Tempura Softshell Crabs With Asian Salad And Citrus Gastrique Recipes

Steps:

• Place the mayonnaise, garlic, toasted paprika, cayenne and lemon juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Preheat grill. Brush the crabs with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill. Place 1 crab on each roll, spread with aioli and top with watercress.

Steps:

• Lay crabs backside down on a cutting board, and cut in half lengthwise, so that each half has a claw.
• Stir about 1 1/4 cups water into the flour to make a smooth, thick batter. Add baking soda and ice cubes.
• Pour enough oil into a deep pot to fill it halfway, and heat to 375 degrees. (To test, carefully sprinkle a drop or two of water into the pot. If the oil rumbles, it's not hot enough. If it crackles, it is.)
• Dip crab pieces, four at a time, into batter, and immediately drop into hot oil. Stir after several seconds to separate the pieces, then cook until golden brown, 30 to 45 seconds. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining crab pieces. Salt to taste, and serve immediately.