In about 30 minutes on the stove, these fried crab legs are dipped in a batter made of cornmeal, flour, and Old Bay seasoning. They are then deep-fried until they are golden and crispy.
Crab meat is a delicious seafood ingredient that can be prepared in many ways. Frying crab meat transforms the tender, sweet meat into a crispy, flavorful treat With a light breading, crab meat fries up beautifully into the perfect appetizer or main course
Frying crab meat at home does take some care and technique though. Follow this guide to learn how to fry crab meat properly for the ideal texture and taste. We’ll go over choosing the right crab meat, breading tips, frying methods, flavor pairings, and serving ideas so you can enjoy perfect fried crab meat.
Selecting Fresh Crab Meat
The key to great fried crab is starting with quality meat. There are a few varieties available
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Jumbo Lump Crab – This is the large, intact pieces from the body. It has the sweetest flavor but is pricey. Best for special occasions.
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Lump Crab – Slightly smaller chunks but still tasty and high quality. This is a good option for most uses.
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Backfin Crab – Finely shredded body meat, not in chunks. It has a stringy texture but still good crab flavor.
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Claw Crab – Meat from legs, claws, and shoulders. It shreds easily and works well mixed into stuffings.
For frying, jumbo lump or lump crab provides the best results. Backfin can also fry up nicely. Pick through the meat carefully to remove any shell pieces. Try to keep the lumps intact when handling.
Breading is Key
Breading not only gives fried crab meat its crispy texture but also protects the delicate meat so it doesn’t overcook. Here are some breading tips:
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A thin coating is best – too thick of a breading overwhelms the crab flavor.
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Use light breadcrumbs rather than heavier crackers or flour-based batters. Japanese panko breadcrumbs are ideal.
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Dip in egg wash first – this helps the breading adhere properly when frying.
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Season the breadcrumbs with spices, herbs, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
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Gently press crumbs onto the meat so they stick. Don’t roughly handle the crab when breading.
Take care in evenly coating each piece of crab meat in the light, seasoned breading. This creates the right balance of crispy outside and tender inside when fried.
Frying Methods for Crab Meat
With the crab breaded, it’s time to fry. There are a few frying techniques:
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Pan frying in 1/2 inch oil in a skillet. This allows closely monitoring each piece.
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Shallow frying in 2-3 inches of oil, cooking batches at a time. This gets more even browning.
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Deep frying fully submerges the crab in 4+ inches of oil. Best for larger quantities but can also work for single servings.
No matter which method, always:
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Use oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut.
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Heat oil to 350-375°F. Use a thermometer to monitor.
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Fry just 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Work in batches. Don’t crowd the pan which brings down the oil temperature.
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Drain fried crab on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot.
Proper frying locks in the moisture and flavor of the crab for a juicy, appetizing treat.
Pairing Flavors with Fried Crab Meat
Beyond the seasonings mixed into the breading, here are some other easy ways to add flavor to fried crab:
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Sauces for dipping – cocktail sauce, rémoulade, tartar sauce, or aioli all complement fried crab nicely.
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Spritz of lemon or lime – fresh citrus brightens up the fried crab’s richness.
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Herbs – dill, parsley, basil, or chives lend pretty green flecks and freshness.
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Spices – Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper.
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Sweet chili sauce – brushed on or served alongside for a hit of sweet and heat.
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Seasonal salsas – take advantage of fresh produce like summer corn salsa.
The beauty of fried crab is that a little enhancement allows the natural sweetness to take center stage. Try any combination of sauces, citrus, herbs, or spices that appeal to your taste.
Serving Suggestions for Fried Crab Meat
Once fried to golden perfection, here are some fun ways to serve your crab meat:
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Crispy crab tacos or tostadas with all the fixings
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On arugula salads with tangy vinaigrette
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In endive leaves for an elegant appetizer
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On slider buns for tasty mini sandwiches
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Wrapped in lettuce or collard green leaves for low carb
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On top of creamy pasta or cheesy grits
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In place of chicken tenders with fries and slaw
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Scrambled into egg breakfast tacos or burritos
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Mixed into seafood fried rice or stir fry dishes
However you choose to use it, properly fried crab meat lends sweet, succulent flavor to both appetizers and entrees. Follow these tips for breading and frying methods, and enjoy restaurant-quality fried crab in your own kitchen. Expand your culinary repertoire with this delicious seafood dish.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Why this recipe works
Fried crab legs are the best! They taste great and are soft on the inside while being crispy and crunchy on the outside. We love Dungeness crab legs for their fresh, sweet flavor, but King crab will give you even more juicy meat that can be battered and fried into seafood sticks that are perfect for dipping in tasty sauces.
These Fried King Crab Legs are Amazing!
FAQ
Can you fry crab?
What is the best way to prepare crab meat?
How do you cook already cooked crab meat?
How to cook snow crab meat without the shell?
How do you cook crab legs in a deep fryer?
Heat oil in a deep-fryer (such as a FryDaddy®) or a large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place flour in a shallow bowl. Place eggs in a second bowl, and panko in a third bowl. Dredge each crab leg in flour, then into egg, and then in panko to coat; place on a plate. Fry crab in small batches until crisp, about 1 minute.
How do you cook crab meat in a frying pan?
Preheat a medium-size frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and Old Bay spice, stir and then add chopped green onions and crab meat. Cook 3-4 minutes, tossing gently every minute until all the crab is coated in the garlic, herbs and spices and it smells very fragrant.
How long do you Fry fried crab legs?
Dip crab meat into egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Place on wire rack. Repeat with the remaining crab. Fry crab for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. How do I store leftover fried crab legs?
How do you make a fried crab sandwich?
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, hot sauce, half of the Old Bay, and half of the garlic salt. In another medium bowl, combine yellow cornmeal, flour, remaining Old Bay and remaining garlic salt. Dip crab meat into egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated. Place on wire rack. Repeat with the remaining crab.