Description
Crispy Crab & Cheese Egg Rolls
Ingredients:
8 egg roll wrappers
1 cup lump crab meat
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)
Vegetable oil for frying
Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix crab meat, cream cheese, mozzarella, green onions, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and sriracha.
2. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto an egg roll wrapper. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly, sealing the edges with a bit of water.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. For the dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and lemon juice.
5. Serve the crispy crab egg rolls with the sauce and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and optional sriracha. Ensure the mixture is well-blended but try to keep some crab lumps intact for texture.
2. Assemble Egg Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you (diamond shape). Place about 2 tablespoons of the crab mixture just below the center. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold the left and right corners inward toward the center. Moisten the remaining top corner with a little water using your finger, then roll the bundle tightly upward to seal. Press firmly to ensure the seal is tight. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Fry to Perfection: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or skillet, heat 1.5 to 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy. Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil, seam-side down. Do not overcrowd. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are uniformly golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried egg rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving with the dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these egg rolls immediately while hot and crispy. They make a fantastic appetizer for a party or a unique main course alongside a light salad. For a complete Asian-inspired meal, pair them with a simple cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or stir-fried vegetables. Garnish the platter with extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds for visual appeal.
How-to Summary
Mix crab and cheeses with seasonings to create the filling. Spoon filling onto egg roll wrappers, fold sides in, and roll tightly, sealing with water. Deep fry in 350°F oil for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and lemon juice for the dipping sauce. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying? Yes. For a lighter version, brush the egg rolls lightly with oil and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble the egg rolls and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before frying. Do not let them sit too long or the wrappers may become soggy.
What can I substitute for crab meat? Imitation crab (surimi) works well. For a different twist, try cooked shredded chicken or shrimp.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy.
My filling is leaking during frying. How can I prevent this? Ensure you are not overfilling the wrappers and that the final seal is secure with enough water. Also, make sure your oil is at the correct temperature; oil that is too cool can cause wrappers to open before sealing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overfilling the wrappers, which makes them difficult to seal and prone to bursting. Do not let the assembled rolls sit uncovered, as the wrappers will dry out and crack. Never add frozen filling to the wrapper, as it will not cook through. Crucially, do not fry in oil that is not hot enough; this leads to greasy, soggy egg rolls instead of crispy ones. Finally, avoid crowding the pan during frying, which lowers the oil temperature and results in uneven cooking.
Conclusion
These Crispy Crab & Cheese Egg Rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining luxurious seafood flavor with a satisfying crunch. The simple, creamy filling and spicy dipping sauce create a perfect balance. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this restaurant-quality appetizer at home. They are the perfect choice for elevating your next gathering or treating yourself to a special snack. Enjoy the delicious results of your cooking!