Cotton Blossoms With Crabmeat
Light and crispy crab-filled wonton blossoms offer a savory, spicy flavor, perfect as an appetizer or party snack for seafood lovers and those craving bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover a sheet pan with wax paper.
- Lightly dust the wax paper with cornstarch and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded crabmeat, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and Tabasco sauce. Mix well.
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean surface.
- Put about a teaspoon of the crab mixture in the center of the wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with beaten egg to seal.
- Gather the edges to form a blossom shape, pinching to secure.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the crab blossoms until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with dipping sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also use imitation crab if fresh crabmeat is unavailable. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to achieve a crispy texture; too low will make them greasy. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more Tabasco sauce to the filling. These crab blossoms can also be made ahead of time and frozen before frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful crab blossoms hot, paired with a sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping. They make a great appetizer or party snack. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or your favorite Asian-inspired dish, like Sweet And Sour Fish. For an elegant touch, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover crab blossoms can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy. If frozen, fry directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cotton Blossoms With Crabmeat contains roughly 1434 calories, with 19g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these crab blossoms ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab filling and fill the wonton wrappers ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze them un-fried for up to a month. Just fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for the crabmeat?
If crabmeat isn't available, consider using shredded cooked shrimp or even a mix of chopped vegetables for a vegetarian option. Imitation crab also works well and is a cost-effective substitute that still provides a similar texture and flavor.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of wonton wrapper into the oil. If it sizzles immediately and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Maintaining a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is crucial for achieving that perfect golden brown color and crispy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).