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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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