Crab Croquettes
Crab croquettes are crispy, golden appetizers with tender crab meat and flavorful seasonings, perfect for seafood lovers and elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped mild onion ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour
- dash of cayenne ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice ⓘ
- 1 sprig parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 14 ounces crab meat (from 2 cans) ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- lemon wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in 4 tablespoons of butter for 5 minutes.
- Blend in flour, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Add milk and cook until thick, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and crab meat.
- Season to taste with salt.
- Chill the mixture until firm.
- Shape into croquettes with hands.
- Dip croquettes into beaten egg, then coat with fine bread crumbs.
- Fry slowly in remaining butter until browned on both sides.
- Serve piping hot with lemon wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk and margarine instead of butter. If you don't have crab meat, canned tuna or shrimp can work as substitutes. Ensure the mixture is chilled well to hold its shape while frying. For added flavor, experiment with Old Bay seasoning or incorporate some diced bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab croquettes hot with a side of tartar sauce or a fresh salad for a delightful contrast. They also pair beautifully with lemon wedges for an extra zing. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside a creamy soup or a light pasta dish, such as the Broiled Open-Faced Crab Sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crab croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness, or gently pan-fry them for a few minutes on each side.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Croquettes contains roughly 653 calories, with 11g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 936mg per serving (41% 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 freeze crab croquettes?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked crab croquettes. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, there's no need to thaw; just fry them for a few extra minutes until golden brown.
What type of crab meat should I use?
Choose lump crab meat for a more upscale dish, or claw meat for a more economical option. Canned crab meat works well but ensure you drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
Can I make these croquettes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the croquettes a day in advance. Just chill them in the fridge until you're ready to fry. This makes for a convenient option when entertaining guests or meal prepping.
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).