Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe

Crunchy Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe: A Golden Seafood Delight

Craving a delightful fusion of seafood and crispy wrapper, these crunchy crab cake egg rolls blend classic flavors in an unexpected way.

The golden-brown rolls burst with succulent Maryland-style crab meat and delicate seasonings.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Packed with zesty herbs and spices, these egg rolls elevate your appetizer game to new heights.

The crisp exterior gives way to a tender, flavorful filling that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Serve these irresistible morsels at your next gathering and watch as guests devour them with enthusiasm.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that marries the best of two beloved cuisines.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 185 kcal

Servings: 12

What You’ll Need for Crab Cake Egg Rolls

For Filling Base:
  • Crab Meat: Fresh lump crab meat brings sweet ocean flavor, choose high-quality, well-drained seafood for best texture.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that helps hold ingredients together and adds rich smoothness.
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that provides tangy depth and complements seafood perfectly.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami and subtle fermented notes to enhance overall taste.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Classic maritime spice blend that elevates seafood with traditional Maryland coastal flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs: Light binding agent that helps maintain structural integrity of crab mixture.
  • Beaten Egg: Natural binding ingredient that helps ingredients stick together during cooking.
For Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:
  • Green Onions, Parsley: Bright, fresh herbs that introduce crisp herbaceous notes and vibrant color to filling.
For Wrapping and Frying:
  • Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin, delicate pastry that creates crispy golden exterior when fried.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil perfect for achieving deep-golden, crunchy texture without overpowering seafood flavor.
  • Extra Beaten Egg: Essential for sealing wrapper edges and ensuring tight, secure egg roll closure.

Tools for Assembling and Frying Crab Cake Egg Rolls

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing crab filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Skillet or deep pot: Perfect for frying egg rolls with enough depth for oil.
  • Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing egg rolls from hot oil.
  • Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping green onions and parsley.
  • Measuring spoons and cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Instant-read thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crab Cake Egg Rolls at Home

  • Create Delectable Filling

Mix crab meat, creamy sauce, zesty seasonings, and fresh herbs in a bowl. Gently combine ingredients, keeping crab chunks intact. Add a hint of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

  • Wrap with Precision

Place egg roll wrapper diagonally on surface. Spoon crab mixture into center, forming compact log. Fold bottom corner over filling, tuck sides tightly, then roll upward. Seal edges with egg wash to prevent unraveling.

  • Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in deep skillet until shimmering hot. Carefully slide egg rolls into bubbling oil, rotating occasionally. Fry until exterior turns crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

  • Plate and Enjoy

Transfer crisp egg rolls to paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve immediately alongside tangy dipping sauce. Enjoy the perfect blend of seafood and crunch in every bite.

Tips for Crispy Shells and Juicy Crab Filling

  • Handle crab meat delicately to preserve tender chunks, avoiding excessive mixing that could break down the delicate protein.
  • Apply beaten egg along wrapper edges like glue to prevent unraveling during frying, ensuring a crispy, tight seal.
  • Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350F, preventing soggy or overly greasy egg rolls and achieving golden-brown perfection.
  • Replace traditional egg roll wrappers with rice paper or use gluten-free wrappers for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Instead of deep-frying, brush egg rolls with olive oil and bake at 425F for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through for even crispiness.

Serve Egg Rolls with Dipping Sauces That Pop

  • Seafood Starter Spectacular: Elevate your crab cake egg rolls with these mouthwatering serving suggestions.
  • Dipping Sauce Delight: Create a zesty remoulade by mixing mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped pickles, capers, and a dash of hot sauce for a tangy complement to the crispy egg rolls.
  • Coastal Plating Presentation: Arrange the golden-brown egg rolls on a wooden cutting board with fresh lemon wedges, sprinkle chopped parsley, and add a small ramekin of dipping sauce for a restaurant-style look.
  • Fresh Side Kick: Pair the egg rolls with a light cucumber-dill salad or a crisp coleslaw to balance the rich, crunchy texture of the seafood appetizer.

Best Storage Tips for Fried Crab Cake Egg Rolls

  • Place assembled egg rolls on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying to help them maintain their shape and prevent filling from leaking.
  • Wrap uncooked egg rolls individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frying to maintain crispy texture.
  • Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 23 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Separate cooled egg rolls with parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, which can make wrappers soft and lose their signature crunch.

FAQs

  • What type of crab meat works best for this recipe?

Lump or backfin crab meat is ideal. These types have large, tender chunks that maintain their texture and provide a premium flavor without falling apart during mixing.

  • Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 425F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush with oil to help achieve a crispy exterior, though they won’t be quite as golden as the fried version.

  • How do I prevent the egg rolls from leaking while frying?

Ensure you seal the edges thoroughly with beaten egg and don’t overfill the wrappers. Press the edges firmly and roll tightly to create a secure seal that prevents oil from seeping in.

  • Is it necessary to use Old Bay seasoning?

While Old Bay adds signature flavor, you can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper if needed. The seasoning brings a classic seafood taste to the crab filling.

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Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe

Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Crispy Maryland-style crab cake egg rolls blend Eastern Shore traditions with Asian-inspired techniques. Delicate crab meat, seasoned perfectly, nestles inside golden-brown wrappers that crunch with each satisfying bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 810 egg roll wrappers
  • ½ pound (225 g) lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
  • ¼ cup (60 g) mayonnaise
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
  • ¼ cup (25 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Remoulade, tartar sauce, or spicy aioli (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mixture Preparation: Gently combine crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, and parsley in a mixing bowl, carefully preserving the crab’s delicate texture. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Wrapper Positioning: Lay egg roll wrapper diagonally on a clean surface, creating a diamond shape for optimal wrapping technique.
  3. Filling and Rolling: Place a generous crab mixture portion centrally, then fold bottom point over filling. Tuck side edges inward, creating a compact cylinder. Brush edges with egg wash to secure the seal, rolling upward with precision to prevent filling leakage.
  4. Frying Process: Heat vegetable oil to 350F in a deep skillet. Carefully lower egg rolls in small batches, rotating to ensure uniform golden-brown crispiness and even cooking.
  5. Serving Presentation: Drain fried egg rolls on paper towels to remove excess oil. Plate immediately with a complementary dipping sauce like remoulade or spicy aioli, ensuring maximum flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • Preserve Crab Texture: Gently fold ingredients to maintain delicate crab meat integrity, avoiding heavy mixing that could break down the seafood’s natural flakiness.
  • Wrapper Technique: Position egg roll wrapper diagonally and roll tightly to prevent oil seepage during frying, ensuring a crisp and leak-free exterior.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350F oil temperature for even golden-brown coloration and prevent greasy absorption into the egg rolls.
  • Sauce Pairing Strategy: Choose complementary dipping sauces like remoulade or aioli that enhance the crab’s delicate flavor without overpowering the subtle seafood notes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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