Crab Cake Egg Rolls
Makes 12–14 rolls | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 8–10 min | Total: ~30 min
๐ Ingredients
For the Crab Filling:
½ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 green onion, finely sliced
¼ tsp Old Bay seasoning (classic Chesapeake flair!)
¼ tsp paprika
Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
8 oz lump crab meat, picked over for shells
Use fresh-pasteurized or high-quality canned/jarred crab
For Rolling & Cooking:
12–14 egg roll wrappers (found in refrigerated section)
1–2 tbsp water (for sealing)
1–2 tbsp neutral oil (for frying or spraying)
For Serving:
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley or chives
Dipping Sauces:
Remoulade
Spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha + lemon)
Cocktail sauce
Avocado crema
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Crab Filling
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire, green onion, Old Bay, paprika, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
Fold in lump crab meat gently — don’t break up the chunks! You want big, luxurious pieces.
Chill 10 minutes (optional but helps firm up filling).
๐ก Pro Tip: Keep it cold until ready to roll — soft filling = harder to wrap!
2️⃣ Prep Workstation
Lay out egg roll wrappers on a clean surface like a diamond.
Cover unused ones with a damp towel to prevent drying.
3️⃣ Fill & Fold Like a Pro
Spoon 1½–2 tbsp filling onto the bottom third of the wrapper.
Fold bottom corner over filling.
Fold left and right corners inward.
Roll upward tightly (like a burrito).
Seal the top edge with a little water — press firmly.
๐ Tip: Don’t overfill! Too much = burst rolls during cooking.
4️⃣ Cook Your Way
Option 1: Pan-Fry (Most Crispy!)
Heat ½ inch oil in skillet to 350°F.
Fry 2–3 at a time, turning once, until golden brown (~2 mins per side).
Drain on paper towels.
Option 2: Air Fry (Lighter & Still Crunchy)
Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
Spray rolls lightly with oil.
Cook 8–10 mins, flipping halfway.
Option 3: Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place on greased baking sheet, spray with oil.
Bake 15–18 mins, flip once, until golden.
5️⃣ Serve Hot & Fresh
Arrange on platter with lemon wedges and herbs.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
๐ Garnish pro move: Sprinkle with microgreens or tobiko (fish roe) for upscale flair.
๐ฆ Variations & Pro Hacks
imitation crab?** Yes! Use imitation crab (surimi) for a budget-friendly version — shred and mix as above
๐ฆ Shrimp Version: Swap crab for chopped cooked shrimp — still delicious!
๐ง Extra Creamy: Add 1 tbsp grated Parmesan or a spoonful of sour cream
๐ถ️ Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeรฑo or chipotle in adobo
๐ง Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble unbaked rolls, freeze on tray, then store in bag. Fry or bake from frozen (+2–3 mins)
๐ฝ️ Mini Bites: Use spring roll wrappers and cut in half after cooking for elegant cocktail nibbles
๐ง Why This Works So Well
The cream cheese base binds the filling without masking delicate crab flavor, while mayo adds moisture and richness. When fried, the egg roll wrapper creates a protective shell that locks in heat and keeps the interior luscious — no dry, overcooked crab here.
And because each roll is individually wrapped, every bite delivers that perfect balance: crisp crust + tender, savory filling.
❤️ Final Thought: A Taste of Luxury, Made Simple
These Crab Cake Egg Rolls prove that gourmet doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a few quality ingredients and a little folding finesse, you can serve something that feels indulgent, looks impressive, and tastes like it came from a five-star kitchen.
So whether it’s date night, girls’ night, or “I deserve something fancy” night…
Go ahead. Roll in style. ๐ฅข๐