Crab Cake Eggrolls Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Cuisine Type: American-Asian Fusion

Crab Cake Eggrolls combine the crispy, golden goodness of traditional eggrolls with the rich, savory decadence of crab cakes. Perfect as a party appetizer or a bold entrée, these rolls blend Maryland-style crab cake filling with a crunchy Asian wrapper for a delightful culinary fusion. Served with a zesty remoulade or spicy aioli, they’re sure to become your next crowd favorite.

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Ingredients

For the Crab Cake Filling:

• 1 lb lump crab meat (picked over for shells)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper

• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg, beaten

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Eggrolls:

• 12–15 eggroll wrappers (8-inch size)

• 1 beaten egg (for sealing the wrappers)

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 3–4 cups, depending on pot size)

Optional Dipping Sauce (Spicy Aioli):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt to taste

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Cake Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.

2. Gently fold in the red bell pepper and green onions.

3. Carefully add the lump crab meat and panko breadcrumbs. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab too much.

4. Add the beaten egg and gently mix until the mixture is cohesive. If the mixture feels too loose to shape, add a little more panko.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to handle.

Step 2: Assemble the Eggrolls

1. Place one eggroll wrapper on a clean, dry surface in a diamond shape (pointed end facing you).

2. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of crab cake mixture onto the center of the wrapper.

3. Fold the bottom point up over the filling, tucking it in gently. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly toward the top point.

4. Use a bit of the beaten egg to seal the edge.

5. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Fry the Eggrolls

1. In a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

2. Carefully place 3–4 eggrolls at a time into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

3. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

4. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Continue with the remaining eggrolls.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Aioli (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.

2. Adjust heat and acidity to taste.

3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce. These Crab Cake Eggrolls pair well with:

• Spicy aioli

• Lemon garlic butter

• Remoulade

• Sweet chili sauce

For presentation, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Success

• Crab Meat: Use fresh or pasteurized lump crab meat for best texture. Avoid imitation crab, as it won’t yield the same flavor or consistency.

• Frying Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F. Too hot, and the rolls may burn on the outside before cooking inside; too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil.

• Make-Ahead: The crab mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. The eggrolls can also be assembled a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before frying.

• Baking Option: For a lighter version, brush eggrolls with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Eggroll)

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used and method of preparation.

Intensity and Cooking Skill Breakdown

• Preparation Complexity: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)

• Time Commitment: Moderate (45 minutes total)

• Hands-On Time: Medium (rolling eggrolls and frying requires attention)

• Cleanup Level: Moderate to High (multiple bowls, frying oil, etc.)

This recipe is great for home cooks who are comfortable working with seafood and deep-frying. While it doesn’t require advanced skills, attention to detail is important when folding and frying the eggrolls for that perfect crunch.

Crab Cake Eggrolls are a guaranteed showstopper. With a crunchy, golden shell and rich, seasoned crab interior, every bite is a textural and flavorful masterpiece. Whether served as a starter, shared at parties, or plated as an upscale dinner appetizer, they’re bound to impress.