Crispy and Flavorful Crab Bites (Print version)
Golden crab bites with sweet lump crab, lemon, Old Bay, and a crisp panko coating for an easy seafood appetizer.
# Ingredients:
For the crab bites
01 -
1 lb (450 g) lump crab meat, drained and picked over
02 -
1/3 cup mayonnaise
03 -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
04 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
05 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
06 -
1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
07 -
1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
08 -
1 teaspoon lemon zest
09 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 -
1/4 cup finely sliced green onion
11 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, for the filling
13 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
14 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For coating and serving
15 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs, for coating
16 -
Neutral oil, for shallow frying
17 -
Lemon wedges, for serving
18 -
Tartar sauce, remoulade, or lemon aioli, for dipping
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, egg, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, hot sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
02 -
Add the crab meat, green onion, parsley, and 1/2 cup panko. Fold gently until evenly combined and just firm enough to scoop.
03 -
Scoop tablespoon-size portions and shape into 20-24 small balls or thick nuggets. Roll each one in the remaining panko to coat.
04 -
Set the coated bites on a parchment-lined tray and chill for at least 20 minutes so they hold their shape during frying.
05 -
Heat 1/2 inch of neutral oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry the bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp.
06 -
Transfer to a rack or paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt if needed and serve hot with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
# Good to know:
01 -
Chilling the shaped bites helps prevent crumbling.
02 -
Best served hot right after frying.
03 -
Makes about 20-24 appetizer bites.