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Cajun Crab Balls Recipe

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4 from 74 reviews

These Cajun Crab Balls are a flavorful and crispy appetizer featuring tender crab meat blended with Cajun spices, green and red onions, and coated with panko breadcrumbs. Fried until golden and served with a zesty homemade Cajun dipping sauce, they make a perfect party snack or appetizer bursting with Southern charm.

Ingredients

Crab Balls

  • 8 oz Crab Meat
  • 1 large Egg
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Red Onion, finely diced
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper
  • ½ cup Panko Bread Crumbs
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

Cajun Dipping Sauce

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
  • 1 small Garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Lemon Juice
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Hot Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh Parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crab Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, chopped green onions, diced red onions, paprika, Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  2. Form the Crab Balls: Divide the crab mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a uniform ball. Make sure the balls are compact so they hold together when frying. Once formed, set them aside while you heat the oil.
  3. Heat the Oil: Pour a few inches of vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), or until a small piece of bread sizzles upon contact.
  4. Fry the Crab Balls: Carefully place the crab balls into the hot oil. Fry for several minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a golden brown and crispy crust on all sides. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the crab balls and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Prepare the Cajun Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, paprika, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and minced fresh parsley. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  6. Serve: Plate the crab balls alongside the prepared Cajun dipping sauce and serve immediately while hot and crispy for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh crab meat for best flavor, but canned or frozen crab meat can be substituted if needed.
  • Ensure the oil temperature is steady at medium-high heat to prevent soggy or greasy crab balls.
  • Adjust the level of cayenne and hot sauce in the recipe to suit your preferred spice tolerance.
  • These crab balls are best served immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven for a short time before serving.
  • Avoid overmixing the crab mixture to maintain a light texture.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/cajun-crab-balls-recipe/