Fried Soft-Shell Crab

Directions

1. 1
   Pour oil to a depth of 3 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 360°. Whisk together milk, egg, and 1/4 cup water in a large bowl.
2. 2
   Rinse crabs, and pat dry. Sprinkle crabs with seasoned salt. Dredge crabs in flour; dip in milk mixture, and dredge in flour again. Fry crabs, in batches, in hot oil 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels.
3. 3
   Fried Shrimp: Substitute 2 lb. peeled, large raw shrimp with tails (21/25 count) for soft-shell crab. Prepare recipe as directed, heating oil to 325° and frying shrimp, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Prep: 20 min., Fry: 3 min. per batch.
4. 4
   Fried Grouper: Substitute 2 lb. grouper, cut into 2-inch fillets, for soft-shell crab. Prepare recipe as directed, heating oil to 350° and frying grouper, in batches, 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Prep: 10 min., Fry: 6 min. per batch.
5. 5
   Fried Oysters: Substitute 2 pt. fresh oysters, drained, for soft-shell crab. Prepare recipe as directed, frying oysters, in batches, 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately. Prep: 10 min., Fry: 2 min. per batch.