Crab Balls

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

Crab balls are a delicious, bite-sized treat perfect for appetizers, parties, or even a quick seafood snack. They are crispy on the outside and tender, flavorful, and packed with fresh crab meat on the inside. Whether served with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own, these crab balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Fresh crab meat
  • Bread crumbs
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and egg.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much.
  3. Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
  4. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  5. Fry the crab balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
  6. Remove the crab balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings:ย Makes approximately 20 crab balls
  • Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
  • Cook Time:ย 10 minutes
  • Total Time:ย 25 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Crab Balls:ย Add finely chopped jalapeรฑos or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick.
  • Baked Crab Balls:ย For a healthier option, bake the crab balls at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free bread crumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Herb-Infused:ย Add dill or chives for an herby flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage:ย Store leftover crab balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating:ย Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep crab balls from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough binding ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs to hold the mixture together.

Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes, you can use canned crab meat, but fresh crab meat offers better flavor and texture.

Can I make crab balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them in advance and refrigerate the uncooked balls for up to 24 hours before frying.

What dipping sauces go well with crab balls?

Tartar sauce, aioli, cocktail sauce, or spicy remoulade are great choices.

Can I freeze crab balls?

Yes, you can freeze them after frying. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) until hot and crispy.

How do I know when crab balls are done cooking?

They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).

What type of crab meat is best for crab balls?

Lump crab meat is ideal for its sweet flavor and meaty texture.

Can I air fry crab balls?

Yes, air fry at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are crab balls keto-friendly?

You can make them keto-friendly by using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

What can I serve with crab balls?

Serve them with coleslaw, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Crab balls are a versatile and flavorful appetizer that can be easily customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a seafood snack, these crispy, tender bites are sure to impress. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in no time!

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Crab Balls

Crab Balls

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: About 20 crab balls 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying (or baking as an alternative)
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These crispy, flavorful crab balls are the perfect appetizer for any seafood lover. Packed with tender crab meat, zesty seasonings, and a crunchy exterior, theyโ€™re easy to make and even easier to devour. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper (optional for added crunch)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced green onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, parsley, bell pepper, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
  3. Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Chill the crab balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while frying.
  5. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Carefully add the crab balls in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  7. Remove the crab balls with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like tartar, cocktail sauce, or a spicy aioli.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, you can bake the crab balls at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
  • Use fresh crab meat if possible for the best flavor, but canned or imitation crab can work in a pinch.

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