Crispy Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
If there’s one thing that makes everyone stop in their tracks at a party, it’s the irresistible crunch of an egg roll paired with a creamy, savory filling. Enter these Crispy Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls—a genius twist on classic crab rangoon, transformed into easy-to-handle, golden-brown rolls. Picture biting into a crisp, flaky shell that gives way to creamy, cheesy crab filling infused with green onions and parsley, all with that subtle hint of garlic and onion. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Recipe Origin
Crab rangoon has long been a favorite in American Chinese cuisine, beloved for its creamy, cheesy crab filling wrapped in a crisp wonton. This recipe takes the concept and turns it into an egg roll, which adds extra crunch, a more substantial bite, and makes them perfect for parties, appetizers, or even a fun weeknight snack. By blending cream cheese with mozzarella and surimi (imitation crab), then layering it with fresh herbs and seasonings, these egg rolls offer the perfect balance of indulgence and flavor.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels for draining
- Small bowl for egg wash
- Rolling surface for assembling egg rolls
Crispy Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Kosher
Description
These Crispy Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls take the classic appetizer to the next level by wrapping a creamy crab and cheese filling inside egg roll wrappers and frying until golden brown. Served with a creamy sweet chili dipping sauce, they’re perfect for parties or as a fun snack.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz surimi seafood (imitation crab), chopped
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, imitation crab, mozzarella cheese, green onion, parsley, onion powder, garlic, sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center.
- Whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with egg wash.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly, sealing with more egg wash if needed.
- Heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry egg rolls in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- For the sauce, whisk together sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Serve the egg rolls hot with creamy sweet chili dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use lump crab meat instead of imitation crab for a more authentic flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the egg rolls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.
- They can also be frozen before frying — just add 1–2 extra minutes to cook time when frying from frozen.
- Air fryer method: Brush egg rolls with oil and air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll with sauce
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: crab rangoon egg rolls, crispy egg rolls, crab appetizer, party snacks, creamy chili dipping sauce
Why You’ll Love Crispy Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
This recipe isn’t just about assembling ingredients—it’s about creating an appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Here’s why they’re guaranteed to impress:
Versatile: Serve them as party appetizers, a snack, or even a main dish with sides like a fresh salad or fried rice.
Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, these rolls are loved by kids and adults alike. Expect rave reviews and requests for seconds.
Quick and Easy: The filling comes together in minutes, and the assembly is straightforward. With a little practice, rolling these becomes second nature.
Customizable: Swap in different cheeses, add a touch of sriracha for heat, or mix in diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your fridge or pantry, and yet feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Keep your filling well-combined but not overly wet to prevent soggy egg rolls.
- Seal the egg rolls carefully with egg wash to ensure they stay intact while frying.
- Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each roll is crispy.
- Drain on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil and keep them crunchy.
Ingredients in Crispy Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
Here’s what makes these egg rolls shine:
Cream Cheese: Silky and creamy, it forms the base of the filling and adds richness.
Surimi (Imitation Crab): Provides the familiar crab flavor and tender texture without breaking the bank.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooeyness and binds the filling together while balancing the creaminess of the cream cheese.
Green Onion: Fresh and slightly sharp, adding brightness to the filling.
Parsley: Earthy and fragrant, parsley complements the seafood flavor.
Onion Powder & Garlic: Classic aromatics that deepen the savory notes.
Sugar & Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
Egg Wash: Helps seal the egg rolls for frying and ensures a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce: Combines the sweetness of chili sauce with the richness of mayo, giving a perfect dip that’s both creamy and tangy.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped surimi, shredded mozzarella, green onions, parsley, onion powder, garlic, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg and a tablespoon of water.
Assemble the Egg Rolls: Lay out egg roll wrappers on a flat surface. Place a spoonful of filling near the bottom corner of each wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, then roll tightly. Seal the edge with a little egg wash.
Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Egg Rolls: Carefully add a few egg rolls to the hot oil, frying until golden brown on all sides, about 3–5 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Make the Creamy Sweet Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce with mayonnaise until smooth.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hot, crispy egg rolls with creamy sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~350–400 (depending on oil absorption and size of egg rolls)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
Appetizer Style: Perfect finger food for parties or family gatherings.
With a Salad: Pair with a crisp Asian slaw or mixed greens for balance.
As a Main Dish: Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Dipping Fun: Offer a variety of dips such as sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even a creamy garlic aioli.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the egg rolls and freeze them raw. Fry straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Storage: Keep cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to crisp up leftovers. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
Variations to Try:
- Cheese Options: Use cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Protein Swap: Add cooked shrimp, crab meat, or chicken instead of surimi.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the filling or dipping sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Include finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Baked Version: Brush egg rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes for a lighter version.
Additional Tips
- Egg Wash: Always seal edges with egg wash to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent oil heat to ensure even frying.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature steady.
- Freeze for Later: Great for meal prep or last-minute appetizers.
- Serving: Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use real crab instead of surimi?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to drain well and chop into small pieces.
Q2: Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying?
A2: Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden.
Q3: Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
A3: Yes, store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling.
Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?
A4: Use gluten-free egg roll wrappers and check the sweet chili sauce ingredients.
Q5: How do I keep them crispy after cooking?
A5: Drain on paper towels and serve immediately. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Q6: Can I freeze the cooked egg rolls?
A6: It’s best to freeze them before frying. Cook from frozen for the best texture.
Q7: Can I add more herbs?
A7: Yes! Cilantro, chives, or even a touch of basil can add a unique flavor.
Q8: How do I avoid oil splatter?
A8: Pat the egg rolls dry before frying and avoid overfilling the pan.
Q9: What dipping sauces work well?
A9: Sweet chili, soy sauce, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli all pair wonderfully.
Q10: Can I make smaller, bite-sized rolls?
A10: Yes! Perfect for parties or tapas-style servings.
Conclusion
Crispy Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls are a crowd-pleasing, fun-to-make dish that takes the classic crab rangoon up a notch. Golden, crunchy exteriors give way to creamy, flavorful fillings that are rich yet balanced with fresh herbs and mild seasonings. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even main courses, these egg rolls are easy enough for weeknight cooking but special enough to serve at parties. Fry, dip, and enjoy—once you try them, these rolls will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
