Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls : A Savory Twist

Crab cake egg rolls combine the best of both worlds—crispy, golden egg roll wrappers filled with rich, flavorful crab cake filling. This fusion recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys a crispy, savory appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun new way to enjoy crab, or just craving something different, this Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe will not disappoint. They’re easy to make, deliciously crunchy, and pair perfectly with dipping sauces like spicy remoulade or tangy sweet chili sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These savory egg rolls are not your average appetizer. They bring together the delicate, buttery taste of crab cakes with the satisfying crunch of deep-fried egg roll wrappers. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Crispy and golden – The egg roll wrapper fries up beautifully, giving you the perfect crunch with every bite.
Loaded with flavor – The filling is packed with fresh crab, seasonings, and just the right amount of spice.
Great for any occasion – Serve them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or a fun weeknight treat.
Customizable – Try variations like shrimp and crab egg rolls, or add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect crab cake egg rolls, you’ll need:

For the Crab Cake Filling:

1 pound lump crab meat, drained and picked for shells
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Egg Rolls:

10 egg roll wrappers
1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring spoons and cups
Cutting board and knife
Frying pan or deep fryer
Tongs
Paper towels for draining

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crab Cake Filling

In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, and lemon juice. Gently mix everything until well combined, being careful not to break up the crab too much.

2. Assemble the Egg Rolls

Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with one corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape). Place about 2 tablespoons of the crab cake mixture in the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides. Brush the top corner with the beaten egg and roll tightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

3. Fry the Egg Rolls

In a deep frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Dipping Sauce

While the egg rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Serve alongside the egg rolls for dipping.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the crab cake egg rolls on a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy them while they’re hot and crispy!

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Tips for the Perfect Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Don’t overfill the wrappers – Too much filling can make the egg rolls burst open while frying.
Seal the edges properly – Using a beaten egg as “glue” helps keep the egg rolls from unraveling.
Use fresh crab meat if possible – The fresher the crab, the better the flavor.
Maintain the right oil temperature – Too hot, and the egg rolls burn; too cold, and they turn greasy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the crab cake filling – This can break up the lump crab meat, reducing its texture.
Not draining the crab properly – Excess moisture can make the filling too wet and cause soggy egg rolls.
Skipping the egg wash – This is essential for sealing the egg rolls so they don’t open up while frying.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, place the egg rolls on a wooden board, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with small dipping bowls of remoulade, sweet chili sauce, or spicy mayo. You can also slice them diagonally for a more elegant look.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

Shrimp and Crab Egg Rolls – Add chopped shrimp to the filling for extra seafood flavor.
Jalapeño Poppers Egg Rolls – Mix diced jalapeños and cream cheese into the filling for a spicy twist.
Crab and Chicken Recipes Version – Combine shredded chicken with crab for a heartier filling.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration – Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating – Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes, or bake in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.

What to Serve with Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Coleslaw – A fresh, crunchy slaw balances the richness of the egg rolls.
Cajun Fries – Spiced fries make a great side dish.
Cornbread – Adds a Southern touch to your meal.
Mac and Cheese – A creamy, cheesy contrast to the crispy egg rolls.

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FAQs

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2. Can I use canned crab meat?
Fresh or refrigerated lump crab meat is best, but canned can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well.

3. What’s the best dipping sauce for crab cake egg rolls?
Remoulade, sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, or even a simple squeeze of lemon work great.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the egg rolls and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying.

Conclusion

If you love crab cakes and crispy egg rolls, this Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe is a must-try! It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and makes a perfect appetizer or snack. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out! If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious ideas.