John Cochran's Soft-Shell Crabs with Nasturtiums

Plus: More Seafood Recipes and Tips

Yield:
4 1-course servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 3 tablespoons grapeseed or other mild vegetable oil

  • 4 medium soft-shell crabs, cleaned and patted dry

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 8 loosely packed cups nasturtium flowers and leaves, or watercress

  • 2 teaspoons Champagne vinegar

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter in 2 tablespoons of the oil until the foam subsides. Season the crabs with salt and pepper and add them, top side down, to the skillet. Cook over high heat until crisp and browned, about 3 minutes. Turn; fry until golden and cooked through, about 2 minutes longer.

  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the nasturtiums with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the vinegar and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Toss again, arrange the salad on 4 plates, set a crab on each and serve.

Suggested Pairing

Pair with a crisp French Sancerre like Clos de las Poussie.

Related Articles