When two beloved dishes collide, magic happens — and that’s exactly the case with Crab Cake Egg Rolls. This brilliant fusion brings together the delicate, savory richness of classic Maryland-style crab cakes and the crispy crunch of a golden-brown egg roll wrapper, resulting in an appetizer that’s absolutely unforgettable.
These Crab Cake Egg Rolls are crunchy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, and perfect for dipping into creamy sauces or spicy remoulade. Whether you're entertaining guests, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a creative twist on your usual seafood fare, this appetizer is sure to steal the show.
Why You'll Love Crab Cake Egg Rolls
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🦀 Packed with real crab meat
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🥢 Crunchy, golden exterior
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🍋 Bright, zesty, and seasoned to perfection
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🍽️ Easy to prep ahead for parties or game day
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🌟 An upscale twist on a classic finger food
Ingredients for Crab Cake Egg Rolls
Servings: 8–10 egg rolls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
For the Crab Cake Filling:
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1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
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1 large egg
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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⅓ cup finely diced red bell pepper
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¼ cup chopped green onions
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Egg Rolls:
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8–10 egg roll wrappers
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Small bowl of water (to seal the edges)
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Vegetable oil for frying (or air frying alternative)
Optional Dipping Sauce (Creamy Remoulade):
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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1 teaspoon hot sauce
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crab Cake Egg Rolls
1. Make the Crab Cake Mixture
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In a large bowl, combine crab meat, egg, mayo, Dijon, seasonings, lemon juice, Worcestershire, bell pepper, green onion, and breadcrumbs.
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Gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the crab tender.
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Chill the mixture in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up (this makes rolling easier).
2. Fill and Roll the Egg Rolls
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Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface, with one corner facing you like a diamond.
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Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of the crab mixture into the center.
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Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
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Moisten the top edge with water and press to seal.
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Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
3. Fry or Air Fry the Egg Rolls
Pan Frying:
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Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry egg rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
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Drain on paper towels.
Air Frying:
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Lightly spray egg rolls with cooking spray.
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Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tips for the Perfect Crab Cake Egg Rolls
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Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
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Don’t overfill the wrappers, or they may burst while cooking.
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Seal the edges tightly to keep the filling intact during frying.
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Let them cool slightly before cutting or serving to avoid losing filling.
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Serve with multiple dipping sauces to wow your guests.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy, golden egg rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and sauces. Serve them with:
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Creamy remoulade or aioli
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Spicy sriracha mayo
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Sweet chili sauce
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Lemon wedges
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Fresh herb salad or coleslaw
Make Ahead and Storage
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Make Ahead: Assemble egg rolls up to 1 day in advance and store in the fridge, covered tightly.
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Freezing: Freeze uncooked rolls in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed and crispy again — avoid microwaving to retain crispiness.
Variations and Add-Ins
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Spicy Crab Cake Egg Rolls: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Cheesy Version: Mix in a little cream cheese or shredded cheddar for a creamy center.
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Asian Fusion Twist: Add a dash of soy sauce, sesame oil, or chopped scallions to the filling.
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Mini Party Rolls: Use smaller wonton wrappers for bite-sized versions perfect for appetizers.
Why These Crab Cake Egg Rolls Are So Irresistible
The combination of luxurious crab meat, bold seasonings, and a perfectly crisp shell makes these egg rolls a game-changer. They’re the perfect finger food for cocktail parties, holidays, game day spreads, or even an upscale starter at your next dinner gathering.
The best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to make them. These rolls are incredibly easy to assemble, fry up beautifully, and freeze like a dream — making them your new favorite secret weapon in the kitchen.
Conclusion
If you're looking to impress your guests with a unique, indulgent appetizer, these Crab Cake Egg Rolls are your golden ticket. Bursting with flavor, texture, and a delightful crunch, they're the elevated party snack you didn’t know you were missing — until now.
Serve them hot, serve them crispy, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the sauce.”
