If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to whip up, look no further than these Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls! Bursting with creamy crab filling and fried to crispy perfection, they take the best part of a classic crab rangoon and wrap it up in a crunchy egg roll shell. Ideal for holiday gatherings, game days, or any occasion where finger foods are a must, these egg rolls deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) boxes of cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adjust to taste; see notes)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 lb fresh white cooked crabmeat, flaked or diced
- 8–10 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls: Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Filling:
In a food processor, combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped green onions. Pulse several times until well-mixed, then gently stir in the crab meat by hand to keep some texture. - Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Lay one egg roll wrapper out with a corner pointing toward you. Spoon about three rounded tablespoons of filling in the center, forming a short horizontal shape. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tucking it in gently. Fold in the sides and roll the wrapper tightly, using a little water to seal the tip. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. - Heat the Oil:
In a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 375°F. If possible, use a thermometer to keep the temperature consistent. - Fry the Egg Rolls:
Fry 2–3 egg rolls at a time for about 1–2 minutes or until lightly browned. Be sure to let the oil reheat between batches for the best results. Place finished egg rolls on paper towels to drain excess oil. - Serve:
Serve warm, with your choice of dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or spicy mayo.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Crab for Best Flavor: King Crab, Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, or Blue Crab all work beautifully. But if fresh crab isn’t available, canned or imitation crab can work in a pinch; just be sure to chop imitation crab finely.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Most grocery stores carry egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section near fresh produce.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily and creates a creamier filling.
- Choose the Right Oil: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best, as they all have high smoking points.
- Use a Thermometer: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of your pan for better temperature control. Oil temperature will drop when egg rolls are added, so you may need to adjust the heat up slightly, then back down when removing them.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: If you prefer your crab rangoon a bit on the sweet side, add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar or mirin to the filling.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a slight kick or a few drops of soy sauce for extra umami.
- Serve with Different Dips: Sweet chili sauce, plum sauce, or even a tangy sriracha mayo make fantastic pairings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the egg rolls on a lined baking sheet. Lightly brush each roll with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Roll and fry the egg rolls just before serving for the crispiest results.
Can I use canned crab?
Yes, canned crab works fine if you drain it well. Fresh crab is ideal, but if using imitation crab, chop it up finely to maintain the creamy texture.
Storage Instructions
- To Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to revive their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes
Looking for more appetizers? Check out these popular recipes that are perfect for parties and gatherings:
- Luscious Lemon Rolls – Soft, and Full of Fresh Lemon Flavor
With these Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls, you’ll have a unique, flavor-packed appetizer that’s anything but ordinary! So grab your ingredients and get ready to wow your guests with this irresistible twist on a classic. Happy cooking!
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Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls are the ultimate appetizer – creamy crab filling in a crispy shell, perfect for any gathering! Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, these bite-sized treats will impress at holiday parties, game days, and beyond. Make a batch, serve warm, and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) boxes cream cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 lb fresh white cooked crabmeat, flaked or diced
- 8–10 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a food processor, combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions. Pulse until smooth. Stir in the crab meat by hand.
- Assemble the Egg Rolls: Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner facing you. Spoon 3 tablespoons of filling in the center, creating a horizontal shape. Fold the bottom corner up, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly. Seal with water.
- Fry the Egg Rolls: Heat oil to 375°F. Fry 2–3 egg rolls at a time for 1–2 minutes until golden. Let oil reheat between batches. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh crab such as King, Snow, or Blue Crab. Canned crab or imitation crab (chopped finely) works as a substitute.
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature with a candy thermometer for best frying results.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar or mirin to the filling for a hint of sweetness, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 67 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg