Crab Cake Egg Rolls – Crispy, Golden, and Loaded With Flavor
If you’ve ever wished your favorite crab cake could be transformed into something even more irresistible, these Crab Cake Egg Rolls are the next-level appetizer you’ve been waiting for. Imagine the rich, tender, perfectly seasoned filling of a classic crab cake wrapped inside a shatteringly crisp egg roll shell — it’s the perfect marriage of comfort food and irresistible party appetizer.
These rolls bring together the beloved flavors of Old Bay seasoning, sweet lump crab meat, creamy filling, and a crunch that rivals any restaurant appetizer. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread, a weeknight treat, or a party platter that will disappear before it hits the table, Crab Cake Egg Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing recipe.
This 1500+ word guide breaks down everything you need: full ingredients, cooking tips, best crab to use, shaping technique, frying method, dipping sauce ideas, variations, storage, reheating, and chef-level tricks to guarantee your egg rolls come out perfect every single time.
Let’s dive into the crispy, golden goodness.
What Makes Crab Cake Egg Rolls So Special?
1. They Combine the Best of Two Classics
A juicy crab cake meets a crispy egg roll wrapper — together they create a texture heaven that is creamy on the inside and crunchy outside.
2. Elegant Yet Easy
The flavor feels gourmet, but the method is straightforward. All you do is mix, roll, fry, and eat.
3. Perfect Party Food
These are:
- Bite-friendly
- Easy to batch-cook
- Ideal for dipping
- Great at staying crispy
4. Incredible Flavor Depth
With just the right balance of lemon, spices, herbs, and crab, the taste is bold without overpowering the delicate seafood.
5. Versatile
Serve as:
- Appetizers
- Game-day snacks
- Dinner sides
- Holiday starters
- Meal prep freezer snacks
Ingredients for Crab Cake Egg Rolls
You Will Need:
Crab Filling
- Lump crab meat
- Mayo for creaminess
- Breadcrumbs for binding
- Green onions for freshness
- Lemon juice for brightness
- Egg to hold everything together
- Old Bay seasoning (classic seafood flavor)
- Parsley for color
- Salt + pepper
Egg Roll Wrapping
- Egg roll wrappers
- Water or beaten egg to seal edges
Frying
- Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, peanut)
Choosing the Best Crab for Crab Cake Egg Rolls
1. Lump Crab Meat (Recommended)
Sweet, firm, luxurious texture — perfect for a “crab-forward” filling.
2. Claw Meat
Cheaper, stronger flavor; great for adding depth.
3. Imitation Crab (Budget Option)
Still works beautifully — just chop finely and reduce salt.
How to Make Crab Cake Egg Rolls (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients (Final Recipe Version):
- 1 lb lump crab meat
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup mayo
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 10–12 egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
1. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Crab meat
- Mayo
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Green onions
- Lemon juice
- Old Bay
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Gently fold — don’t overmix or the crab will break apart.
Texture Tip:
The filling should be scoopable, not runny. If too loose, add 1–2 tablespoons breadcrumbs.
Crab Cake Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix crab meat, mayo, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, add filling, fold bottom over filling, fold in sides, and roll tightly.
- Seal the top corner with water.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry egg rolls until golden and crispy, 3–4 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain and keep crisp.
Notes
2. Fill the Egg Roll Wrappers
Place a wrapper in a diamond shape. Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the bottom.
Fold bottom corner over filling, tuck sides inward, and roll tightly. Seal the top with water.
Pro Tip:
Tight rolls = no leaks + extra crispy texture.
3. Fry Until Perfectly Golden
Heat 1–2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry 3–4 egg rolls at a time for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden and crisp.
Remove and drain on a wire rack (not paper towels — that makes them soggy).
4. Serve Hot With Dipping Sauce
Top choices:
- Spicy mayo
- Lemon aioli
- Remoulade
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic butter dip
One dip and you’ll understand why this recipe is addictive.
Flavor Variations
1. Spicy Cajun Crab Rolls
Add:
- Cajun seasoning
- Diced jalapeños
- Pepper jack cheese
2. Creamy Cheesecake Crab Rolls
Mix cream cheese into the filling.
3. Buffalo Crab Rolls
Toss filling with buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese.
4. Asian-Inspired Crab Rolls
Add soy sauce, ginger, and finely diced celery.
5. Crispy Coconut Crab Rolls
Roll in shredded coconut before frying for tropical flair.
Serving Suggestions
Serve them with:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs
- Crisp salad
- Corn chowder
- Garlic roasted vegetables
- Fries or potato wedges
They fit into any meal or celebration.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze fully fried rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Reheat Tips:
Use an oven or air fryer for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
Chef Tips for the Perfect Crab Cake Egg Rolls
- Keep wrappers covered so they don’t dry out.
- Roll tightly — the biggest key to a crispy finish.
- Use a wire rack for draining.
- Don’t overcrowd the oil — causes sogginess.
- Taste filling before rolling. Adjust salt and seasoning as needed.
