Name: Cajun Crab Croquettes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired American
Ingredients: 1 lb lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells); ½ cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 green onion, finely chopped; 1 small celery stalk, finely diced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour (only if needed for binding); ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); 2 eggs, beaten (for coating); ¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko (for coating); Oil for shallow frying (vegetable or canola); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp hot sauce; 1 tsp lemon juice; Pinch of Cajun seasoning

Description

Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside—Cajun Crab Croquettes are a bold and delicious way to enjoy crab. Infused with Cajun seasoning, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of heat, these bite-sized seafood patties are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or light dinner. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce and watch them disappear fast!

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Crab Croquettes:

1 lb lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
½ cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 small celery stalk, finely diced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour (only if needed for binding)

For Frying:

⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 eggs, beaten (for coating)
¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko (for coating)
Oil for shallow frying (vegetable or canola)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of Cajun seasoning

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Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Crab Filling

In a large bowl, combine crab meat, ½ cup breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onion, celery, mustard, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and parsley.
Mix gently until just combined.
If mixture feels too loose, add 1–2 tbsp flour to help bind.

Step 2: Shape the Croquettes
4. Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into 12–14 small patties or oval shapes.
5. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Bread the Croquettes
7. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
8. Dredge each croquette in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
9. Place them back on the tray and let sit while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden
10. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
11. Fry croquettes in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
12. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
13. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning.
14. Serve alongside croquettes for dipping.

Notes

Use Lump Crab Meat – For the best texture and flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Gently fold to keep the croquettes light and tender.
Chill Before Frying – Helps the croquettes hold their shape and fry evenly.
Control the Heat – Medium heat is key to cooking through without burning.
Make Ahead – Form and bread the croquettes ahead of time; fry just before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired American