These Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls are a delicious twist on the beloved Chinese-American appetizer. They combine the creamy, tangy crab filling of traditional Crab Rangoon with the irresistible crunch of an egg roll wrapper. The result is a crispy, golden shell that gives way to a smooth, savory filling—perfect for dipping, sharing, and snacking. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a takeout-style treat at home, these egg rolls are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ lb imitation crab meat or real crab, finely chopped
1 tablespoon green onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Egg Rolls:
10 to 12 egg roll wrappers
1 tablespoon water for sealing
Vegetable oil for frying or brushing before air frying
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
¼ cup sweet and sour sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon honey, optional
¼ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped crab meat, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, and lemon juice if using. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls:
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you. Spoon about one to one and a half tablespoons of filling into the center. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the two side corners, and roll tightly. Brush the top corner with water to seal. Repeat until all filling is used.
3. Fry or Air Fry:
To fry, heat two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the egg rolls in small batches for three to five minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
To air fry, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush or spray the egg rolls with oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for ten to twelve minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together the sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili flakes. Adjust sweetness or spice to taste.
5. Serve:
Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate cooked egg rolls in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for five to seven minutes until crisp again. To freeze before cooking, arrange egg rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to three months. Cook from frozen, adding two to three extra minutes of cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these egg rolls as appetizers, snacks, or sides. They pair perfectly with fried rice, lo mein, or a light salad. For parties, arrange them on a platter with several dipping sauces such as sweet chili, soy-ginger, or spicy mayo.
FAQs
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes. Real crab meat adds a richer flavor. Just make sure it is drained and flaked before using.
Can I bake the egg rolls instead of frying?
Yes. Brush the rolls with oil and bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours before assembling the rolls.
Why did my egg rolls burst while frying?
Overstuffing or not sealing properly can cause leaks. Use a moderate amount of filling and seal tightly with water or beaten egg.
What kind of wrappers should I use?
Use egg roll wrappers, not spring roll wrappers. Egg roll wrappers are thicker and crisp up better.
Conclusion
Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls bring together the best of both worlds—the creamy comfort of Crab Rangoon and the crunch of egg rolls. With their golden shells and flavorful filling, they make the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Fry, bake, or air fry them for a delicious, restaurant-style treat right from your kitchen. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy every bite.