Charleston She Crab Soup

Charleston she crab soup is rich, creamy, and unmistakably coastal, with sweet crabmeat in a velvety base finished with sherry and brandy. What makes it truly special is crab roe, which gives the soup its signature color and a briny, earthy depth you cannot get from crabmeat alone. This homemade version captures the restaurant-style experience without a trip to Charleston. You build flavor by sautéing onion and celery in butter, thickening with flour, then simmering with fish stock before finishing with cream and a small pour of sherry and brandy. Serve it with crusty bread for a light lunch or an elegant starter for a seafood dinner.

Why is She-crab soup so good?

The magic lies in the crab roe, which transforms ordinary crab soup into something extraordinary. These crab eggs bring a unique color and an earthy, briny flavor profile that defines authentic She Crab Soup. The combination of fish stock, cream, and alcohol creates a luxurious base, while the judicious seasoning lets the delicate crab flavor shine. Without crab roe, this would be another crab soup, but with it, you have Charleston’s signature dish.

IngredientsFor the Soup Base:

• Yellow onion – Provides aromatic foundation and subtle sweetness when sautéed
• Celery – Adds classic mirepoix flavor and aromatic depth
• Butter – Creates a rich base for sautéing vegetables and adds richness
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the soup and creates a smooth, creamy consistency

For the Liquid Foundation:

• Fish stock – Provides seafood depth and authentic coastal flavor
• Heavy cream – Creates signature, rich, velvety texture
• Dry sherry – Addsa nutty, complex flavor that complements crab
• Brandy – Contributes warming alcohol notes and depth

For Seasoning:

• Kosher or sea salt – Enhances all flavors without overpowering delicate crab
• White pepper – Provides heat without affecting the soup’s color
• Tomato paste – An Optional ingredient that adds color and subtle umami depth

For the Star Ingredients:

• Crab roe – Essential ingredient that defines She Crab Soup with unique flavor and color
• White crabmeat, preferably female – Provides sweet, delicate protein base

How to Make She Crab Soup

1. Sauté onion & celery in butter until tender in a large pot or Dutch oven.
   

   

2. Add flour, fish stock, mace, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste for color if desired.
3. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to stir regularly as the soup simmers.
4. Add cream, sherry, brandy & simmer for 2 minutes.
   

   

5. Add crabmeat & roe.

Serving Charleston She Crab Soup

• Pair with a glass of sherry. A bit of brandy and sherry is almost as important as the crab roe in this recipe, and many people enjoy sipping a nice glass of fino sherry alongside the soup to enhance the flavors.
• Ladle up your soup and serve it with crusty French bread. A large bowl of soup with French bread makes a delicious light spring lunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Discard after this time for food safety.
• Reheating Method: Reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Do not boil, as this may cause separation. Add a splash of cream if needed to restore consistency.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based soups with seafood don’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.

Love homemade soup? Try these

• Cream of Broccoli Soup
• Cowboy Bean Soup
• Beer Cheese Soup Recipe
• Country Potato Soup
• Chicken Toscana Soup
• Dixie Stampede Veggie Soup Recipe
• Celery Soup
• Restaurant Style Tomato Soup
• Friendship Soup Recipe
• Crab Bisque Recipe

Top Crab Recipes

• Crabmeat Casserole Recipe
• Crab Parmesan Pasta
• Crab Dip

There’s more! Check out more of my homemade soup recipes and the best seafood recipes.

Thanks to Manzanita for sharing this recipe.