Cleaning Soft-Shell Crabs
The thought of cleaning soft-shell crabs can be intimidating however, after a few steps explained below, you will quickly have them ready for the frying pan.
With scissors, cut across body just behind eyes to remove face.
![](https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/mariners-menu/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2012/05/ssc1-300x200.jpg)
Turn crab on its back. Lift and remove apron and vein attached to it.
![](https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/mariners-menu/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2012/05/ssc2-300x200.jpg)
Turn crab over and lift one side of top shell.
![](https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/mariners-menu/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2012/05/ssc3-300x200.jpg)
With small knife, scrape off grayish-white gill. Repeat on other side.
![](https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/mariners-menu/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2012/05/ssc4-300x200.jpg)
Rinse crab gently under cold, running water, then pat dry.