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Ultra close-up of crispy crab balls with golden crust and dipping sauce.

Crab Balls Recipe: The Best Seafood Appetizer Ever

This crab balls recipe offers the perfect combination of crispy golden crust and tender crab meat, making it the best seafood appetizer ever! Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, it’s perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 20 crab balls 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh crab meat, drained and shredded
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (if frying)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Crab Meat: Drain and shred the crab meat, ensuring there are no shells or cartilage.
  • Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, and spices. Mix well.
  • Shape the Balls: Scoop and shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Cook the Crab Balls:
    • Frying Option: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the crab balls for 3-4 minutes, until golden and crispy.
    • Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the crab balls for 15-20 minutes, until golden.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with dipping sauce and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, bake the crab balls instead of frying them.
  • You can freeze the shaped crab balls before cooking for later use. Just thaw them before frying or baking.
  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying, Baking
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 crab ball (approx. 50g)
  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg