Deep-fried soft shell crab

Ingredients

8 soft shell crabs, halved

batter

150g plain flour
150g cornflour
150ml iced soda water

 

dressing

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons lime juice

3 or 4 small red chillies, finely chopped

coriander sprigs for garnish

 

It is very difficult to find fresh soft-shell crab in the UK, almost all is frozen. However don't despair as they still taste delicious and in frozen form readily available in asian supermarkets.

Firstly make the dressing. Simply place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine. 

Before making the batter start to heat the oil in the wok (or deep fat fryer) to 160 C. Now make the batter by sieving both the plain flour and the cornflour into a bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the ice-cold soda water. Mix with a fork very lightly. Leave it lumpy as this will lighten the batter during the frying.

Dip each crab into the batter and lower into the heated oil. Cook in batches depending on size of wok/deep fat fryer to prevent the temperature of the oil dropping. Cook 2-3 minutes or until crispy; remove and drain on absorbent paper. Repeat with the remaining crabs and batter.

Serve immediately with the dressing garnished with a little coriander and enjoy the wonderful south-east asian shell fish flavours - a great way to lift a gloomy wet day!

 

Comments

[Foodycat]

So do you know if WIng Yip carries the frozen ones? If I cooked this for my husband he would be so delighted!

[paul]

Wing Yip do sell the frozen ones, but Chelsea fishmonger (if you're in London) sell them fresh - contact details on my favourite suppliers page!

[paul]

PS foodycat, you have a great site yourself!

[buy cialis soft]

So do you know if WIng Yip carries the frozen ones?

[Paul]

yes wing yip sell the frozen ones!

[Mat]

The Chelsea Fishmonger carry frozen ones only. As this is an imported product fresh 9noy previously frozen) would be impossible to obtain in the UK.
Mat, The Chelsea Fishmonger.