Crabmeat Balls
Crabmeat balls offer a flavorful seafood appetizer with hints of mustard, mace, and nutmeg, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a light snack with dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground mace
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs ⓘ
- 1 pound fresh crabmeat, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine melted butter, dry mustard, salt, ground mace, ground nutmeg, seafood seasoning, and chopped parsley in a bowl; stir well.
- Stir in crabmeat and beaten egg yolks until thoroughly mixed.
- Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for one to two hours.
- Shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Dredge each ball in all-purpose flour to coat evenly.
- Pour vegetable oil into a heavy frypan to a depth of 2 to 3 inches and heat to 375°F.
- Fry the crabmeat balls in the hot oil until they are golden brown.
- Drain the cooked balls on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you don't have fresh crabmeat, canned crab can be a good substitute, just ensure it's well-drained. Keep your oil temperature steady at 375°F for even cooking; if the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crabmeat balls hot with a side of tangy remoulade or cocktail sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or as a starter in a seafood platter. Consider serving alongside Shrimp-N-Dip for a delightful appetizer spread that guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the crabmeat balls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crabmeat Balls contains roughly 91 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the crabmeat balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator, covered, until you're ready to fry. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for even tastier crabmeat balls.
What kind of crabmeat should I use?
Fresh lump crabmeat is ideal for its flavor and texture, but you can also use backfin or even canned crab if fresh isn't available. Just make sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces before using.
Can I bake the crabmeat balls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 375°F, place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
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).