Grilled Softshell Crab

Ingredients

  • 8 soft-shell crabs, cleaned
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, chives, or parsley, or a mixture
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Old Bay Seasoning
  • Prepared tartar sauce, for serving

Preparation

Rinse the crabs under cold running water and pat dry on paper towels. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag.

Make the marinade: In a small mixing bowl combine the lemon juice, herbs, Old Bay Seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Pour the marinade over the crabs and refrigerate for 1 hour. Drain the crabs and discard the marinade. Lightly dust the crabs with Old Bay Seasoning.

Preheat Grill, lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Arrange the crabs directly on the grill grate and grill, turning once, until the crabs turn orangish-pink and don’t seem “squishy” when pressed with a finger, 5 – 10 minutes total depending on their size.

(the cooking time is difficult to estimate.)

Transfer to a platter or plates and serve with your favorite tartar sauce.