I absolutely love how this Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe combines the best of two worlds—crisp, golden egg rolls filled with tender, flavorful crab cake goodness and a tangy, spicy dipping sauce that wakes up every bite. This recipe is perfect for a party appetizer, a fun family dinner, or whenever you want to impress guests with something that looks fancy but is actually straightforward to whip up.
When I first tried crab cake egg rolls, I was blown away by how easy they were to make and how perfectly the crispy wrapper balanced the creamy crab filling. You’ll find that the chili-mustard dipping sauce adds just the right amount of heat and zest to keep things interesting without overpowering the crab. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe box.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Yet Impressive: You’ll wow your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Perfect Balance: The crab cake filling is creamy and seasoned just right, wrapped in a crisp, light shell.
- Versatile Serving: Great as an appetizer, snack, or a unique dinner option that’s fun to share.
- Delicious Dipping Sauce: The chili-mustard dip adds a zing that perfectly complements the mild crab flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe work together to create a flavor-packed filling and a tangy sauce that you’ll keep coming back to. Make sure to pick lump crab meat for that real seafood texture and freshness.
- Mayonnaise: Helps bind the filling while adding creaminess.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a smooth tang that elevates the flavor profile.
- Chili-garlic sauce: Provides subtle heat and savory depth.
- Old Bay seasoning: Classic seasoning that gives crab its signature flavor.
- Lump crab meat: Use fresh or high-quality canned—no fillers or lumps.
- Scallion: Offers fresh onion notes without overpowering.
- Panko bread crumbs: Binds the filling but keeps it light and airy.
- Wonton wrappers: Perfect size and texture for wrapping the filling crisply.
- Neutral oil: Such as canola or vegetable oil, ideal for frying to golden perfection.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the dipping sauce with fresh acidity.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami richness to the dip.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tangy and spicy elements of the sauce.
Variations
I love encouraging folks to put their own spin on this Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap proteins, or make it vegetarian-friendly, there’s lots of room to play and still get delicious results.
- Spicy Upgrade: I’ve added a bit more chili-garlic sauce to the crab mix and dip for a bolder kick that my spice-loving family raves about.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute lump crab meat with cooked shrimp or finely chopped lobster for a different seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap crab with shredded hearts of palm or artichoke hearts for a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers and substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
How to Make Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Flavorful Crab Cake Filling
Start by stirring together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chili-garlic sauce, and Old Bay seasoning in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. In a separate small bowl, toss the lump crab meat with scallions and panko breadcrumbs gently, so you don’t break up the crab lumps too much. Then fold the crab mixture into the mayo mixture until everything is just combined—you want a cohesive but light filling.
Step 2: Wrapping the Egg Rolls
Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you. Have a small bowl of water nearby to moisten the edges. Spoon about one heaping tablespoon of the crab filling onto the center, leaving some space at the edges. Dip your finger in water and brush the edges of the wrapper to help seal. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck the sides in snugly, and roll the wrapper away from you tightly but gently to avoid tearing. This step takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll breeze through the batch.
Step 3: Frying to Golden Perfection
Heat neutral oil in a heavy saucepan or deep fryer to 375°F. Using a deep-fry thermometer is key here to keep the temperature steady for that crisp exterior without oily sogginess. Fry the egg rolls in batches so they don’t overcrowd and cook unevenly, about 3 to 4 minutes each, until deep golden brown. Transfer them with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and keep them crispy.
Step 4: Whip Up the Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce
While the egg rolls are frying, mix together mayonnaise, sliced scallion, chili-garlic sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and granulated sugar in a small bowl until well combined. This sauce nails the balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy notes you want alongside the crab rolls.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your hot, crispy egg rolls on a platter and serve them immediately with the chili-mustard dipping sauce on the side. Trust me, you’ll want to dip every crispy bite.
Pro Tips for Making Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Use Lump Crab Meat: It keeps the filling chunky and luxurious—flaky crab just melts in your mouth.
- Don’t Overfill Wontons: Overfilling makes rolling tricky and increases risk of breaks during frying.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping it steady at 375°F ensures perfectly crispy egg rolls without oily spots.
- Seal Edges Well: Wetting the wrapper edges with water helps create a tight seal and prevents leaks.
How to Serve Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I like sprinkling finely chopped fresh scallions or cilantro over the egg rolls just before serving for a pop of color and extra freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side is also a simple touch that lets you brighten the flavors just before you dig in.
Side Dishes
These crab cake egg rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a light cucumber and avocado salad to balance the richness. For something heartier, steamed jasmine rice or a simple Asian-style slaw with sesame and ginger flavors is fantastic too.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the egg rolls upright in a shallow bowl or on skewers pierced through the middle for easy grabbing. Setting up a mini dipping station with a few different sauces including the chili-mustard dip makes it a fun eating experience and a hit with guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover egg rolls refrigerate well in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When storing, let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess from trapped steam.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing uncooked, wrapped egg rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to freezer bags. This way, you can fry them straight from frozen without thawing—just add a minute or two to the frying time.
Reheating
To reheat leftover egg rolls, pop them in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 8–10 minutes to revive that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it makes the wrapper soft and chewy rather than crisp.
FAQs
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Can I make Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the egg rolls, wrap them, and keep them refrigerated for a day before frying. For longer storage, freeze them before frying; then fry straight from the freezer when ready.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have lump crab meat?
You can use canned crab meat, cooked shrimp chopped into small pieces, or even lobster meat if you want a different seafood twist. Just be sure to avoid imitation crab, as it’s less flavorful and has a different texture.
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How spicy is the chili-mustard dipping sauce?
The sauce has a gentle heat from the chili-garlic sauce balanced by creamy mayo and mustard, so it’s fairly mild but pleasantly tangy and zesty. You can adjust the chili-garlic sauce amount to suit your spice tolerance.
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What’s the best oil to fry Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils fry the egg rolls evenly without adding strong flavors or breaking down at high heat.
Final Thoughts
This Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen because it feels special without being complicated. It’s perfect for sharing, impressing, or just treating yourself to something a bit indulgent. Give it a try—I promise you’ll love the crispy, savory bites paired with that zingy dipping sauce. And once you make this, it’s going to be a recipe you’ll pull out again and again, trust me on that!
PrintCrab Cake Egg Rolls with Chili-Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crab Cake Egg Rolls are a delicious fusion appetizer combining traditional crab cake flavors with the crispy, golden exterior of egg rolls. Filled with lump crab meat, scallions, and panko breadcrumbs, and served alongside a tangy chili-mustard dipping sauce, they make for an impressive starter or party snack that’s both crunchy and flavorful.
Ingredients
Crab Cake Egg Rolls
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. chili-garlic sauce
- 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- 8 oz. lump crab meat, picked through
- 1 scallion, sliced
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 18 wonton wrappers
- Neutral oil, for frying (5 to 6 cups)
Chili-Mustard Dip
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 scallion, sliced
- 1 Tbsp. chili-garlic sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 tsp. granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the crab filling: In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chili-garlic sauce, and Old Bay seasoning until smooth. In a separate small bowl, gently toss crab meat, sliced scallion, and panko bread crumbs until combined. Fold the crab mixture into the mayo mixture carefully until everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble the egg rolls: Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface with one corner facing you. Have a small bowl of water nearby. Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of the crab mixture in the center of the wrapper, leaving a small border around the edges. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, then fold in the sides. Roll the wrapper away from you tightly, sealing the edges. Repeat with the remaining crab mixture and wonton wrappers.
- Heat oil for frying: Pour neutral oil into a large heavy saucepan to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Attach a deep-fry thermometer and heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the egg rolls: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the assembled egg rolls to the hot oil. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until the wrappers are deep golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the egg rolls and transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the chili-mustard dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sliced scallion, chili-garlic sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Serve: Arrange the fried crab cake egg rolls on a platter and serve immediately with the chili-mustard dip alongside for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the crab meat is fresh and picked thoroughly to avoid any shell pieces.
- Do not overfill the wonton wrappers to prevent breaking during frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F for even frying and crispiness.
- Use neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola or vegetable oil for frying.
- Serve the egg rolls immediately to enjoy their crispy texture.
- The dip can be made ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 egg rolls with dip
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg