Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip – Perfect Party Appetizer

If you’ve ever wished for the crispy bite of an egg roll and the rich, tender taste of a seafood favorite in one, then crispy crab cake egg rolls with lemon dip are your answer. These crowd-pleasing appetizers combine the flaky goodness of lump crab with zesty aromatics, encased in a golden wrapper and paired with a tangy, refreshing dip.

They’re not only ideal for entertaining, but also easy enough to make for a casual weekend meal. With the perfect balance of texture and flavor, they offer a bite-sized twist on classic crab cakes.

Love bite-sized party snacks? Try our Beef Egg Rolls, crispy, savory, and just as satisfying for game nights or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love These Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip

These crispy seafood rolls are:

• Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside
• Packed with lump crab meat, herbs, and spices
• Enhanced by a lemony dipping sauce that cuts through the richness
• Perfect as party food, finger food, or even a light meal
• Adaptable, bake, fry, or air fry depending on your preference

Ingredients for Crab Cake Egg Rolls and Lemon Dip

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

For the Crab Cake Filling:

• 8 oz lump crab meat (fresh or refrigerated, not canned if possible)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice + zest of half a lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Egg Rolls:

• 8–10 egg roll wrappers
• Small bowl of water (for sealing edges)
• Neutral oil for frying (vegetable or avocado oil)

For the Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Zest and juice of half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon honey for a sweeter profile

How to Make Crispy Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Filling

• In a medium bowl, combine crab, mayo/yogurt, mustard, panko, onion, lemon juice/zest, garlic powder, and seasoning.
• Mix gently to preserve the texture of the crab.
• Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to help it firm up.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

• Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface like a diamond.
• Add 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom third.
• Fold the bottom up, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
• Dab a bit of water on the final corner to seal.
• Repeat with the remaining filling.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

• Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry rolls 2–3 at a time for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp.
• Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray.

💡 Pro tip: For a lighter option, air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

How to Make the Creamy Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix sour cream, lemon juice and zest, chopped dill, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust with salt or a bit of honey.
• Chill for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Tips for Perfect Crab Cake Egg Rolls

• Keep the filling cold to prevent sogginess.
• Seal wrappers tightly so they don’t burst during frying.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan for even crisping.
• Drain well after frying to maintain crunch.
• Use fresh herbs in the dip for brightness.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

One of the most exciting things about crab cake egg rolls is how easy it is to tailor them to your personal taste or occasion. Whether you want a little extra heat, a boost of herbs, or a nod to your favorite global flavors, these versatile rolls are the perfect canvas.

Here are a few standout variations to try:

1. Spicy Version

If you love a bold kick, this version brings the heat without overpowering the delicate crab flavor.

• Add minced jalapeños, chopped red chili, or red pepper flakes to the filling
• Mix in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for deeper spice
• Serve with a dip like chipotle aioli, sriracha-mayo, or lemon-chili crema for an extra hit

📝Note: Great for game day spreads or anyone who loves a fiery finish.

2. Herby Green Version

For a fresh, bright, and garden-inspired twist, this version incorporates fragrant herbs and citrus notes.

• Use a blend of fresh parsley, tarragon, andbasil
• Add a splash of extra lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest
• Pair with a lemon-garlic yogurt dip or a simple green herb aioli

📝Note: Perfect for springtime brunches or elegant appetizers.

3. Asian-Inspired Version

This East-meets-West fusion offers umami depth and aromatic flavor while keeping things crisp and light.

• Add minced ginger, sliced scallions, and a drizzle of sesame oil to your filling
• Optional: a touch of soy sauce or rice vinegar
• Dip it in soy-ginger sauce, sweet chili dip, or ponzu dressing

📝Note: An excellent addition to sushi nights or dim sum-style spreads.

4. Veggie-Enhanced Version

Looking for something a little lighter or more colorful? This veggie-forward take adds texture and nutrition.

• Stir in shredded carrot, finely chopped celery, or zucchini ribbons
• For an extra crunch, add a handful of lightly sautéed bell pepper
• Serve with lemon-tahini sauce or yogurt-dill dip for a balanced finish

📝Note: Ideal for health-conscious eaters or summer snacks.

What to Serve with Crab Cake Egg Rolls

These rolls shine on their own but work even better with fresh, bright pairings:

• Cucumber-dill salad or citrus arugula salad
• Steamed green beans or asparagus with lemon zest
• Mini roasted potatoes with herbs
• Lemon wedges and microgreens for garnish
• Cucumber-mint water or sparkling lemon drinks

For dipping, try our Sweet and Sour Sauce for a bold, tangy contrast, or go savory-sweet with our Rosemary Honey Garlic Butter Sauce, both are excellent complements to the crispy shell and rich crab filling.

How to Store, Freeze & Reheat

1. Storing:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Best stored uncut to keep moisture out

2. Reheating:

• Reheat in the oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes at 375°F
• Avoid microwaving (will soften the wrapper)

3. Freezing:

• Freeze uncooked egg rolls on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a bag
• Cook from frozen by extending cook time 2–3 minutes

FAQs About Crab Cake Egg Rolls with Lemon Dip

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them and store uncooked in the fridge for up to a day. Fry when ready to serve.

Q2: What type of crab meat is best?

Lump crab meat is best for sweetness and texture, but claw meat is acceptable for stronger flavor.

Q3: Can I use imitation crab?

You can, but the flavor and texture will be noticeably different. Fresh is preferred for best results.

Q4: Can I bake or air-fry instead of deep-fry?

Absolutely. Air frying works well. For baking, brush lightly with oil and bake at 400°F until crisp.

Q5: What dipping sauces go well besides lemon dill?

Try chipotle aioli, sriracha-mayo, mustard-honey, or a light garlic yogurt sauce.

Q6: How do I prevent them from getting soggy?

Let them rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels and avoid stacking while hot.

Final Thoughts

These crispy crab cake egg rolls with lemon dip aren’t just another appetizer, they’re a crave-worthy combination of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh. Whether you’re hosting, meal-prepping, or just treating yourself, this recipe transforms a classic into something totally snackable.

Easy to adapt, surprisingly light, and packed with flavor, it’s a seafood dish with global flair that’s ready for your table, no fork required.

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