The Ultimate Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip Recipe

My latest kitchen experiment with crispy crab cake egg rolls sparked unexpected culinary magic.

Seafood and Asian-inspired wrappers create an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures.

Delicate crab meat gets wrapped in a golden, crackling shell that promises pure deliciousness.

Coastal comfort meets crisp elegance in every single bite.

Fresh lemon dip adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the rich filling.

Each roll delivers a perfect balance of crunch and succulent seafood.

I promise these rolls will become your new favorite appetizer that everyone will request again and again.

Why Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls Are So Addictive

• Elevate Appetizer Game: Transform traditional crab cakes into exciting, crispy egg rolls that surprise and delight guests with a unique fusion of flavors and textures.
• Customize with Ease: Modify the filling by adding herbs, spices, or chopped vegetables to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Starter: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or game nights, these crab cake egg rolls offer a delicious twist on classic appetizers that will impress everyone at the table.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps allow even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated.

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Main Ingredients:

• Lump Crab Meat: A delicate and succulent seafood that serves as the primary protein for the egg roll filling.

• Egg Roll Wrapper: A thin, flexible pastry that creates a crispy exterior for the crab cake filling.

Filling Ingredients:

• Celery, Green Onions: Provide a fresh crunch and subtle aromatic flavor to the crab mixture.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Help bind the crab meat together and add creamy, tangy notes to the filling.

Seasoning and Dip Ingredients:

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the crab mixture and dip.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy brightness to both the filling and dip.

• Mayonnaise, Lemon Zest: Create a creamy and zesty dipping sauce that complements the crispy egg rolls.

• Egg: Helps seal the egg roll wrapper and provides a binding agent.
• Cooking Oil: Enables the egg rolls to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

How to Make Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls Right

Step 1: Create Delectable Crab Mixture

• Lump crab meat
• Finely chopped celery
• Sliced green onions
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and well mixed.

Step 2: Wrap the Egg Rolls

Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a diamond orientation.

Spoon a generous dollop of the crab mixture right in the center of the wrapper. Brush the wrapper edges with beaten egg to help seal the edges.

Carefully fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Roll the wrapper tightly, ensuring no filling escapes.

Repeat until all wrappers are filled.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep frying pan or wok.

Aim for a temperature around 350°F. Carefully lower the egg rolls into the hot oil, working in small batches.

Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even browning. The egg rolls should transform into a beautiful golden-brown color with a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Drain and Rest

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried egg rolls onto a paper towel-lined plate. This helps absorb excess oil and keeps the rolls wonderfully crisp.

Step 5: Whip Up Zesty Lemon Dip

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the crispy crab cake egg rolls on a serving platter.

Place the lemon dip in a small bowl on the side. Serve immediately while the egg rolls are still hot and crunchy.

Tips to Perfect Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls

• Mix crab meat softly to preserve delicate texture and prevent breaking apart during preparation.
• Use beaten egg as glue to ensure egg rolls don't unravel while frying, creating a perfect crispy seal.
• Maintain consistent 350F heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or making egg rolls greasy.
• Place fried egg rolls on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping them crisp and light.
• Adjust lemon zest and juice in dipping sauce to complement the richness of crab meat without overpowering.

Creative Twists on Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls

• Seafood Medley Rolls: Replace crab meat with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and chopped crab for a richer seafood experience.
• Vegetarian Veggie Rolls: Swap crab with diced mushrooms, bell peppers, and cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional egg roll wrappers and gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Add Cajun seasoning to the crab mixture and mix hot sauce into the lemon dip for extra kick.

What Goes Well with Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the egg rolls, complementing the delicate crab meat with its bright, citrusy notes.

Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber and citrus vinaigrette to balance the crispy texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the fried egg rolls.

Serve alongside a sparkling water with lemon or a light prosecco to cleanse the palate and highlight the seafood’s subtle flavors.

Prepare a tangy Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to echo the egg roll’s crispy texture and add a zesty crunch to the meal.

How to Keep Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls Fresh

• Store leftover egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange egg rolls on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Set air fryer to 350°F and warm egg rolls for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly and crispy exterior returns. Spray lightly with cooking oil for extra crunch.

FAQs

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

Lump crab meat is ideal because it has large, tender chunks that provide the best texture and flavor for the egg rolls.

• Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the egg rolls in advance and refrigerate them uncooked, but fry them just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

• Is there a trick to prevent egg rolls from becoming soggy?

Make sure to drain the fried egg rolls on paper towels and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to keep them crisp and prevent oil absorption.

• How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil is around 350F, or drop a small piece of wrapper into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.

Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls With Lemon Dip Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy crab cake egg rolls blend Maryland’s coastal charm with Asian-inspired crunch, delivering a mouthwatering fusion of seafood and crisp textures. Golden-brown parcels paired with zesty lemon dip promise a delightful culinary adventure you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Seafood Ingredient:

• 1 cup lump crab meat

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
• 2 green onions, finely sliced

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Delicately combine lump crab meat with finely chopped celery, green onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed without breaking the crab meat.
2. Position an egg roll wrapper diagonally on a clean surface, creating a diamond shape with the point facing you.
3. Carefully place a precise portion of the crab mixture in the center of the wrapper, leaving sufficient margin around the edges.
4. Apply beaten egg along the wrapper’s edges using a pastry brush to create a secure seal.
5. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then neatly tuck in the side corners to create a compact package.
6. Roll the wrapper tightly from bottom to top, pressing gently to seal the edges completely.
7. Repeat the rolling process with remaining wrappers and filling.
8. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
9. Carefully lower egg rolls into hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
10. Rotate egg rolls every 45-60 seconds to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes total cooking time.
11. Transfer crispy egg rolls to paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining their crispness.
12. Whisk together mayonnaise, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a bright, tangy dipping sauce.
13. Plate the golden egg rolls alongside the zesty lemon dip, serving immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture in your egg rolls.
• Pat the crab meat dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture that could make the filling soggy.
• Use a sharp knife to finely chop celery and green onions for a more even distribution in the filling.
• Seal egg roll wrappers completely to prevent oil from seeping into the filling during frying.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to ensure crispy, golden-brown egg rolls without burning.
• For a gluten-free option, use rice paper wrappers instead of traditional egg roll wrappers.
• Test oil temperature by dropping a small piece of wrapper – it should sizzle and rise immediately.
• Allow egg rolls to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and maintain crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 110 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg