Iâm a big fan of loaded fries and before I transitioned to a pescatarian life-style, I would indulge in loaded french fries with cheese, bacon, and ranch. Yes, I wanted all the fixings! With all that being said, Iâm sure you can guess what inspired this easy crab fries with crab meat recipe. Overall, my goal was to ensure this crab recipe was simple enough to make as an appetizer while ensuring a budget-friendly option for the ingredients.
Reasons why youâll love this Homemade crab fries recipe:
- Filling appetizer for game day or large gatherings
- This somewhat traditional crab fries recipe has a good bit of protein from the crab.
- Considered a full meal for the solo indulger
- Great with any dipping sauce like ranch, warm cheese sauce, or even hot sauce
- Great with any type of fries – shoe string fries, waffle fries, etc.
Ingredients:
Fries
Jumbo Lump Crab Meat
Unsalted butter
Lemon juice
Old Bay Spice
Toppings:
Tomatoes
Red onions
Lime zest and juice
âSauces
Chipotle Sauce – The chipotle sauce with reduce briny flavor associated with the fresh crab meat. The smoky and spicy flavors of the chipotle flavors will pair perfectly with the sweet crab meat. Ingredients of this sauce include: Mayo, crema, diced chipotle, cilantro, lime juice, salt, cumin, and 2 cloves of fresh garlic (minced). Sour cream can be used as a substitute for crema.
Brief instructions for recipe:
Prep chipotle sauce so flavors can enhance while preparing the fries and white crab meat. In a food processor, place all chipotle ingredients and pulse for 20 seconds. Once mixture is thoroughly mixed, transfer into a container with a cover. Set the sauce in the refrigerator.
Dice tomatoes, red and green onions and set aside in separate containers.
In a cast iron skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable or peanut oil over medium high heat. Heat to 350F.
Using your favorite brand of french fries (preferably unsalted), place it in the hot oil. Next, cook until fries until they are golden brown. For a even crispier texture, review package instructions on the brand that you chose or cook longer. Lastly, season fries with a pinch of old bay spice and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Next, prep your crab topping by draining into a medium bowl. Remove any crab shells that may be in the crab. Lightly season the fresh crab meat with Old bay spice and add lemon juice. Then melt butter (olive oil can be used for an healthier alternative) on low heat in a saucepan. Place crab meat into the saucepan and heat to medium-low. Cook for 2-3 minutes and remove saucepan from the heat.
Now it is time to plate the ingredients. Using a plate or bowl, fill with the old bay fries first. Next, top with the fresh crab meat. Add the tomatoes and onions. Next, drizzle the chipotle sauce over the delicious crab fries and add green onions
If you want extra chipotle sauce, delicious dipping sauce in a ramekin to serve on the side.
For more detailed instructions, please review the recipe card below.
Similar recipes include:
Easy Crab Fries with Crab Meat
This loaded crab fries with crab meat recipe is not only easy, but filled with flavor.
Ingredients
- Jumbo Lump Crab
- 1 tsp of unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of old bay spice + pinch for fries
Toppings
- 1 cup tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onions
- 1/6 cup of green onions
Chipotle Sauce
- 1/4 cup Mayo
- 1/3 cup Crema
- 1-2 dice chipotle peppers
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 2 fresh garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- Prep chipotle sauce so flavors can enhance while preparing the fries and white crab meat.
- In a food processor, place all chipotle ingredients and pulse for 20 seconds.
- Once mixture is thoroughly mixed, transfer into a container with a cover. Set the sauce in the refrigerator.
- Dice tomatoes, red and green onions and set aside in separate containers.
- In a cast iron skillet or deep fryer, filling the skillet halfway of vegetable or peanut oil, heat to 350F. You may need to use a thermometer.
- Using your favorite brand of french fries (preferably unsalted), place it in the hot oil.
- Cook until fries until they are golden brown or until you have crispy french fries. For extra crunchy fries, review package directions on the brand that you chose.
- Once finished, season fries with old bay seasoning place on a frying rack or baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prep your crab topping by draining into a medium bowl. As you drain, check to be sure you remove any crab shells that may be in the crab.
- Lightly season with Old bay spice and lemon juice to reduce the briny flavor in the crab meat.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter (olive oil can be used for an healthier alternative) on low to medium heat.
- Place crab meat into the saucepan and heat to medium-low.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes and remove saucepan from the heat.
- By this time, it would be best to remove the chipotle sauce from the refrigerator.
- Using a bowl, fill with the old bay fries first. Next, top with the actual crab meat.
- Add the tomatoes and onions. Next, drizzle the chipotle sauce over the crab topping.
- For the garnish, top fries with the green onions.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 169Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 376mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g
Frequently asked Questions:
- Is it possible to use imitation crab?
- I would recommend real crab meat since the recipe was tested with fresh crab meat.
- Where can I purchase low-cost fresh crab meat?
- Major grocery chains like Whole Foods, Publix, and Kroger carry crab meat near the seafood counter
- Farmerâs market or seafood market for an even less expensive option
- How can I store leftover ingredients?
- Ingredients should be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.