Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Scallions, Ginger and Deep-Fried Capers

Name: Grilled Soft-Shell Crabs With Scallions, Ginger and Deep-Fried Capers
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 jumbo soft-shell crabs, cleaned; 3 tablespoons minced shallots; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 ounces white Port; 3 ounces heavy cream; 1 2-inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated; 4 ounces unsweetened butter, broken into pieces; Salt and cayenne pepper to taste; 3/4 cup peanut oil for deep-frying; 4 tablespoons large capers, drained; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste; 1 large scallion, finely sliced

By Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Total Time: About 40 minutes
Rating: 3(5)
Comments: Read comments

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

8jumbo soft-shell crabs, cleaned
3tablespoons minced shallots
3tablespoons lemon juice
3ounces white Port
3ounces heavy cream
12-inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
4ounces unsweetened butter, broken into pieces
Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
¾cup peanut oil for deep-frying
4tablespoons large capers, drained
2tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
1large scallion, finely sliced

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
Clean crabs if necessary: remove the eyes, then turn the crab on its back and remove apron. Turn over again, lift up flaps at each end, and pull out spongy gill tissue. Pat dry and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Step 2
Place minced shallots in saucepan with lemon juice and white Port, and reduce over medium heat until about 2 tablespoons of sauce remain (5 to 7 minutes). Add heavy cream and grated ginger. Bring to a boil, and reduce by a third, to about 3 tablespoons.
Step 3
Reduce heat to very low, and whisk in butter, one piece at a time, whisking constantly. Season with salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper; strain sauce through a fine-mesh strainer. Taste for seasonings, adding a few drops of lemon juice if neccessary. Set sauce aside and keep warm.
Step 4
In a heavy-bottom saucepan, heat peanut oil to 325 degrees. Carefully drop in drained capers and deep-fry until buds open fully and are crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on absorbent paper. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 5
Preheat broiler or outdoor grill until medium-hot. Brush crabs with olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Grill approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until nicely crisp and deep reddish brown.
Step 6
Arrange crabs on a serving plate, drizzle sauce over them, and sprinkle with sliced scallions and deep-fried capers. Serve with summer vegetables and a dry white wine.