When it comes to the real flavors of the Outer Banks, nothing quite captures the essence of its salty shores like the cult classic soft-shell crab. Every year during spring, when the water temperature begins to shoot up, blue crabs start to shed their hard outer shells and give way to a new, larger one beneath.

During this short transition, their new shells are soft, and are looked up as the ultimate delicacy of the land – soft-shell crabs. And let us tell you, these critters are as fresh as they come - straight from the backyard shedders to the plates of the participating restaurants and seafood markets.

What Makes Soft-Shell Crabs Unique?

A soft-shell is a crab that has temporarily shed its tough exterior for a softer, more sensitive side. When they’re in this soft, delicate state, they get plucked straight from the water to prevent any hardening of that fresh new shell. This means you can chow down the whole crab as no shelling is required.

But here’s the catch - any soft-shell crabs caught have to be kept in climate-controlled areas until they complete their molting process. Only then can they be safely removed and served up on a platter.

When to Expect Soft Shell Crab Week?

Soft shell crab week this year is from May 13-18. Some locals follow the first full moon of May to kick start the week, but the dates actually vary every year. There are many beautiful places on the Outer Banks where you can grab your favourite soft-shell crab dish. Restaurants that have been serving fresh-caught seafood for years will participate this year in bringing fun and juicy soft-shell crab dishes to the table during the week.

A few that are stepping up to the plate are Outer Banks favorites including Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe, Blue Moon Beach Grill, Cafe Pamlico, and Dirty Dick’s Crabhouse. Lost Colony Tavern and Saltbox cafe will also be serving soft-shell crab specials for the week. Kill Devil Grill and Trio restaurant are also participating to serve locally-sourced soft-shell crabs during the week.

Whether sandwiches, wraps or tacos, the culinary delicacy is assured to rock your palette. Almost every popular seafood restaurant on the islands will be serving a soft shell crab-inspired dish that’ll have you weak in the knees. In case you like to whip up your own meals, you’ll be pleased to learn that soft shell crabs will be available at almost every locally-owned seafood market on the island.

So, there you go, all, a bit of information about seizing the day during the soft-shell crab week on the Outer Banks. And when the season of this gourmet seafood becomes open, you now know what you have to do – be ready to take advantage of it.