Crispy Seaside Magic: Simple Crab and Shrimp Fritters Recipe

Sizzling golden fritters packed with delectable crab and shrimp dance on the plate, promising a crispy seafood delight that’ll make taste buds sing.

These irresistible morsels blend ocean-fresh ingredients into a perfect handheld treat.

Seafood lovers rejoice as each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and rich maritime flavor.

The simple yet elegant recipe brings together succulent shellfish in a light, airy batter that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Herbs and spices weave through the fritters, adding depth and excitement to every mouthful.

Light, crispy, and bursting with maritime goodness, these fritters are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Dive into this seaside-inspired culinary adventure and savor the magic of perfectly crafted seafood fritters.

Tools to Fry Fritters Without the Mess

• Large bowl: For mixing fritter ingredients thoroughly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for preparing tartar sauce.
• Large skillet: Essential for frying fritters evenly.
• Parchment-lined baking sheet: Helps refrigerate fritters without sticking.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Drains excess oil after frying.
• Whisk: Combines tartar sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Helpful for flipping fritters in the skillet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

Fritter-Making Made Fast and Flavorful

Seafood Fritter Magic

• Mixture Creation

Dive into a delightful blend of ocean treasures by gently mixing crab and shrimp with fresh herbs and crispy panko. The key is to fold ingredients softly, keeping the delicate seafood texture intact.

• Chilling Moment

Let your fritter mixture rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and develop a perfect cohesive texture. This short pause helps the fritters hold together beautifully during cooking.

• Golden Transformation

Heat a skillet with olive oil until it whispers with warmth. Lightly dust each fritter with flour and place them carefully into the sizzling pan. Watch as they turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that crackles with each bite.

• Zesty Companion Sauce

Whip up a tangy sauce that complements the seafood’s richness. Blend creamy mayonnaise with bright lemon, briny capers, and a hint of pickle for a burst of flavor that elevates the fritters.

• Elegant Presentation

Arrange your golden fritters on a beautiful plate, accompanied by the vibrant sauce. Garnish with a fresh herb sprig or lemon wedge for a restaurant-worthy finish that will impress everyone at the table.

Ideas to Spice Up Crab and Shrimp Fritters

• Seafood Fritter Perfection: Learn pro tips to make these crispy, golden bites even more delicious with minimal effort.
• Texture Tricks: Chill the fritter mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together perfectly and prevent falling apart during frying.
• Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality crab and shrimp from a reliable fishmonger for the most incredible flavor and best texture in your fritters.
• Crispy Coating Secrets: Use a light dusting of flour and avoid pressing too hard when dredging to ensure a delicate, crisp exterior that doesn't become heavy or greasy.
• Serving Smart: Keep fritters warm in a low-temperature oven (200°F) for up to 15 minutes if you're preparing multiple batches, maintaining their crispiness without compromising quality.

How to Serve Fritters with Sauce or Sides

• Seaside Picnic Platter: Arrange fritters on a rustic wooden board with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh herb sprigs for a beach-inspired presentation that transports diners to coastal dining.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the seafood fritters with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the delicate flavors of crab and shrimp.
• Summer Brunch Centerpiece: Serve fritters as a show-stopping appetizer or main course during weekend brunches, accompanied by a zesty mixed green salad and chilled cucumber gazpacho for a refreshing meal.
• Cocktail Party Crowd-Pleaser: Transform these fritters into bite-sized versions for elegant appetizers, skewered with small picks and arranged on a decorative platter for easy mingling at social gatherings.

Best Storage for Seafood Fritters That Stay Crisp

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store cooked fritters in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, keeping crispiness by placing a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.
• Freezer Batch Prep: Uncooked fritter mixture can be wrapped tightly and frozen for 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
• Sauce Smart Storage: Homemade tartar sauce stays fresh in sealed container for 5-7 days. Always keep refrigerated and stir before serving to restore consistent texture.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Revive leftover fritters in oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, which restores crunchiness better than microwave and prevents soggy results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes (including refrigeration)

Cook Time: 8 minutes (per batch)

Total Time: 53 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Crab and Shrimp Fritters Ingredient Rundown

• Crab Meat: Delicate seafood that provides a sweet, tender texture to the fritters, best when fresh and picked clean of shells.
• Shrimp: Adds a succulent marine flavor and extra protein, choose fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp for best results.
• Panko: Light and crispy breadcrumbs that help bind ingredients and create a delightful crunchy exterior.
• Mayonnaise: Helps hold the mixture together and adds richness and moisture to the fritters.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the fritters compact and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Green Onions, Red Bell Pepper, Parsley: Fresh vegetables that bring color, crunch, and vibrant flavor to the mixture.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy, sharp kick that enhances the seafood's natural flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami with its complex, savory profile.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that brings a signature maritime taste.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a subtle, aromatic warmth to the fritter base.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating all the other flavors.

• Flour: Creates a crisp, golden exterior when used for dredging the fritters.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, even cooking surface and adds a subtle fruity undertone.

Crispy Crab and Shrimp Fritters Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy crab and shrimp fritters blend coastal Mediterranean flavors into golden, irresistible bites. Delicate seafood creates a perfect appetizer that connects ocean freshness with skilled culinary craft.

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Ingredients

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• 0.5 lbs (226 g) lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 0.5 lbs (226 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cups (60 g) panko bread crumbs
• 0.25 cups (30 g) all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2–3 tbsps (30–45 ml) olive oil (for frying)
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) capers, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dill pickle, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh dill

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Combine crab meat, diced shrimp, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onions, red bell pepper, parsley, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl, folding gently to integrate ingredients without overworking the seafood blend.
2. Seasoning and Chilling: Enhance the maritime mixture with salt and pepper, then shape into 8-10 uniform patties. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to solidify texture and intensify flavor profiles.
3. Tartar Sauce Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers, dill pickle, Dijon mustard, and optional fresh dill in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then chill to meld flavors while preparing fritters.
4. Frying Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly dust fritters with flour, shaking off excess, then carefully fry in batches until each side achieves a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Serving and Presentation: Drain fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil. Plate the crispy seafood fritters alongside the chilled tartar sauce, garnishing with optional lemon wedges. Pair with a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerating the fritter mixture helps ingredients bind together and prevents them from falling apart during frying.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to maintain seafood’s delicate texture and prevent a tough, dense fritter.
• Flour Coating Technique: Lightly dust fritters with flour to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
• Batch Frying Matters: Cook fritters in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and ensure even, crispy browning.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Cook Time: 8 minutes (per batch)
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg