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Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe

I’ve always been a huge fan of crab cakes, but sometimes you want something a little different and fun to impress your guests or spice up a weeknight dinner. That’s where my Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe comes in—imagine all the luscious flavors of a classic crab cake wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell! These little bites are bursting with fresh crab, just a hint of zesty Old Bay, and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with a dipping sauce.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both approachable and a total crowd-pleaser, this Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe fits the bill beautifully. I first made these for a casual cocktail party, and honestly, they disappeared faster than I could keep up. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for entertaining or a fun twist on dinner, these egg rolls deliver that satisfying crunch and delicate seafood flavor you’re craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe works together to create that classic crab cake taste with the added crispiness of the egg roll wrapper. When shopping, look for fresh lump crab meat if you can—it makes all the difference in flavor and texture!

  • Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together without weighing it down.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder so your filling holds nicely inside the wrappers.
  • Old Bay seasoning: The hero spice for that iconic crab cake flavor. Don’t skip it!
  • Lemon juice: Brightens the filling with just the right acidity.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a subtle herbaceous note and pops of green.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash gives depth and umami to the mix.
  • Crab meat: Fresh or canned lump crab, carefully picked over to remove any shells.
  • Egg roll wrappers: These give you the extra crisp texture you want in every bite.
  • Vegetable oil: For frying, a neutral oil with a high smoke point works best.

Variations

One of the best things about this Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love tweaking the fillings based on what I have or what mood I’m in, and you’ll find it’s super versatile too!

  • Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for that little extra heat. I tried this once with friends who love spice and it was a hit!
  • Cheesy Twist: Mix in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for gooey melty goodness inside.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap out egg roll wrappers for large lettuce leaves and pan-sear gently instead of deep frying.
  • Seasonal Flair: Sauté some diced red bell peppers or green onions into the filling to add color and crunch.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers to accommodate dietary needs without missing out on flavor.

How to Make Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Filling Gently but Thoroughly

Start by combining the mayonnaise, beaten egg, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl. Once everything’s blended, gently fold in the crab meat. Be careful not to break up the lumps too much; you want to keep those nice chunks of crab for texture and flavor.

Pro tip: I like to pick through the crab twice to make sure there are no shell pieces. It makes the eating experience so much better.

Step 2: Assemble Your Egg Rolls

Lay out one egg roll wrapper with a corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crab mixture near the corner closest to you. Carefully fold that corner over the filling, then fold in the two sides and roll tightly away from you, sealing the final edge with a dab of water to keep it closed.

Don’t rush this step—if the rolls aren’t sealed well, they can open up while frying. A little water goes a long way in sealing them up.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides—usually around 3-4 minutes. Avoid crowding the pan so the temperature stays steady and prevents sogginess.

After frying, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. You’ll love the contrast of the crunchy shell with the creamy crab filling inside—trust me on this!

How to Serve Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe

Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. Sometimes, I whip up a quick remoulade or a tangy tartar sauce to dip them in—that zing takes these egg rolls over the top every time.

Side Dishes

These crab cake egg rolls pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. When I’m entertaining, I like serving them alongside a cold cucumber salad or even some crispy sweet potato fries for a little twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these crab cake egg rolls standing upright in a wooden box lined with parchment paper for a party platter—it made it so easy for guests to grab and go. Another time, I served them on small white plates with dipping sauces in mini jars, which looked charming and kept the flavors clean and simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—which rarely happens!—store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, spread the egg rolls out on a paper towel between layers and avoid stacking them too tightly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these egg rolls before uncooked. After wrapping, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, fry them straight from frozen, just adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the egg rolls in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Microwaving tends to make them soggy, so the oven or a toaster oven does the trick beautifully.

FAQs

  1. Can I use imitation crab meat for this Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe?

    While imitation crab meat is more budget-friendly and easier to find, it doesn’t have quite the same delicate texture or flavor as lump crab meat. If you’re okay with the taste difference, you can definitely use it, but for the best result, fresh or real lump crab is preferred.

  2. What can I use as a substitute for egg roll wrappers?

    If you can’t find egg roll wrappers, spring roll wrappers or won ton wrappers can work, but keep in mind the size and texture may vary. For a gluten-free option, rice paper wrappers are an alternative, though they will give a different texture once fried.

  3. Can I bake the Crab Cake Egg Rolls instead of frying?

    Yes! For a slightly healthier version, brush or spray the egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious.

  4. How do I prevent the egg rolls from breaking open while frying?

    Make sure to seal each egg roll edge well with a bit of water and don’t overfill the wrapper. Also, avoid overcrowding the oil so the temperature stays consistent, preventing the wrappers from bursting.

  5. What dipping sauces go well with Crab Cake Egg Rolls?

    I love a classic remoulade, spicy mayo, or even a tangy tartar sauce with these egg rolls. A simple lemon aioli also works beautifully to complement the crab flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. The crunchy exterior with that luscious crab filling inside is pure comfort on a plate, and sharing them with friends always brings so much joy. I really hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll impress yourself with how easy and delicious it is!

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Crab Cake Egg Rolls Recipe

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Crab Cake Egg Rolls are a delicious twist on traditional crab cakes, wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers and fried to golden perfection. Combining lump crab meat with classic seasonings and a creamy mayonnaise mixture, these egg rolls make an ideal appetizer or party snack that’s bursting with flavor and crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

Crab Cake Mixture

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pound crab meat, picked over for shells

Wrapping and Frying

  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare Crab Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, beaten egg, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently fold in the crab meat, ensuring it is well-coated without breaking up too much.
  2. Assemble Egg Rolls: Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the crab mixture near the bottom corner. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly towards the top corner. Seal the edge with a little water to prevent opening during frying.
  3. Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the egg rolls partially for even frying.
  4. Fry Egg Rolls: Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain and Serve: Remove egg rolls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Be gentle when folding in the crab meat to keep lumps intact for better texture.
  • Do not overfill egg rolls to avoid bursting while frying.
  • Maintain oil temperature to ensure even frying without excessive oil absorption.
  • The crab can be substituted with other seafood or a vegetarian alternative if desired.
  • Serve with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Keywords: crab cake egg rolls, appetizer, seafood egg rolls, fried crab rolls, party snack

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