fried hard crab and gravy

1 Pinch 1 Photo
Glen Burnie, MD
Updated on Mar 10, 2026

When I was a little girl, I remember my brothers and sisters going crabbing and my mother making this dish. Without fail, the neighbors would smell it and come running, wanting to share it with us. My mom would make homemade mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, as well as fresh pan-bread for dipping in the gravy. Yum, Yum. It became one of my favorite meals. I now make it for my family and friends, and I must admit it still causes the neighbors to want some.

prep time 1 Hr 55 Min
cook time 1 Hr 30 Min
method Pan Fry
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 12 Maryland blue crabs (steamed or alive)
  • 2 medium Vidalia onions, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 dash cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup vegetable oil

How To Make fried hard crab and gravy

  • Step 1
    Remove shells and claws, fins, as well as deadmen.
  • Step 2
    Collect the mustard and set aside.
  • Step 3
    Keep the body intact, using a crab mallet, and bang down the two ridges on each crab. Careful, do not smash the crab!
  • Step 4
    Slice onions, set aside.
  • Step 5
    Heat oil in a deep skillet.
  • Step 6
    Season crabs with salt and pepper, Old Bay, and cayenne pepper.
  • Step 7
    Flour fronts and backs of crabs.
  • Step 8
    Place crabs in the hot oil and brown on both sides. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
  • Step 9
    Using the same oil left in the skillet, sauté the onions until opaque.
  • Step 10
    Add to the onions the mustard from the crabs, mix.
  • Step 11
    Add the flour and let it brown. Make a roux by adding water, creating a gravy. Season to taste.
  • Step 12
    Place all of the crabs in the gravy and let simmer for one hour.

Discover More

Ingredient: Seafood
Method: Pan Fry
Culture: American
Category: Seafood

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