Jean'S Crab Puffs
Crab Puffs are crispy, savory appetizers with a spicy kick, featuring crab meat and bold seasonings, perfect for parties or seafood lovers seeking flavorful bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water and margarine to a boil.
- Add flour to the boiling mixture and stir until it forms a dough.
- Remove from heat and beat in eggs one at a time until well blended.
- Mix in crab meat, chili powder, Texas Pete, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
- Heat oil for deep frying.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using olive oil instead of margarine and baking the puffs instead of frying. If you don’t have crab meat, shrimp or lobster can be delicious substitutes. Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to ensure a crispy texture; use a thermometer if necessary. For added flavor, incorporate garlic powder or onion powder into the mix, similar to Janice'S Shrimp Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve crab puffs with a side of tangy cocktail sauce or a zesty aioli for dipping. They make a great appetizer for any gathering and pair beautifully with light salads or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a bowl of Quick Clam Or Crab Dip or a fresh seafood platter to enhance your seafood experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab puffs 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 restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Crab Puffs contains roughly 93 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% 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 the crab puffs before frying?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked crab puff mixture. Scoop the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to fry, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of crab meat should I use?
You can use lump crab meat for a more luxurious texture or imitation crab for a budget-friendly option. If you prefer a stronger flavor, opt for fresh crab meat. Just ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your mixture, which can affect frying.
Can I make these crab puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to fry. However, it’s best to fry them fresh for optimal taste and texture. If you need to make them ahead, consider frying them and then reheating as mentioned in the storage section.
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).