Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs - 1 Dozen + Batter & Seasoning (DDS)
- Cleaned & ready to cook
- Seasoning included
- Premium value
Jumbo Maryland soft shell crabs, cleaned and frozen so the whole crab is ready to cook, paired with batter and seasoning for a crispy fried feast at home. This DDS package includes one dozen crabs.
Includes:
- 1 dozen jumbo soft shell crabs (5–5½ in)
- 1 soft shell batter mix
- 1 shaker HHC Seafood Seasoning
Overnight (next-day) delivery available
2-day shipping with dry ice available
Arrives cold-packed in an insulated cooler
Couldn't load pickup availability
Shipping
Shipping
Shipping zones
- Local1 day in transit
- Regional1 and 2 days in transit
- National1 and 2 days in transit
- Hawaii and Alaska1 day in transit
Tuesday–Saturday Delivery • Nationwide Shipping • Overnight Arrival Available
Shipping rates are calculated at checkout and vary based on the products ordered, destination, and shipping method selected.
Packed for Freshness
Maryland crabs steamed fresh to order and never frozen. Perishable crab and seafood orders are carefully packed in insulated coolers with plenty of ice or cold packs to maintain freshness throughout transit.
Choose Your Delivery Date
Select your preferred delivery date when ordering. For parties and special occasions, we recommend scheduling delivery one day early in case of unexpected carrier delays.
Shipping Information
Order by 5:00 PM EST for next-day delivery eligibility. Carrier delays due to weather, high package volumes or other unforeseen circumstances may occur. Arrival dates are estimates, and deliveries within one day of the estimated arrival date are considered on time.
Did you know
Did you know
A Very Short Window
Hard-shell and soft-shell blue crabs are the same species. A soft shell is the brief stage immediately after a crab molts and before its new shell hardens.
The shell begins hardening again within hours, which makes fresh soft shells seasonal and highly prized. During this stage the entire cleaned crab can be cooked and eaten, shell included.
Preparation
Preparation
Soft shell crabs
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Combine salt and flour in one bowl, and beat 2 eggs in another.
- Dip each cleaned soft shell crab in the egg, then coat it with the flour mixture or soft shell batter.
- Cook for approximately 4 minutes per side, until the shell is red and crisp and the batter is golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve as a sandwich or as a main course.
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What Makes It Special
A Feast in One Box
Seafood and extras arrive together, portioned and ready to serve.
The Whole Crab, Edible
Soft shells are eaten whole, claws and all, with no picking required.
Cold-Packed Freshness
Insulated coolers with gel packs or dry ice keep everything cold in transit.
Nationwide Delivery
From our dock in Maryland to your door, anywhere in the USA.
One Dozen Soft Shells for the Fry Pan
The soft shell is the blue crab at its most generous: for a brief stretch after molting, the whole crab is tender enough to eat, and this dozen catches them at exactly that moment: jumbos in the 5 to 5½ inch range that go from box to pan with no knife work on your end. The included soft shell batter and shaker of HHC Seafood Seasoning finish the kit, so nothing stands between you and dinner but a skillet.
The fry itself is the easy part
Thaw the crabs, pat them dry, and drag them through the batter mix. ½ ft of hot oil in a heavy pan does the rest: a few minutes per side until the crab turns amber and the legs go crisp as chips. Hit them with the seasoning the moment they leave the oil, while the surface still glistens. If you have never cooked a soft shell before, the first sizzle is the whole lesson; there is no step two, and no way to pick one wrong.
The sandwich question
Around the Chesapeake, the classic serve is a fried soft shell on plain white bread with lettuce, tomato and a swipe of tartar or hot sauce, legs hanging out both sides of the sandwich like it is supposed to be there. A dozen crabs covers sandwich night for six with seconds likely. They are just as at home over pasta or a dressed salad; our recipes from the kitchen point in more directions than you will get through in one season.
The dozen ships cold-packed in an insulated cooler and keeps in your freezer until the craving hits. When it does, dinner is about fifteen minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hardshell and softshell crabs?
They are the same blue crab species in different lifecycle stages. Right after molting, the crab's body is temporarily soft, a short window when the whole crab is tender enough to enjoy. Hardshell crabs are typically steamed, while soft shell crabs are battered and fried.
How do I prepare your crabs and seafood?
Every order ships with preparation instructions, and our food prep guide, recipes and how-to videos cover steaming, re-steaming and cooking all of our crabs and seafood.
When is Maryland blue crab season?
Maryland crab season typically runs from April 1 into late November and early December. Outside that timeframe, or when Chesapeake crabs are not yet available, we source blue crabs from the Carolinas or Louisiana.
How are the orders packed for shipment?
Every order is sealed inside an insulated styrofoam cooler and placed in a sturdy box for extra protection. Depending on the products, destination, transit time and season, we use ice packs and/or dry ice, and we pack orders to withstand potential shipping delays.
How much is shipping?
Shipping options and cost are calculated at checkout for the product, destination and requested delivery date. Eligible perishable orders may offer overnight or 2-day service, and select packages include standard shipping in the listed price.
Why Choose Harbour House Crabs?
Over 26 Years of Experience
We’ve been shipping crabs nationwide for decades — we know how to ensure they arrive fresh and flavorful.
Freshness Guarantee
Our crabs are packed with care and shipped quickly to maintain their quality.
Options for Everyone
Five male grades from #2 jimmy to heavyweight, plus female crabs. Mix and match across an order.
Nationwide Delivery
We’re located near a major shipping hub, which means you get your crabs fast — even for last-minute celebrations.
