Crab Cake Spring Rolls With Spicy Aioli Recipe

Crispy Crab Cake Spring Rolls with Spicy Aioli Recipe – Tasty Twist

These delectable crab cake spring rolls combine crispy textures with oceanic flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate seafood mingles with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables, creating a playful fusion of culinary traditions.

Wrapped in translucent rice paper, each bite promises a symphony of maritime richness and zesty undertones.

Innovative appetizers like these challenge traditional expectations and spark conversations around the dining table.

Crisp exterior gives way to succulent, flaky interiors that meld unexpected ingredients into a memorable experience.

Paired with a bold, spicy aioli, these rolls elevate casual entertaining to an art form.

You can be amazed how simple ingredients can create such complex and irresistible flavor profiles.

Chef-Backed Tips for Crunch and Creaminess

  • Lock in Freshness: Use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat to ensure the most authentic and delicious flavor in your spring rolls.
  • Prevent Soggy Rolls: Freeze the spring rolls before frying to help them maintain their crispy texture and prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Temperature Mastery: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 300°F for perfectly golden and crispy spring rolls without burning the wrapper.
  • Delicate Folding Technique: Gently fold crab mixture to keep the filling light and airy, avoiding compressing the delicate crab meat.
  • Drain for Crispiness: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels when draining fried spring rolls to keep the exterior crisp and prevent sogginess.

How to Store and Crisp Up Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover crab cake spring rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy aioli in a separate sealed container.
  • Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place spring rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through.
  • Crisp Restoration: For best texture, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain the original crunchiness of the wrapper.

Best Sauces and Pairings for Crab Rolls

  • Pair with Zesty Citrus Cocktail: A bright, refreshing lemon or ginger-based cocktail cuts through the richness of the crab cake spring rolls, balancing the creamy filling and crispy exterior.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the delicate crab meat and provides a light, acidic contrast to the deep-fried wrapper.
  • Serve with Asian-Inspired Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil adds crunch and freshness, enhancing the spring roll's texture and flavor profile.
  • Complement with Craft Beer: A light wheat beer or pilsner works perfectly, its subtle hoppy notes and carbonation cleansing the palate between bites of the rich, creamy spring rolls.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

  • Coastal Crunch Rolls: Replace crab meat with fresh shrimp and add diced bell peppers for extra texture and color.
  • Chesapeake Bay Bites: Incorporate additional Old Bay seasoning and mix in chopped green onions for a more intense Maryland-style flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Rolls: Swap cream cheese with feta, add chopped kalamata olives, and include fresh dill for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
  • Smoky Southwest Spring Rolls: Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and add smoked paprika to create a spicy southwestern kick.

Spring Roll Questions, Answered

  • Can I use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned crab meat, but fresh or lump crab meat will provide the best flavor and texture for your spring rolls.

  • How long can I store these spring rolls before cooking?

You can keep the prepared, uncooked spring rolls in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

  • What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

You can substitute Old Bay with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to create a similar flavor profile for your crab cake filling.

  • Can these spring rolls be baked instead of fried?

While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake them at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even browning.

Crab Cake Spring Rolls Made Easy

  • Packed with succulent crab meat and creamy cheese, these spring rolls deliver an explosion of maritime flavors that seafood lovers will adore.
  • Crispy golden-brown wrapper meets luxurious, soft filling, creating an irresistible crunch that gives way to a smooth, rich interior.
  • Freezing the spring rolls in advance makes this recipe ideal for entertaining, allowing you to prepare ahead and quickly fry when guests arrive, reducing last-minute kitchen stress.
  • The zesty sriracha aioli adds a bold, tangy kick that perfectly complements the delicate crab, elevating this appetizer from simple to spectacular.

Gather Ingredients for Spicy Crab Rolls

Main Ingredients:

Protein Fillings:
  • Crab Meat: Delicate seafood that provides the primary flavor and texture for the spring rolls, fresh lump crab is best for optimal taste.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that helps bind the filling and adds rich, smooth consistency.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
Wrapper and Frying Components:
  • Spring Roll Wrappers: Thin, delicate pastry sheets perfect for creating crispy exterior, look for fresh or frozen versions.
  • Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying, neutral oil with high smoke point ensures even golden-brown cooking.
  • Egg: Used to create egg wash that helps seal and crisp the spring roll edges.
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Provides creamy texture in both filling and aioli, adds richness to the recipe.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and helps create smooth filling consistency.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that adds signature maritime flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the filling mixture.
  • White Pepper: Mild, subtle pepper that enhances overall seasoning.
  • Sriracha: Spicy hot sauce that gives kick to the aioli.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

Rolling and Frying Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Create a luxurious mixture by:
  • Softening cream cheese in a large mixing bowl
  • Blending in mayonnaise
  • Adding sour cream
  • Incorporating Worcestershire sauce
  • Sprinkling Old Bay seasoning
  • Mixing in white pepper

Gently fold in cheddar cheese and delicate crab meat, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 2: Wrap Your Delicious Creation

Select spring roll wrappers and prepare for rolling:
  • Place wrapper on a clean surface
  • Spoon generous crab mixture into the center
  • Brush wrapper edges with egg wash
  • Fold wrapper tightly around filling
  • Seal edges completely to lock in goodness

Step 3: Chill and Prepare for Cooking

Arrange spring rolls on a tray and:
  • Place in freezer for 2 hours
  • Ensure rolls are completely firm
  • This step prevents filling from leaking during frying

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Set up your frying station:
  • Heat vegetable oil to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Use deep fryer or heavy pot
  • Carefully place spring rolls in hot oil
  • Fry each batch for 2 minutes per side
  • Look for beautiful golden brown color
  • Drain on wire rack to remove excess oil

Step 5: Whip Up Spicy Aioli Sauce

Create a tantalizing dipping sauce by:
  • Combining mayonnaise
  • Adding sriracha
  • Sprinkling Old Bay seasoning
  • Mixing in kosher salt
  • Whisk until smooth and creamy

Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, seafood-packed spring rolls with the zesty aioli!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crab Cake Spring Rolls With Spicy Aioli Recipe

Crab Cake Spring Rolls With Spicy Aioli Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crispy crab cake spring rolls blend Asian and Maryland coastal flavors into an unexpected culinary delight. Delicate crabmeat wraps with zesty aioli create a perfect appetizer that sparks conversation and satisfies seafood cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lump crab meat
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) cream cheese, softened

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 16 spring roll wrappers
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Sliced scallions, for garnish

Spicy Aioli:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Craft a luxurious filling by whisking cream cheese until silky, then integrate mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and white pepper into a harmonious blend.
  2. Delicately incorporate cheddar cheese and tender crab meat into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors without crushing the delicate seafood.
  3. Position a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface, carefully spooning the crab mixture into the center with precision.
  4. Apply a gentle egg wash along the wrapper’s edges to create a perfect seal, then meticulously fold and encase the filling, pressing edges to secure the delicate parcel.
  5. Transfer the assembled spring rolls onto a freezer-friendly tray, allowing them to rest and firm up for approximately two hours, which prevents potential filling leakage during cooking.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to an optimal temperature of 300°F, creating the ideal environment for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
  7. Carefully lower the chilled spring rolls into the hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain consistent temperature and ensure even browning.
  8. Rotate the spring rolls midway through cooking, aiming for a rich golden-brown color and crisp texture, typically requiring about two minutes per side.
  9. Remove the spring rolls and place them on a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain and maintaining their crisp texture.
  10. Prepare the spicy aioli by whisking mayonnaise with sriracha, blending in Old Bay seasoning and a touch of kosher salt until smooth and creamy.

Notes

  • Chilling the spring rolls before frying helps them maintain their shape and prevents filling from leaking during cooking.
  • Use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the most authentic and delicious flavor in these crispy rolls.
  • The cream cheese base creates a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the delicate crab meat.
  • Consistent oil temperature is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy exterior without burning the spring rolls.
  • Sriracha aioli adds a zesty, spicy kick that elevates the mild, sweet flavor of the crab filling.
  • Prepare these ahead of time and freeze for a convenient make-ahead appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding freezing time)
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes (per batch)
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star