Imagine biting into a crunchy, golden egg roll filled with the creamy, savory goodness of Maryland-style crab cake. These Crab Cake Egg Rolls take the classic flavors of crab cakes, blending lump crab meat, cheese, and Old Bay seasoning, and wrap them in a perfectly crisp shell that satisfies with every bite.
Ideal for parties, game nights, or a special appetizer, these egg rolls are delicious on their own or served with a creamy Sriracha aioli for a kick of heat. Their portable size makes them fun to eat and easy to serve, bringing a coastal twist to any gathering. Perfect for seafood lovers looking to enjoy crab cakes in a fun, new way!
Full Recipe:
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 16 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sliced scallions for garnish
For the Sriracha Aioli:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then blend in the mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and white pepper until well mixed. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and lump crab meat.
- Place about 1/2 cup of the crab mixture onto the center of each egg roll wrapper. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold tightly into a roll, and use more egg wash to seal.
- Freeze the assembled egg rolls for at least 2 hours to ensure they hold their shape.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 300°F (150°C). Fry the frozen egg rolls in small batches, cooking each side for 2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
- For the aioli, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, Old Bay, and salt until smooth.
- Serve the crispy crab cake egg rolls immediately, garnished with sliced scallions and paired with the Sriracha aioli for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 egg rolls
Crab Cake Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Coastal Classic
Crab Cake Egg Rolls bring a modern twist to the beloved crab cake, transforming the classic flavors of Maryland-style crab cakes into a handheld, crispy treat. With a creamy, savory filling wrapped in an ultra-crunchy exterior, these egg rolls are perfect as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or even a quick seafood treat. Here’s everything you need to know about this irresistible dish:
Origins and Inspiration
- Maryland’s Culinary Heritage: Crab cakes have a long-standing reputation as a signature dish of Maryland. Known for its Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, Maryland has crafted a unique style of crab cakes that emphasize fresh, sweet crab meat with minimal fillers.
- Fusion with Asian Influence: The egg roll wrapper adds a crispy twist inspired by Asian cuisine, creating an ideal balance between the tender, creamy filling and the crispy, golden shell.
- Perfect for Handheld Snacking: Unlike traditional crab cakes, which are often served on a plate with a fork, Crab Cake Egg Rolls are portable and easy to eat, making them ideal for gatherings where finger foods are a must.
Flavor Profile and Textures
- Balance of Creamy and Crunchy: The interior is a blend of crab, cream cheese, cheddar, and seasonings like Old Bay. Together, these create a creamy, savory filling that pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior of the egg roll wrapper.
- Maryland Flavors with a Kick: The addition of Old Bay seasoning, a staple in Maryland cuisine, adds a distinctive salty, slightly spicy flavor. A Sriracha aioli served alongside provides a spicy contrast to the rich filling, giving an extra layer of flavor.
- Layered Textures: With a crispy shell and a creamy filling, each bite of a Crab Cake Egg Roll brings contrasting textures that keep each bite interesting and satisfying.
Tips for Preparation
- Freeze Before Frying: To achieve a crisp, golden shell, freeze the assembled egg rolls for at least two hours before frying. This ensures the filling remains intact and prevents any leakage.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Frying at around 300°F (150°C) allows the egg rolls to cook evenly, ensuring the shell is golden brown while the interior heats through without overcooking.
- Batch Frying for Consistency: To keep the oil temperature steady, fry in small batches. This prevents the egg rolls from soaking up excess oil and ensures they stay crisp.
Creative Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the crab meat with a blend of artichokes, spinach, and cream cheese for a similar creamy texture with a unique flavor profile.
- Spicy Crab Cake Rolls: Increase the amount of Sriracha or add chopped jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Asian Fusion Flavor: For an Asian-inspired twist, consider adding a bit of soy sauce, sesame oil, or minced ginger to the crab filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Pairing the Crab Cake Egg Rolls with a sauce elevates the dish. Popular options include:
- Sriracha Aioli: Creamy with a hint of spice, this aioli complements the richness of the crab filling.
- Dill or Herb Yogurt Dip: A cooling yogurt dip with dill or parsley provides a fresh contrast to the fried shell.
- Zesty Remoulade: For those who enjoy tangy flavors, remoulade with capers and lemon brings brightness to the dish.
- Garnish Ideas: To enhance presentation and add flavor, garnish with:
- Sliced Scallions: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp flavor and a pop of color.
- Extra Old Bay Seasoning: A sprinkle on top enhances the Maryland-style flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice before biting in balances the richness of the crab and cheese filling.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Crab Cake Egg Rolls
- Game Day and Tailgating: Their portability and easy-to-eat nature make them perfect for gatherings where guests want to grab food and keep mingling.
- Holiday Parties: A seafood-based appetizer like this adds a unique touch to the traditional holiday spread, especially if served alongside other appetizers.
- Family Dinners and Potlucks: For hosts looking to impress with something creative yet crowd-pleasing, Crab Cake Egg Rolls offer a memorable dish everyone will love.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: These egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Reheating: To retain their crispiness, reheat the egg rolls in an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave, which can make them soggy. A quick bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes will bring back the crunch.
Conclusion
Crab Cake Egg Rolls are a creative fusion dish that blends the familiar flavors of Maryland-style crab cakes with the satisfying crunch of egg rolls. This dish not only celebrates the rich, savory taste of crab but also adds an element of fun to traditional crab cakes. Whether served with Sriracha aioli or tangy remoulade, they make a delightful appetizer that’s bound to impress. Their unique presentation and bold flavors are sure to make them a favorite addition to any gathering, leaving guests asking for more.