Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip
There are good appetizers, and then there are next-level appetizers—these Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls fall firmly into the latter category. Imagine the rich, savory goodness of a crab cake wrapped in a crispy, golden egg roll shell. Now pair that with a creamy, zesty lemon dip, and you’ve got a bite-sized masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an elevated snack, or just treating yourself (which you should!), trust me—these are a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner option.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in no time—perfect for last-minute cravings.
Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings, mix in some extra seafood, or spice things up with a little heat.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor—everyone at the table will be reaching for seconds!

Ingredients
Ingredients in Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls
This recipe is all about layering flavors and textures to create the perfect crispy bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
Lump Crab Meat: The star of the show—sweet, tender, and packed with seafood flavor.
Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy richness that keeps the crab filling moist and delicious.
Egg: Helps bind everything together.
Breadcrumbs: A touch of crunch inside the filling for that classic crab cake texture.
Green Onions: For a hint of freshness and a mild oniony kick.
Old Bay Seasoning: A must-have for that signature crab cake flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a little tang and depth to the filling.
Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of umami goodness.
Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with a little garlic.
Egg Roll Wrappers: The crispy, golden shell that takes this to the next level.
Oil for Frying: For that perfect crunch—use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Ingredients in Lemon Dip
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dip.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Bright, fresh, and zesty—balances out the richness of the crab.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, bringing everything together.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
If frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
If frying, make sure you have a lined plate with paper towels ready for draining. If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Assemble the Dish
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the crab mixture in the center. Fold in the sides, roll tightly, and seal the edges with a little water.
Cook to Perfection
- Frying: Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Baking: Brush the egg rolls with a little oil and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Frying: Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
Make the Lemon Dip
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Finishing Touches
Let the egg rolls cool for a couple of minutes before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these crispy crab cake egg rolls with a side of the lemon dip, and watch them disappear!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approx. 300
(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on cooking method and ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls
These little beauties are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- Pair with extra lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze before eating.
- Serve with a side of spicy aioli or sweet chili sauce for variety.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Enjoy them alongside a light salad for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- Keep the wrappers from drying out: Cover them with a damp towel while assembling.
- Seal the edges well: A little water or egg wash helps keep them from opening while frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Make ahead: Assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use imitation crab instead of lump crab?
Yes! While lump crab gives the best flavor, imitation crab works as a budget-friendly alternative.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. Can I freeze the egg rolls?
Yes! Freeze them uncooked, then fry or bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
6. How do I keep the egg rolls crispy?
Serve immediately, and if making a big batch, keep them warm in the oven at 200°F (95°C).
7. Can I air-fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Can I add cheese to the filling?
You sure can! A little shredded cheddar or mozzarella adds a delicious twist.
9. What other dips pair well with these?
Try tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
10. Can I use spring roll wrappers instead?
Spring roll wrappers are thinner, so they will be crispier but more delicate. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
These Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip take everything you love about crab cakes and give them an irresistibly crunchy twist. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family snack, or just a treat for yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, grab some crab, and get rolling—this one’s a must-try!
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Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
These Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls combine the savory flavors of traditional crab cakes with the satisfying crunch of egg rolls. Paired with a zesty lemon dip, they make for an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Crab Cake Filling:
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Egg Rolls:
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil for frying
For the Lemon Dip:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crab Cake Filling:
- In a bowl, gently mix together the lump crab meat, chopped celery, sliced green onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Assemble the Egg Rolls:
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner facing you (like a diamond shape).
- Spoon a small amount of the crab mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
- Brush the edges of the wrapper with the beaten egg.
- Fold in the sides and roll up tightly, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
- Repeat for the remaining egg rolls.
-
Fry the Egg Rolls:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry the egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
-
Prepare the Lemon Dip:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
-
Serve:
- Serve the crispy crab cake egg rolls warm with the lemon dip on the side.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the crab filling.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
- These egg rolls can be prepared ahead of time and fried just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~400mg
- Fat: ~10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg