The Ultimate Fried Crab Balls Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crab cakes are a beloved American seafood dish, particularly popular in the Chesapeake Bay region, but their origins date back much further than commonly believed [1] [2]. Fried crab balls, also known as the Texas coast version of crab cakes, have become a local favorite in Galveston, with a cafe called Shrimp n’ Stuff renowned for their delectable fried crab ball recipe [3] [4].
This guide will walk you through the process of making the ultimate fried crab ball appetizer or light meal, delving into the necessary ingredients, step-by-step instructions for deep-frying or pan-frying, and serving suggestions to complement these savory seafood delights [4].
Ingredients and Supplies
To make the ultimate fried crab balls, you’ll need the following ingredients and supplies:
Ingredients
- 2 eggs [5]
- 1/2 lb crabmeat [5]
- 2 tablespoons leeks, minced [5]
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped [5]
- 1 cup flour [5]
- 1 teaspoon baking powder [5]
- 1 tablespoon canola oil [5]
- Canola oil (for frying) [5]
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen) [6]
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature [6]
- 1 tbsp sour cream [6]
- Worcestershire sauce [6]
- Old Bay seasoning [6]
- Lemon juice [6]
- All-purpose seasoning [6]
- 1 tsp garlic paste (or fresh/minced garlic) [6]
- 8 oz lump crab meat (or claw meat) [6]
- Pinch of sugar [6]
- Breadcrumbs (panko, Italian, or plain) [6]
- 1 lb crabmeat [7]
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise [7]
- 1 large egg [7]
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice [7]
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce [7]
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard [7]
- 1 tsp Louisiana hot sauce [7]
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning [7]
- Pinch of salt [7]
- 2/3 cup bread crumbs or cracker crumbs (used Ritz crackers) [7]
Supplies
- Saucepan [5]
- Teaspoon for forming the balls [5]
- Paper for draining the fried crab balls [5]
- 3 eggs, whisked with 2 tbsp heavy cream [6]
- Seasoned flour (all-purpose seasoning and Old Bay) [6]
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (all-purpose seasoning) [6]
- Vegetable oil for frying (heated to 350°F) [6]
- Wire rack or baking sheet lined with foil [6]
The ingredients vary slightly depending on the recipe, but typically include fresh crabmeat, eggs, breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs, mayonnaise, and various seasonings like Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce [1] [4] [7].
Step-by-Step Instructions for crab ball recipe
The crab ball mixture can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready for frying [4]. Here are the key steps:
- Form the Crab Balls: Scoop rounded tablespoons of the crab mixture and roll into balls [7] [8]. Chill the formed balls for at least 30 minutes [7].
- Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes – one with flour or breadcrumbs, one with beaten eggs (or an egg wash), and one with panko or seasoned breadcrumbs [3] [6] [8].
- Breading Process: Roll the chilled crab balls first in the flour/breadcrumb mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally in the panko/breadcrumb coating, ensuring an even coating [3] [6] [8].
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F-365°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan [4] [8]. Fry the breaded crab balls in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown [4]. Alternatively, bake at 450°F for 15 minutes [7].
- Freezing Option: For make-ahead convenience, the breaded crab balls can be frozen for 30-60 minutes before frying [3]. Frozen balls can be fried directly from frozen [3].
- Variations: Experiment with different breadcrumb coatings like panko, seasoned salt, Cajun seasoning, or add diced bell peppers to the crab mixture [4].
Serve the crispy fried crab balls hot with a dipping sauce like a zesty mayo-based sauce made with mayonnaise, hot sauce, salt, and lemon juice [7].
Serving and Dipping Suggestions for crab balls recipe
The perfect dip for crab balls is a simple spiced mayo dip made by mixing mayonnaise with hot sauce, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon [7]. Other potential dipping sauces include:
- Plain tartar sauce [7]
- Sriracha dipping sauce made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise [9]
- Chipotle tartar sauce [10]
- Remoulade sauce [11]
- Aioli [11]
The key is to not get too crazy with the dip, as the crab should be the star of the show [7].
Potential side dishes that could pair well with crab balls include:
- Beer battered fried mushrooms
- Fried green tomatoes
- Fried olives
- Baked truffle fries
- Zucchini parmesan crisps [7]
Accompaniments like guacamole, creamy guacamole sauce with sour cream, cilantro, onion, chili peppers, lime, and heavy cream are also excellent options [11]. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives, lemon wedges, and classic cocktail or tartar sauce are popular toppings for crab cakes and fried crab balls [11] [3] [8].
Nutrition of Crab Balls
Fried crab balls are a delicious indulgence, but it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content []. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for a serving of fried crab balls:
- Calories: A single fried crab ball can range from 50 to 100 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used [12]. A serving of 3-4 crab balls can easily exceed 300 calories [13].
- Fat: The majority of calories in fried crab balls come from fat, primarily due to the deep-frying process [14]. A single crab ball can contain anywhere from 5 to 10 grams of fat, with a significant portion being saturated fat [15].
- Protein: Crab meat is a good source of lean protein, providing around 6-8 grams of protein per crab ball [16]. However, the breading and frying process can reduce the overall protein content [17].
- Carbohydrates: The breading and any added fillers or binders contribute to the carbohydrate content, which can range from 10 to 20 grams per serving [18].
- Sodium: Fried crab balls can be high in sodium due to the seasoning, breading, and any dipping sauces used [19]. A single crab ball can contain up to 200 milligrams of sodium [20].
To make fried crab balls a bit healthier, consider baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying, using whole-wheat breadcrumbs or panko, and limiting the amount of added salt and high-fat dipping sauces [21]. Moderation is key when indulging in this tasty treat [22].
FAQs
What ingredients are used to make crab balls?
Answer: To make crab balls, you’ll need to start by preparing crabmeat, making sure to remove any shell fragments. The crabmeat is then mixed with beaten eggs, onion (optional), cracker crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper before shaping it into small balls.
What is the proper way to cook crab balls from frozen?
Answer: When cooking frozen crab balls, begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place the crab balls on a greased baking pan and bake for 14 minutes. After flipping them, continue to bake for an additional 4-6 minutes. The crab balls are ready once their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How can you prevent crab cakes from disintegrating during frying?
Answer: To ensure crab cakes stay intact while frying, refrigerate the mixture for at least two hours before cooking. For best results, you can chill the mixture for up to 24 hours, which will further help the cakes maintain their shape when fried.
At what temperature should crab cakes be deep-fried?
Answer: Crab cakes should be deep-fried in oil that is heated to 350°F until they are browned on both sides.
What are the key ingredients for making the ultimate fried crab balls?
Answer: The key ingredients for making fried crab balls include:
- Fresh crabmeat
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs
- Mayonnaise
- Various seasonings like Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce.
What is the step-by-step process of crab balls recipe?
Answer: The process involves these key steps:
- Form the crab balls and chill them for at least 30 minutes.
- Set up a breading station with flour or breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and panko or seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Roll the chilled crab balls in the flour/breadcrumb mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally in the panko/breadcrumb coating.
- Fry the breaded crab balls in oil heated to 350°F-365°F until golden brown.
What are some serving and dipping suggestions for crab balls recipe?
Answer: Fried crab balls can be served hot with a dipping sauce like a zesty mayo-based sauce. Other potential dipping sauces include plain tartar sauce, Sriracha dipping sauce, Chipotle tartar sauce, Remoulade sauce, and Aioli. Side dishes that could pair well include beer battered fried mushrooms, fried green tomatoes, fried olives, baked truffle fries, and zucchini parmesan crisps.
What is the nutritional content of fried crab balls?
Answer: A single fried crab ball can range from 50 to 100 calories, with fat, protein, carbohydrates, and sodium making up the nutritional content. The majority of calories come from fat due to the deep-frying process. Crab meat is a good source of lean protein, but the breading and frying process can reduce the overall protein content.
References
[1] – https://oldlineplate.com/crabcakes-true-history-of/
[2] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_cake
[3] – https://urbancowgirllife.com/galveston-crab-balls-recipe/
[4] – https://www.thespruceeats.com/crab-balls-3053608
[5] – https://www.food.com/recipe/fried-crab-balls-31711
[6] – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C5WGHfFYCE
[7] – https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/crispy-crab-balls/
[8] – https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/appetizer/appetizer-meat-appetizer/crab-balls.html
[9] – https://www.eatyourselfskinny.com/baked-crab-cake-bites-with-sriracha-dipping-sauce/
[10] – https://cookiesandcups.com/crispy-crab-balls-with-chipotle-tartar-sauce/
[11] – https://www.quora.com/What-is-your-favorite-thing-to-put-on-top-of-crab-cakes
