Craving a seafood appetizer that'll make your taste buds dance? Get ready to dive into Gerrie Collins' legendary Crab Balls - a mouthwatering treat that transforms simple crab meat into crispy, golden delights that will have your guests begging for more! These irresistible bite-sized treasures are not just a recipe, they're a culinary experience that brings the fresh flavors of the ocean right to your dinner table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb crab meat, drained
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Carefully pick through the crab meat to remove any shell fragments or cartilage, ensuring a smooth texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Gently mix the ingredients until well incorporated, being careful not to break up the crab meat too much.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the ingredients to bind and make forming the balls easier.
- Using clean hands, gently form the mixture into small balls approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on a clean plate or baking sheet.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C). Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Carefully drop the crab balls into the hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the crab balls using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as remoulade, tartar sauce, or cocktail sauce.
Tips
- • Always use fresh, high-quality lump crab meat for the best flavor and texture • Be gentle when mixing ingredients to keep the crab meat chunks intact • Chilling the mixture before forming balls helps them hold together better • Maintain oil temperature at 375°F for perfect crispy exterior • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even cooking • Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the balls crisp • Serve immediately for the best taste and texture • Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite pairing • Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before frying • For a lighter version, you can bake these crab balls at 400°F for 15-20 minutes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
