You can only obtain soft shell crab frozen in the UK , and the best way to cook them is to deep-fry them in a light batter. This produces a crunchy and delicious first course that delights. They are a rich and deeply savoury treat, and one per person is exactly right.

Recipe

Deep fried crispy soft shelled crab with mint dressing

1 soft shelled crab per person
I bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
100 ml olive oil
juice of one lemon

tempura batter mix

100g plain flour
50g cornflour
1 egg and 1 egg yolk, beaten
100ml ice water

Combine the two flours, beat the ice water into the egg mix, quickly stir the flours into the egg/water mix. Just stir the mixture for a short time, it is normal for the batter to have lumps and clumps.

Dip the soft shelled crab into the batter and carefully place in a half filled saucepan of hot rapeseed oil. Fry until brown and crispy.

Mix the mint, olive oil, and lemon juice and serve alongside the soft shelled crab for a wonderful starter or gourmet snack.(Needs to be ordered 24 hours before delivery day)