What's the Difference Between Hard and Soft Crabs?

If you're a seafood lover, you've probably heard the terms soft-shell crabs and hard-shell crabs tossed around. But what exactly is the difference—and which one should you be adding to your next seafood feast? At Crab Dynasty, we’re here to break it down so you can enjoy the best of both worlds with confidence.

Hard Crabs: A Classic Chesapeake Tradition

Hard crabs, also known as hard-shell blue crabs, are the fully grown, mature version of the blue crab we all know and love. These crabs have a firm outer shell that protects their sweet, succulent meat inside.

Commonly prepared by steaming here in Maryland, seasoned with Old Bay or your favorite spice blend, and served in big crab feasts. (some states boil crabs!)
Enjoyed with melted butter or vinegar, with a side of corn on the cob, and maybe even a cold beverage or two.
Eating hard crabs is a hands-on experience—you’ll need to crack the shell, pick the meat, and work for every delicious bite.

Soft Crabs: A Seasonal Delicacy

Soft-shell crabs are simply blue crabs that have recently molted—they've shed their hard outer shell to grow a new one, and during this brief window, their entire body is soft and completely edible.  The only parts that need removal are the apron, face and lungs!

No cracking or picking—just clean, cook, and eat the whole crab!
Most commonly fried, sautéed, or grilled, making them a hit for sandwiches or plated gourmet meals.
Their flavor is still sweet and briny, but their texture is delicate and buttery, offering a totally different crab experience.

Soft vs. Hard Crabs: At a Glance

Feature	Hard Crabs	Soft Crabs
Shell	Hard and fully developed	Recently molted, soft
Prep Time	Crack and pick meat	Clean and cook whole
Taste	Sweet, dense meat	Tender, melt in your mouth
Cooking Methods	Steamed, boiled	Fried, grilled, sautéed
Eating Experience	Messy, fun crab feast	Easty, fast, gourmet-ready

Which One Should You Choose?

Both types of crabs offer something special:

• Choose hard crabs if you’re planning a traditional crab feast with friends and family. They’re perfect for summer gatherings and Chesapeake-style meals.
• Go for soft-shell crabs when you want a quick, satisfying seafood dish—especially if you love crispy soft crab sandwiches or want something easy to cook.

And let’s be honest... true crab lovers don’t choose—they enjoy both!

Get the Freshest Crabs at Crab Dynasty

Whether you're team soft-shell or hard-shell, Crab Dynasty has you covered. We source only the freshest blue crabs, shipped live, steamed or frozen and ready for your next meal. From whale soft crabs to jumbo hard crabs, our products are guaranteed to deliver authentic Chesapeake Bay flavor—right to your door.