Maryland Fried Softshell Crabs 6 soft shell crabs 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 cup flour Shortening (for frying) Tartar sauce Wash cleaned soft shell crabs. Dry well. Soak in milk seasoned with salt and pepper for 15 minutes; roll in flour. Heat shortening and fry crabs until crisp and brown. Drain on absorbent paper. Serve with tartar sauce or on sandwich bread. Serves 3.