Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip

Crab cakes are already a deliciously satisfying dish, but what if we took them to the next level? Enter Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip—a flavor-packed twist on a classic. These golden, crispy egg rolls are stuffed with a rich, savory crab filling that’s spiced just right, and when you bite into them, you get that perfect crunch followed by a burst of tender crab goodness. The tangy, refreshing lemon dip adds the perfect finishing touch, balancing the flavors and making each bite even more irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next party or just indulging in a little seafood goodness, these egg rolls are bound to be the star of the show. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip

These crispy crab cake egg rolls are more than just a snack—they’re a complete experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

Unique and Flavorful

The combination of crab cakes and egg rolls is an unexpected but genius pairing. You get the familiar flavor of crab cakes, but with a crispy, crunchy twist that makes them extra satisfying.

Perfectly Balanced

The richness of the crab filling and the light, tangy lemon dip create the ultimate balance of flavors. It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance.

Appetizer or Main Dish

These crab cake egg rolls are versatile. They work perfectly as appetizers or even as a light main dish. They’re fancy enough for a dinner party, but easy enough for a weeknight treat.

Customizable

Feel free to play around with the seasoning. Want it spicier? Toss in a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you like a more savory flavor, add in some fresh herbs. The sky’s the limit!

Ingredients: Everything You Need for Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Let’s dive into the ingredients for these crispy delights. Don’t worry, they’re simple to put together, but the flavors? Totally next-level.

For the Crab Cake Filling:

• Crab Meat: Fresh or canned, just make sure it’s high quality. The crab is the star here, so get the good stuff!
• Mayonnaise: For that creamy, smooth texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the crab mixture together.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a bit of texture to the filling and helps it hold its shape.
• Dijon Mustard: Gives a little tang and depth of flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seasoning for crab cakes, adding a zesty, savory kick.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle hint of garlic flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A little acidity to balance out the richness of the crab.
• Chopped Parsley: Adds some freshness and color to the filling.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

For the Egg Rolls:

• Egg Roll Wrappers: The crispy exterior that will hold everything together.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying and achieving that crispy golden exterior.

For the Lemon Dip:

• Greek Yogurt: For a creamy base with a slight tang.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness to the dip.
• Lemon Juice: For that fresh, citrusy kick.
• Dijon Mustard: For a touch of sharpness.
• Garlic Powder: To round out the flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions: How to Make Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip

These egg rolls might look impressive, but don’t worry, they’re super easy to make. Let’s get cooking!

1. Prepare the Crab Cake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well combined. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much—it’s important to keep those big chunks for maximum flavor.

2. Assemble the Egg Rolls

Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface, with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond shape). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crab cake filling onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the wrapper tightly around the filling, sealing the top corner with a little water. Repeat with the remaining filling and wrappers.

3. Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet or pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when a small piece of the egg roll wrapper sizzles when dropped in.

4. Fry the Egg Rolls

Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them occasionally for even frying. Once they’re done, remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Make the Lemon Dip

While the egg rolls are frying, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your crispy crab cake egg rolls hot with the tangy lemon dip on the side. For a little extra flair, garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 270
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 370mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 9g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls

These egg rolls are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them over the top:

• As an Appetizer: Perfect for a party or get-together. Set up a platter with the egg rolls and lemon dip for easy dipping.
• With a Salad: Pair these crispy bites with a fresh salad to create a more complete meal. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette would be great!
• On a Sandwich: For something a little different, place a few of these egg rolls in a soft sandwich bun with some greens and extra lemon sauce for a crab roll.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overstuff the Egg Rolls

You don’t want to overstuff the wrappers, as it can make them difficult to roll and fry properly. Keep the filling moderate so that the egg rolls stay crisp.

Watch the Frying Time

Frying too long can cause the egg rolls to become overly crispy or even burn. Keep an eye on them as they fry to get that perfect golden-brown color.

Use Fresh Crab Meat

If possible, use fresh crab meat for the best flavor. If canned is your only option, look for high-quality lump crab meat to get those tender, sweet chunks of crab.

Try Baking for a Healthier Option

If you prefer to bake these egg rolls instead of frying, brush them with a little oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until crispy and golden.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?
A1: Yes, you can use imitation crab meat if you prefer, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Fresh or lump crab meat will give the egg rolls a more authentic, sweet seafood taste.

Q2: Can I make these egg rolls ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can assemble the egg rolls and store them in the fridge for up to a day before frying. Just be sure to cover them so they don’t dry out.

Q3: Can I freeze the egg rolls?
A3: Yes! Freeze the uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. When you’re ready to eat, fry them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the frying time.

Q4: How can I make the lemon dip spicier?
A4: Add a little hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip for a spicy kick. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.

Q5: Can I make these without frying?
A5: If you want to avoid frying, you can bake the egg rolls. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy.

Q6: Can I use a different sauce for dipping?
A6: Of course! You can swap the lemon dip for a tangy cocktail sauce, a creamy tartar sauce, or even a spicy aioli for something a little bolder.

Q7: Can I make these with shrimp instead of crab?
A7: Yes! Shrimp makes a great alternative to crab in these egg rolls. Simply chop the shrimp into small pieces and follow the same steps for the filling.

Q8: How do I know when the egg rolls are done frying?
A8: The egg rolls should be golden brown and crispy on all sides. If you’re unsure, break one open to check that the crab filling is hot and cooked through.

Q9: Can I make the lemon dip ahead of time?
A9: Yes! The lemon dip can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a stir before serving.

Q10: What sides pair well with these egg rolls?
A10: These egg rolls go great with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even crispy sweet potato fries. Keep the sides light to balance out the richness of the egg rolls.

Conclusion

These Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip are the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and savory. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re sure to impress. The tangy lemon dip adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite even more irresistible. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering treats—you won’t regret it!

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