Soft Shell Crab Basket

Directions

1. 1
   Start by cleaning the soft-shell crabs, removing the gills and the skirt flap.
2. 2
   Refrigerate until ready to cook.
3. 3
   On the stove, over medium heat slowly bring the vegetable oil to 325 degrees.
4. 4
   Then lower the heat to hold the temperature.
5. 5
   While the oil is heating prepare the buttermilk by mixing in the grated lemon zest and season with salt and pepper.
6. 6
   In a shallow pie tin combine the flour and the Old Bay seasoning.
7. 7
   The correct way to batter using flour is a method known as dry-wet-dry, so start by coating the crabs with the seasoned flour then dredging them into the buttermilk and then back into the flour.
8. 8
   Carefully using tongs drop the crabs into the oil and fry until crisp, when golden brown, remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.
9. 9
   Serve the crabs in a basket with French fries, coleslaw, grilled corn, tartar sauce, and lemon.
10. 10
    Another delicious serving method is to eat on white toasted bread with lettuce & tomato and mayonnaise