Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy crab balls and the dipping sauce

Crispy Crab Balls with Chipotle Tartar Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Cookies & Cups
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 20 balls 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stove
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crispy Crab Balls with Chipotle Tartar Sauce are the perfect holiday, game day or party appetizer, but they’re also perfect for any weeknight dinner! Loaded with crab meat, buttery cracker crumbs and spicy Old Bay seasoning, they’re simple to whip up and a guaranteed crowd pleaser!


Ingredients

Scale

Chipotle tartar sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle in adobo)
  • 2 tablespoons dill relish
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Crab Balls

  • 1 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1 pound crab meat
  • zest of one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Chipotle Tartar sauce

  1. In a medium bowl mix together mayonnaise, adobo sauce, relish, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Crab Balls

  1. In a large bowl combine the crushed Ritz, crab, lemon zest, lemon juice, Old Bay, and parsley. Mix until evenly combined.
  2. Form the mixture into 1 1/2- inch balls.
  3. Fill a large skillet 1/4- inch deep with oil. Heat oil on medium until it reaches 350°F. (Trick – place the tip of the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil. If bubbles form immediately, the oil is ready.) Place the balls in batches into the oil, frying until they are golden brown (about 3 minutes on each side). Transfer the balls to a paper towel lined plate, and repeat with remaining balls.
  4. Serve warm with Chipotle Tartar Sauce.

Notes

The Chipotle Mayonnaise can be made up to 5 days in advance. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 56
  • Sugar: 0.1 g
  • Sodium: 281.6 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.7 g
  • Protein: 5.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 16.1 mg
Scroll to Top