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Golden, crispy crab balls stacked on a plate, served with a creamy dipping sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A delicious homemade crab balls recipe.

Crab Balls Recipe

Calista
A bite-sized seafood delight that blends fresh crab meat, savory seasonings, and simplebinders to create irresistible morsels. This crab balls recipe can be baked, fried, or air-fried for a versatile addition to any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 18 crab balls
Calories 60 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet or frying pan
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Spatula or tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh or pasteurized crab meat
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
  • 1 –2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons green onions finely chopped

(Optional) ½ teaspoon minced garlic

(Optional) ½ tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Gently fold in the crab meat.
  • Add breadcrumbs and mix until everything holds together without being overly wet.
  • Shape into small balls (about 1½ tablespoons each).
  • For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place crab balls on a baking sheet and cook for 15–18 minutes, turning once.
  • For pan-frying: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook crab balls for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
  • Serve hot with lemon wedges or your favorite sauce.

Notes

Always select high-quality crab meat for the best flavor and texture. Fresh is ideal, but pasteurized or canned crab can be substituted when necessary.
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