Maryland Crab Shells Recipes

MARYLAND FRIED SOFT-SHELL CRABS

Steps:

• Wash and clean crabs by cutting off the face just behind the eyes. Lift top of shell and remove the spongy fingers. If the crab is a female (identified by striped markings), remove the back or apron. Rinse and dry.
• Season flour with salt and pepper and mix in baking powder. Dredge crabs in mixture.
• Pour oil into skillet to depth of 1 inch. Heat to 375 degrees. Cook crabs on both sides until brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired.

MARYLAND MINI CRAB SHELLS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning and salt. Mix well.
• Add crabmeat, onions, pimento and celery. Mix lightly.
• Spoon 1 rounded teaspoon of filling into each mini phyllo shell.
• Bake in preheated 350º F oven for 20-25 minutes.
• Serve warm.

MARYLAND CRAB SHELLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions.
• Drain, rinse and cool.
• Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in skillet.
• Add pepper and onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Combine crab, peppers and onions, black pepper, egg, mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay and 1/2 cup milk.
• Melt 1/2 teaspoon butter in each of two 11"x7"x2" baking dishes.
• Spoon filling into pasta shells and arrange shells in dishes.
• Melt remaining butter over medium-low heat.
• Whisk in flour.
• Gradually whisk in remaining milk.
• Cook until slightly thickened.
• Stir in cheese.
• Drizzle sauce evenly over shells.
• Sprinkle with remaining Old Bay seasoning.
• Bake at 350° for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
• Cool 10 minutes before serving.

MARYLAND CRAB SHELLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350° . In small bowl, combine mayo, egg, lemon juice , Old Bay seasoning and salt. Mix well. Add crabmeat, onion, pimiento and celery. Mix lightly. Spoon 1 rounded teaspoon of filling into each phyllo shell. Bake 20-25 min. Serve warm.