Crab Cake Egg Rolls

ByAileenrecipes

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Introduction

Imagine the sweet, succulent flavor of a perfect crab cake, but encased in a delightfully crispy, golden-brown egg roll wrapper. Crab Cake Egg Rolls are a brilliant fusion of two beloved classics, transforming the essence of a coastal favorite into a fun, handheld appetizer. The interior is a savory, flavorful mix of lump crab meat, subtle seasonings, and crisp vegetables, while the exterior offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to the tender filling. These egg rolls are elegant, impressive, and irresistibly delicious. They are perfect for a sophisticated party appetizer, a standout game day snack, or a creative and special family treat. Anyone seeking to elevate their entertaining menu or simply indulge in a restaurant-quality bite at home will find these utterly irresistible.

Perfect for:

  • Cocktail Parties and Gatherings

  • Game Day Appetizers

  • Special Family Dinners

  • Potlucks and Picnics

  • A Creative Culinary Project

Why You’ll Love This Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe

An Unforgettable Flavor and Texture Combination: The experience of biting through the shatteringly crisp wrapper into the moist, savory, and sweet crab filling is truly exceptional. It offers the best of both worlds in a single, elegant package.

Surprisingly Simple to Assemble: While they look impressive, forming the egg rolls is a straightforward process. The filling comes together quickly, and with a little practice, rolling becomes an easy, rhythmic task.

Excellent for Making Ahead: These egg rolls are a fantastic make-ahead option. You can assemble them completely and freeze them unbaked, then fry or bake them directly from frozen whenever you need a quick, impressive appetizer.

Always a Crowd-Pleasing Hit: The universal appeal of crab cakes, combined with the fun, dippable format of an egg roll, guarantees that this dish will be the first to disappear from any platter. They are a guaranteed conversation starter.

Preparation and Cooking Time
Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 egg rolls (serves 4 as an appetizer)
Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories per egg roll

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):
Calories: 180-220 kcal
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Nutritional Disclaimer
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Ingredients

For the Crab Filling:

  • 8 oz lump crab meat, carefully picked over for shells

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions (green and white parts)

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

  • Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly and Cooking:

  • 8 egg roll wrappers

  • 1 tablespoon water (for sealing)

  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (about 4 cups)

  • Optional for Baking: 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil for brushing

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Panko breadcrumbs, scallions, celery, parsley, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Be very careful not to overmix to preserve the chunks of crab. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

  2. Set Up Your Workstation: Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (so it looks like a diamond). Keep the remaining wrappers under a slightly damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Have a small bowl of water ready.

  3. Fill the Wrappers: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the crab filling onto the center of the wrapper, shaping it into a horizontal log.

  4. Fold and Roll: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling. Fold the left and right corners inward toward the center. Lightly brush the remaining top corner with water. tightly roll the filled packet toward the moistened top corner until it is completely sealed. Press firmly to ensure the seam is closed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

  5. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer for accuracy.

  6. Fry the Egg Rolls: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil. Fry for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.

  7. Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the egg rolls from the oil. Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. This method keeps them crispy. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Crab Cake Egg Rolls

  • As a hot appetizer with classic dipping sauces like creamy remoulade, spicy sriracha mayo, or a simple lemon wedge.

  • Alongside a fresh, crisp Asian-inspired slaw to balance the richness.

  • As part of a larger appetizer spread with other finger foods like potstickers and spring rolls.

  • Plated elegantly with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a restaurant-style presentation.

Additional Tips for Crab Cake Egg Rolls

  • Handle the crab meat gently. Overmixing will break down the lumps and result in a mushy filling.

  • Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature. If it’s too cool, the egg rolls will be greasy; if it’s too hot, the wrappers will burn before the filling is hot.

  • To bake instead of fry, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with melted butter or oil, and bake for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

  • For a tighter seal and to prevent leaking, double-check that the final corner is well-moistened and pressed down firmly.

Recipe Variations of Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Spicy Cajun Version: Add ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce to the filling. Serve with a spicy aioli for dipping.

Maryland-Style Version: Increase the Old Bay seasoning to 1 ½ teaspoons and add a tablespoon of finely chopped red bell pepper to the filling for a classic Chesapeake Bay flavor profile.

Shrimp and Crab Version: Replace 2 ounces of the crab meat with an equal amount of finely chopped cooked shrimp for a surf-and-surf variation.

Freezing and Storage for Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Storage: Store any leftover cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezing: Arrange the uncooked, assembled egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ Section about Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Can I use imitation crab meat?
Yes, imitation crab (surimi) can be used. Chop it into small pieces and proceed with the recipe. The flavor will be different but still enjoyable.

What is the best way to reheat them?
Avoid the microwave, as it will make the wrapper soft and soggy. An air fryer or conventional oven is the best method to re-crisp the exterior.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Brush the egg rolls lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and hot.

Conclusion of Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe

Crab Cake Egg Rolls are a testament to the power of a simple, clever idea. They take the sophisticated, delicate flavor of a high-quality crab cake and deliver it in a universally appealing, fun, and crispy package. While they are undeniably impressive for guests, the process is manageable and rewarding for any home cook. The ability to make them ahead of time makes them an invaluable asset for any entertainer’s repertoire. Whether fried to golden perfection or baked for a lighter option, these egg rolls are a guaranteed way to delight and impress. Embrace this delicious fusion and watch them become a new favorite.