Crispy Tempura Crab Bites
Indulge in the flavors of coastal cuisine with these Crispy Tempura Crab Bites. Inspired by traditional tempura, this recipe transforms luscious lump crab meat into delightful patties, encased in a light and airy batter. Each bite bursts with the sweet, tender flavor of crab, expertly fried to a perfect golden brown. Ideal for serving alongside a refreshing Asian slaw and a tangy crab dipping sauce, these crab bites are perfect for gatherings or a special dinner. While traditionally made with whole soft-shell crabs, this unique twist simplifies preparation without sacrificing taste. Pro tip: save leftover egg whites to boost your dog's meal or use them in another dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
as needed (enough to fry the crab bites)
Cake flour or all-purpose flour
1.5 cups (sifted)
Sea salt or kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Large egg yolk
1 (discard remaining white or save for another use)
Soda water
1.25 cups (chilled)
Jumbo soft-shell crabs, dressed
8 (cleaned and prepared into patties)
Toasted sesame seeds
for garnish (toasted)
Instructions
1
1. In a large Dutch oven, pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch and heat it to 350°F.
2
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour (or all-purpose flour) and sea salt until well combined.
3
3. In a separate bowl or a 2-cup measuring cup, combine the large egg yolk with the soda water, stirring until fully blended.
4
4. Gradually pour the egg yolk and soda water mixture over the flour mixture, stirring gently with a large fork. Be careful not to over-mix; aim for a slightly lumpy batter with a heavy cream consistency.
5
5. Carefully dip two crab patties into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated while allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl.
6
6. Slide the battered patties into the hot oil, top-side down. Fry for 1 ½ minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7
7. Using a slotted spoon, remove the crab bites from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Transfer the drained bites to a baking sheet and keep them warm in a preheated oven at 200°F while you cook the remaining patties.
8
8. Once all crab bites are fried, garnish them with toasted sesame seeds and serve alongside Asian slaw and crab dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Tempura Crab Bites?
They are small patties made from luscious lump crab meat or dressed soft-shell crabs, dipped in a light tempura batter and fried until golden.
What type of crab is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for jumbo soft-shell crabs that have been dressed and prepared into patties.
Can I use regular flour for the batter?
Yes, you can use either cake flour or all-purpose flour for the tempura batter.
How do I ensure the batter is light and airy?
Use chilled soda water and be careful not to over-mix the batter; it should remain slightly lumpy.
What temperature should the frying oil reach?
The vegetable oil should be heated to exactly 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a Dutch oven.
How long should I fry each crab bite?
Fry the battered patties for 1.5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
These crab bites are best served alongside Asian slaw and a tangy crab dipping sauce.
Why is soda water used in the tempura batter?
The carbonation in soda water creates a lighter, crispier texture compared to still water.
What should the consistency of the batter look like?
The batter should have a consistency similar to heavy cream and remain slightly lumpy.
What do I do with the leftover egg white?
You can save the egg white to boost a dog's meal or use it in another recipe, as only the yolk is needed here.
How much oil is required for frying?
Pour enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of 1 inch in your cooking vessel.
Can I use kosher salt instead of sea salt?
Yes, either sea salt or kosher salt works well for seasoning the flour mixture.
How do I keep the crab bites warm while cooking in batches?
Place the finished bites on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to remove excess batter?
Dip the patties and allow the excess batter to drip back into the bowl before sliding them into the oil.
Which garnish is recommended for this dish?
Garnish the finished crab bites with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Is it okay to over-mix the batter?
No, over-mixing should be avoided as it can make the tempura coating tough rather than light.
How should the crab patties be placed into the oil?
Carefully slide the battered patties into the hot oil top-side down.
What tool should I use to remove the crab bites from the oil?
A slotted spoon is best for removing the bites while allowing oil to drain away.
Why must the soda water be chilled?
Cold liquids help prevent the development of gluten in the flour, resulting in a crispier fry.
Can I use this recipe for whole soft-shell crabs?
While this version uses patties, it is inspired by traditional whole soft-shell crab tempura.
How do I drain the crab bites after frying?
Transfer them to paper towels immediately after frying to soak up any excess oil.
How many jumbo crabs does this recipe require?
This recipe uses 8 jumbo soft-shell crabs that have been cleaned and prepared.
What type of pot is best for frying these?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for maintaining consistent heat and depth.
What kind of oil is best?
Vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Can I substitute the soda water?
Sparkling water or seltzer can be used as a substitute for soda water.
Is this dish considered an appetizer or an entree?
It is versatile and can be served as a special dinner entree or as an appetizer for gatherings.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the cake or all-purpose flour helps achieve a smoother, lighter batter.
How do I know when the bites are finished cooking?
They are done when the exterior is golden brown and the internal crab meat is heated through.
Does this recipe include a dipping sauce recipe?
The recipe suggests serving with a tangy crab dipping sauce, though the specific sauce ingredients are separate.
Can I use frozen crab?
Yes, but ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before forming into patties to avoid excess moisture.