Famous Crab Bombs Seafood Dream
Famous Crab Bombs Seafood Dream is a delightful seafood appetizer that combines fresh lump crab meat with creamy cheese and zesty seasonings, coated in a crispy panko crust. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of bold flavors and contrasting textures, making it ideal for parties or as a gourmet snack that’s quick and easy to prepare. Customize it with spice, cheese, or gluten-free options to suit your taste.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 crab bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lump crab meat
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Coating Ingredients
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko/crumbled gluten-free crackers for gluten-free version)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges
- Extra green onions
- Prepare the Crab Filling: Gently combine the fresh crab meat with softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, hot sauce, and lemon zest in a bowl. Mix thoroughly but carefully to retain chunky crab pieces for texture.
- Shape the Crab Bombs: Using your hands, form the crab mixture into small, round balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a lined tray to prepare for coating.
- Coat the Bombs: Set up a breading station with beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each crab ball into the egg mixture, then roll it evenly in panko to form a crispy outer shell.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the coated crab bombs into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Arrange the crab bombs on a serving platter garnished with extra green onions or lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor at the table.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality lump crab meat for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overmix the filling to keep crab chunks intact.
- Chill shaped crab bombs for 20 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
- Maintain oil temperature between 350-360°F to ensure a crisp crust without excess oil absorption.
- Serve crab bombs immediately for best crunch and flavor.
- For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Baking alternative: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for a healthier but less crispy option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crab bombs
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: crab bombs, seafood appetizer, crab recipe, crispy crab bites, gluten free seafood appetizer, party snacks, fried crab balls