What is a Crab Puff? A Delicious Appetizer Explained

Crab puffs are a popular appetizer or side dish that can be found in many restaurants and parties. But what exactly are crab puffs? Here is a complete guide explaining what crab puffs are, how they are made, and why they are so delicious.

What is a Crab Puff?

A crab puff is a deep-fried ball made of crab meat, flour, eggs, and seasonings. The crab meat filling is coated in a light batter and then deep fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Crab puffs are usually around 1-2 inches in diameter. The inside consists of a mixture of crab meat, cream cheese or mayonnaise, spices, and other binder ingredients. The most common types of crab meat used are lump crab meat or claw crab meat. Imitation crab meat can also be used in crab puffs.

The History of Crab Puffs

Crab puffs originated in the United States, likely sometime in the mid 20th century. They became popular as an appetizer served in restaurants across the country

Crab puffs were commonly found on the menus of seafood restaurants, especially in coastal regions. They also became a staple appetizer to serve at cocktail parties.

Nowadays, crab puffs are still an appetizer staple nationwide. They can be found at all types of restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. Crab puffs are also frequently served during the holidays or at special events.

How are Crab Puffs Made?

Though recipes can vary slightly crab puffs are relatively simple to make at home. Here are the basic steps

• Make the crab filling: The filling is made by mixing together crab meat, cream cheese or mayonnaise, seasonings, and a binder ingredient like breadcrumbs or flour. Onion, bell pepper, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and herbs are also commonly added for extra flavor.

• Prepare the batter: The batter is usually made by whisking together flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and seasoning. This creates a thick, coatable batter.

• Form the crab puffs: Scoops of the crab filling are rolled into balls, then dipped into the batter to coat them fully.

• Deep fry: The battered crab puffs are carefully added to hot oil and fried for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

• Drain and serve: The fried crab puffs are drained on paper towels and served warm, often with an accompanying sauce.

Why are Crab Puffs So Tasty?

There are several reasons why crab puffs are such a craveable appetizer

• The crispy outer shell – The light and crispy fried batter provides texture contrast against the soft interior.

• Flaky crab meat – Lump crab meat has a naturally sweet and delicate flavor. The texture is flaky and pairs perfectly with the crunchy exterior coating.

• Savory filling – Ingredients like cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon brighten and enhance the crab flavor.

• Portability – Crab puffs are the ideal finger food. They can be easily picked up and eaten without utensils.

• Versatile pairing – Crab puffs go well with a variety of dipping sauces like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, sweet chili sauce, and more.

Serving Suggestions for Crab Puffs

Crab puffs make for the ultimate party appetizer because they are so easy to eat. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Arrange crab puffs on a platter and provide small dishes of dipping sauces like lemon aioli, remoulade, or spicy mustard.

• Alternate crab puffs with fried vegetables like zucchini and yellow squash sticks.

• Serve crab puffs in Chinese takeout containers with sweet and sour sauce or duck sauce.

• Skewer crab puffs and grilled shrimp together for a surf and turf appetizer.

• Garnish crab puffs with fresh dill and serve alongside smoked salmon and crackers.

• For parties, have waiters pass crab puffs on trays so they stay hot and fresh.

What to Drink with Crab Puffs

Crab puffs pair nicely with light, acidic drinks that cut through the fried, fatty flavors. Some top beverage pairings include:

• Sparkling wines like brut champagne, Prosecco, and Cava. The bubbles are refreshing with crab puffs.

• Crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Vinho Verde.

• Light beers like lagers, pilsners, and wheat beers.

• Tart cocktails including Tom Collins, gimlet, or Moscow mule. The citrus notes match well.

• Iced tea or lemonade make nice non-alcoholic pairings.

Where to Find Crab Puffs

You can enjoy restaurant-quality crab puffs without leaving your home kitchen. Here are some places to buy or eat them:

• Seafood restaurants – Crab puffs are menu staples at many local seafood restaurants and chains like Red Lobster.

• Appetizer restaurants – Places like The Cheesecake Factory and Buffalo Wild Wings often have crab puffs.

• Frozen foods aisle – Pre-made frozen crab puffs can be purchased for baking at home.

• Make them yourself – Find one of the many crab puff recipes online and fry them up fresh at home.

• Order catering – Many catering companies offer crab puffs on cocktail party appetizer menus.

Crab puffs, also known as Crab Rangoons, are typically made with a mixture of crab meat (often imitation crab meat), cream cheese, and seasonings, all enclosed in a wonton wrapper and deep-fried until crispy.

Crab puffs, often found as appetizers like crab rangoons, are not generally considered healthy due to their high fat and calorie content from being fried and containing ingredients like cream cheese.