Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs

Name: Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons minced shallots; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 3 ounces white port; 3 ounces heavy cream; 1 2-inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated; 4 ounces unsalted butter, chopped in pieces; Coarse salt and cayenne pepper to taste; 8 jumbo soft-shell crabs, cleaned; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Freshly ground white pepper to taste; 1 large scallion, thinly sliced; 1 small bunch fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Recipe from Gotham Bar and Grill

Adapted by Moira Hodgson

Updated Oct. 11, 2023

Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rating: 4(33)
Comments: Read comments

Featured in: FOOD; Soft-Shell Crabs, Three Ways

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

For the Sauce

3tablespoons minced shallots
3tablespoons fresh lime juice
3ounces white port
3ounces heavy cream
12-inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
4ounces unsalted butter, chopped in pieces
Coarse salt and cayenne pepper to taste

For the Crabs

8jumbo soft-shell crabs, cleaned
2tablespoons olive oil
Freshly ground white pepper to taste
1large scallion, thinly sliced
1small bunch fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
Place the shallots in a saucepan with the lime juice and port. Reduce over medium heat until two tablespoons of sauce remain (five to seven minutes). Add heavy cream and grated ginger. Bring to a boil and reduce by a third to three tablespoons.
Step 2
Reduce heat to very low and whisk in the butter, a small piece at a time. Season to taste with salt and cayenne pepper. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer and add a few more drops of lime juice if necessary. Keep warm (be careful not to overheat or the sauce may curdle).
Step 3
Preheat broiler or outdoor grill.
Step 4
Brush the crabs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill three to four minutes on each side, until crisp and a deep reddish brown.
Step 5
Arrange the crabs on a serving platter, drizzle sauce over them and sprinkle with scallions and coriander.