These Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls are a fun twist on the classic Chinese-American appetizer. Combining the creamy, tangy filling of traditional Crab Rangoon with the crispy, crunchy texture of an egg roll wrapper, they are an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures. The creamy filling, made with crab, cream cheese, and seasonings, is encased in a crispy shell, perfect for dipping in sweet and sour or soy sauce. These are ideal for a party, appetizer, or snack!
Ingredients:
For the Crab Rangoon Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 lb (225g) imitation crab meat (or real crab meat), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tang)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Egg Rolls:
- 10-12 egg roll wrappers (available in most grocery stores)
- 1 tablespoon water (for sealing the rolls)
- Vegetable oil for frying (if frying; see notes for air fryer method)
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Rangoon Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, imitation crab meat (or real crab meat), green onion, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and lemon juice (if using).
- Use a spoon or a hand mixer to mix everything together until the cream cheese is smooth and all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed.
- Once the filling is well-mixed, set it aside to prepare the egg rolls.
2. Prepare the Egg Roll Wrappers:
- Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner pointing toward you (so it forms a diamond shape). If you’re using square wrappers, you can still follow the same process, just rotate it so one corner is facing you.
- Spoon a generous tablespoon (or more, depending on the size of your wrapper) of the crab rangoon filling into the center of the wrapper. Be careful not to overstuff the egg roll as it could cause it to tear during rolling.
3. Roll the Egg Rolls:
- To roll the egg roll, fold the bottom corner (closest to you) over the filling, then fold in the two side corners toward the center. This should create an envelope-like shape.
- Continue rolling up the wrapper tightly, but not so tight that it tears. Brush the top corner of the wrapper with a small amount of water to seal the egg roll shut. This ensures the roll stays together while frying or baking.
4. Fry or Air Fry the Egg Rolls:
- To Fry (Traditional Method):
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the egg rolls in the hot oil, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- To Air Fry (Healthier Method):
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil for extra crispiness.
- Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not touching each other. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the egg rolls are golden brown and crispy.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- While the egg rolls are cooking, you can make a quick dipping sauce by combining sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Stir well and adjust to your preferred sweetness or heat.
6. Serve:
- Once the egg rolls are done cooking, serve them immediately with your dipping sauce of choice. These egg rolls are best enjoyed while still warm and crispy.
Notes:
- Crab Meat Options: If you’re using real crab meat, make sure it is well-drained and flaked before adding it to the filling. You can also use a mix of both real crab and imitation crab for added flavor and texture.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Egg roll wrappers are different from spring roll wrappers. Make sure to use the thicker, square wrappers designed for frying to achieve the best result. You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores or at Asian supermarkets.
- Sealing the Rolls: Water is key to sealing the egg rolls. You can also use a beaten egg instead of water for sealing, which gives the rolls an extra glossy finish when fried.
- Storage: These egg rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frying. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them. Just lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze, and once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry or air fry from frozen (add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time).
- Air Fryer Tip: Air frying gives a crispy texture with much less oil, making it a healthier option. Just be sure to lightly spray or brush the rolls with oil for the best result.
- Dipping Sauce Variations: You can experiment with different dipping sauces like soy sauce with a little sesame oil or a sweet chili sauce for added heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve these Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls as a delicious starter to a Chinese takeout-style meal. Pair them with fried rice or other small appetizers like dumplings or spring rolls.
- Party or Game Day: These egg rolls are perfect finger foods for parties and gatherings. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet and sour, soy sauce, or chili garlic sauce for guests to choose from.
- Snack: They also make for a satisfying snack—crispy on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside.
Conclusion:
Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls offer a fun and tasty twist on the classic Crab Rangoon appetizer. These crispy, creamy rolls are filled with crab, cream cheese, and aromatic seasonings, creating a delightful snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to fry them for that perfect golden crisp or air fry them for a healthier option, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve them with a flavorful dipping sauce, and you’ve got an irresistible treat!

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