Crabs:

4 soft shell crabs, cleaned
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Chive Cream Sauce:

1 tbsp butter
1 shallot, finely minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
Salt and white pepper, to taste
1 tsp lemon juice

🥣 Instructions

Prep the Crabs:
Soak cleaned soft shell crabs in buttermilk for 15–20 minutes to tenderize and mellow any brininess.

Make the Chive Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté the shallots over medium heat until soft. Deglaze with white wine and simmer until reduced by half. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Add chopped chives, season with salt, white pepper, and a touch of lemon juice. Keep warm on low heat.

Fry the Crabs:
Mix flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove crabs from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and shake off excess. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry crabs for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Serve:
Spoon the warm chive sauce onto plates and place a crispy crab on top. Garnish with extra chopped chives or microgreens if desired. Serve immediately.

Amazon Must-Haves to help you make the best Crispy Soft Shell Crabs with Chive Cream Sauce

🍳 Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for achieving the perfect golden crisp
🌿 Herb Scissors – Chop fresh chives quickly and evenly
🍷 White Wine for Cooking – Adds bright acidity to balance the cream
🥣 Heavy Cream Powder – A handy pantry staple for when you’re out of fresh cream
🦀 Soft Shell Crab Cleaner Tool – Prep your crabs like a pro

💡 Helpful Tip: Soft shell crabs are best enjoyed fresh and hot. For extra crispiness, double-dip in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.