Southern-Style She-Crab Soup
Creamy, Elegant & Packed with Coastal Flavor
There’s something truly special about a bowl of She-Crab Soup. Rich, creamy, and luxuriously smooth, this dish captures the spirit of the Southern coast — especially Charleston, South Carolina, where it’s considered a local treasure. Made with delicate crabmeat, butter, sherry, and a hint of spice, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or an elegant weekend meal, this soup will always impress.
The name She-Crab comes from the traditional use of female crabs, prized for their flavorful orange roe (eggs), which give the soup its distinctive color and taste. Even if you don’t have roe on hand, this recipe still delivers an incredible flavor you’ll fall in love with.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 stalks celery, finely chopped
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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4 cups seafood stock (or fish broth)
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1 pound lump crabmeat (fresh or high-quality canned)
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¼ cup dry sherry (optional but highly recommended)
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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A dash of hot sauce (optional, for a mild kick)
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2 hard-boiled egg yolks, mashed (for a richer consistency)
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Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Base
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent — about 6–8 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes. You’ll see the mixture start to bubble and turn slightly golden — that’s your roux, which thickens the soup and gives it a rich texture.
Step 3: Add the Stock
Slowly pour in the seafood stock while stirring continuously. This prevents lumps from forming. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Base
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and milk. Mix gently to blend all the ingredients together. You should now have a silky, pale base with a hint of seafood aroma filling your kitchen.
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Step 5: Season & Simmer