Crispy Crab Cake Bites
Delight in the savory flavors of these Crispy Crab Cake Bites, featuring a fusion of zesty spices and fresh vegetables. Perfectly golden on the outside and filled with luscious lump crabmeat, these croquettes are an irresistible appetizer for any gathering or cozy dinner. Served with a tangy chili-garlic mayonnaise, they are sure to impress seafood lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Make ahead and refrigerate for a stress-free entertaining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Chili-garlic sauce
3 teaspoons (none)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Canola oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing and additional for frying)
Celery rib
1 (finely chopped (about 1/4 cup))
Jalapeno
1/2 (finely chopped (with or without seeds))
Red onion
1/2 small (finely chopped (about 1/2 cup))
Red bell pepper
1/2 (finely chopped (about 1/2 cup))
Lump crabmeat
1 lb (picked through for shells and coarsely chopped)
Unseasoned breadcrumbs
4 cups (divided)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Kosher salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, and lemon juice until well combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
2
In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glossy, add the finely chopped celery, jalapenos, red onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl to cool for about 10 to 12 minutes.
3
Once the vegetable mixture has cooled, gently fold in the lump crabmeat, 1 1/2 cups of unseasoned breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, and 1/2 cup of the chilled chili-garlic mayonnaise. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, mixing until just combined.
4
Prepare a shallow bowl with the remaining 2 1/2 cups of breadcrumbs. Shape the crab mixture into bite-sized croquettes, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each, yielding 25 to 30 pieces. Dredge each croquette in the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Place the coated croquettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor.
5
In the same skillet, heat 1/4 inch of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the croquettes in batches, frying until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked croquettes to a serving platter lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper before serving.
6
Serve the crispy crab cake bites warm, accompanied by the remaining chili-garlic mayonnaise for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Crab Cake Bites?
Crispy Crab Cake Bites are savory appetizers made with lump crabmeat, vegetables, and spices, fried to a golden brown and served with a zesty chili-garlic mayonnaise.
What type of crabmeat is best for this recipe?
Lump crabmeat is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Ensure it is picked through for shells and coarsely chopped.
Can I use canned crabmeat?
Yes, you can use canned crabmeat, but ensure it is well-drained and the quality is high to maintain the recipe's intended flavor.
What is in the chili-garlic dipping sauce?
The sauce is a simple but flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Which vegetables are used in these crab bites?
The recipe includes finely chopped celery, jalapenos, red onion, and red bell pepper for a fresh and zesty crunch.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
The vegetables should be finely chopped and then sautéed in canola oil for about 3 minutes until softened.
Can I make the crab bites less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeno or reduce the amount of chili-garlic sauce in the mixture.
Why must the sautéed vegetables cool before mixing?
Cooling the vegetables for 10 to 12 minutes prevents the heat from cooking the raw egg prematurely and helps maintain the texture of the crab.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for unseasoned breadcrumbs to allow the flavors of the crab and spices to shine through.
Can I substitute Panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, Panko breadcrumbs can be used if you prefer an even crunchier exterior, though the texture of the filling may vary slightly.
How do I keep the crab cakes from falling apart?
The combination of breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, and a bit of the chili-garlic mayonnaise acts as a binder to hold the bites together.
What is the ideal size for each crab cake bite?
Each croquette should be shaped into a bite-sized ball using about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe typically yields between 25 and 30 individual crab cake bites.
Is the refrigeration step necessary?
Yes, refrigerating the coated croquettes for at least 1 hour is crucial for enhancing flavor and helping them hold their shape during frying.
How long can I refrigerate the prepared bites?
You can refrigerate them for up to 8 hours, making them an excellent make-ahead option for parties.
What oil is best for frying the crab bites?
Canola oil is used in this recipe because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should fill your skillet with about 1/4 inch of canola oil to ensure the bites are partially submerged while frying.
How long do I fry the crab cake bites?
Fry the bites in batches for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
How should I drain the bites after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the hot bites to a serving platter lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While the recipe is designed for frying to achieve a crispy texture, you could bake them at 400°F until golden, though they may be less crispy.
Are these crab bites suitable for an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.
How do I serve these appetizers?
Serve them warm on a platter with the remaining chilled chili-garlic mayonnaise for dipping.
Can I freeze the crab cake bites?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped, uncooked bites on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat leftover crab bites?
Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness; avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy.
Can I use a different seafood?
While designed for crab, the same base would work well with finely chopped shrimp or cooked salmon.
What should I do if the mixture is too wet to shape?
If the mixture is too loose, you can add a small amount of additional breadcrumbs until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of chili-garlic sauce?
You can use fresh garlic, but you would miss the specific tang and heat provided by the chili-garlic sauce.
Are these crab cake bites gluten-free?
This recipe contains breadcrumbs, so it is not gluten-free. You could substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
What makes these bites perfect for entertaining?
Their small size, make-ahead capability, and the fact that they can be served as finger food make them ideal for gatherings.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
The oil is ready when it is glossy and a small pinch of breadcrumbs sizzles immediately upon contact.