Description
This Crispy Crab Appetizer features delicate lump crab meat blended with cream cheese and aromatic seasonings, wrapped in wonton wrappers and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served hot with sweet chili or soy dipping sauce, these crunchy seafood bites are perfect as an elegant starter or party snack with a delightful Asian-American flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Wrappers & Frying
- 20 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2–3 inches depth)
- Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, finely chopped green onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended to create a creamy, flavorful crab filling.
- Fill the Wontons: Lay a wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crab filling into the center of the wrapper. Lightly brush the edges with water to help seal, then fold the wrapper into a triangle or bring all corners together, pressing tightly to seal and prevent filling from escaping during frying. Repeat this process for all wrappers and filling.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature suitable for deep frying.
- Fry the Wontons: Carefully add the filled wontons in batches to the hot oil. Fry them for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn a golden brown color and are crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy crab wontons hot, paired with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce as a dipping option for a perfect appetizer experience.
Notes
- You can bake the wontons at 400°F for 12–15 minutes instead of frying to create a lighter, less oily version.
- Imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly alternative, though real lump crab provides richer flavor and texture.
- These appetizers are best enjoyed immediately while they are hot and crispy to maintain their texture and taste.
