Fluffy Southern Crab Beignets Recipe: A Cajun Delight

Southern kitchens buzz with mouthwatering excitement when these crispy Southern crab beignets hit the table.

Delicate seafood meets golden-brown perfection in a dance of flavor and texture.

Louisiana’s culinary spirit shines through every light, airy bite of these delectable morsels.

Freshly caught blue crab becomes the star of this irresistible appetizer that melts in your mouth.

Seasoned with a blend of spices that sing of coastal traditions, these beignets bring a taste of the Gulf to your plate.

The crisp exterior gives way to a tender, succulent center that will transport you straight to a beachside restaurant.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on this Southern delicacy that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Southern Crab Beignets Ingredient Breakdown

• Crab Meat: Fresh, sweet seafood star that brings oceanic richness and delicate texture to the beignets. Select lump or jumbo lump for best quality and minimal shell fragments.

• Eggs, Mayonnaise: Creamy binders that help hold the beignets together and add smooth richness.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, light exterior with delightful golden crunch. Choose Japanese-style for superior texture.
• Creole Mustard: Adds tangy, zesty kick that complements seafood beautifully.

• Scallions, Red Onion: Fresh alliums that provide sharp, vibrant background notes.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that cuts through richness and enhances seafood flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Foundational spices that build depth and subtle heat.
• Canola Oil: Neutral cooking oil perfect for achieving golden, crispy exterior without overpowering delicate crab flavor.

Tools for Making Southern Crab Beignets Easily

• Large mixing bowl: For combining crab meat and batter ingredients.
• Medium mixing bowl: To whisk eggs and create initial batter mixture.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for gently stirring seasonings into batter.
• Whisk: Essential for creating light, foamy egg mixture.
• Large deep skillet or pot: Required for heating oil and frying beignets.
• Slotted spoon: To safely remove beignets from hot oil.
• Two medium spoons: For dropping batter into oil without burning hands.
• Paper towels: To drain excess oil from fried beignets.
• Thermometer (optional): To check precise oil temperature.

How to Make Southern Crab Beignets

• Crab Preparation

Pick through the delicate crab meat carefully, ensuring no pesky shell fragments remain. Gently separate and inspect the meat multiple times.

• Batter Creation

Whip eggs into a light, airy mixture. Blend in creamy condiments for a rich, smooth base that will cradle the seafood treasure.

• Flavor Explosion

Introduce zesty ingredients like bright citrus, crisp green onions, and bold spices. Stir these flavor champions into the developing batter.

• Texture Magic

Softly incorporate crunchy breadcrumbs and tender crab meat. Mix with a gentle touch, allowing the mixture to just barely hold together. Chill the blend to let flavors mingle and firm up.

• Frying Technique

Heat golden oil to a perfect sizzling temperature. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the seafood mixture into the bubbling bath, transforming them into crispy, golden delights.

• Finishing Touch

Rescue the beignets using a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drip away. Arrange on soft paper towels to absorb any lingering oil. Serve piping hot with a creamy dipping sauce that complements the ocean’s bounty.

Southern Crab Beignets Flavor and Texture Tips

• Carefully inspect crab meat multiple times to ensure no shell fragments remain, preventing unexpected crunch in your delightful beignets.
• Refrigerate the batter for at least an hour to help beignets hold their shape and create a crispier exterior when frying.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet by frying in small batches, which maintains consistent oil temperature and ensures evenly golden-brown beignets.
• Substitute crab with shrimp or lump fish meat for a different twist, and adjust cayenne pepper to increase or decrease heat levels according to your spice preference.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain 350°F, as consistent oil temperature prevents greasy beignets and ensures perfect crispy texture every time.

Best Way to Serve Southern Crab Beignets

• Coastal Cocktail Party Centerpiece: Arrange these golden crab beignets on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls, creating an eye-catching appetizer spread that sparks conversation.
• Brunch Sensation Plate: Pair these crispy beignets with a fresh citrus salad and mimosas, transforming your weekend morning into a luxurious Southern-style feast that feels both elegant and comforting.
• Seafood Tapas Night: Serve alongside other small seafood plates like shrimp ceviche and calamari, letting guests sample multiple flavors while enjoying a relaxed, interactive dining experience that celebrates coastal cuisine.
• Sunset Deck Delight: Present these beignets with chilled white wine or a light beer during an outdoor gathering, letting the crispy texture and rich crab flavor complement the relaxed evening atmosphere near water or in a garden setting.

Store Southern Crab Beignets Without Losing Crunch

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Southern Crab Beignets in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum freshness, consuming within 2-3 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Crispy Reheating Technique: Revive cold beignets by placing them on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring a crispy exterior without losing moisture.
• Freezing Preparation Method: Arrange uncooked beignet mixture on a parchment-lined tray, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient storage up to one month. Thaw in refrigerator before frying.
• Smart Advance Planning: Prepare crab mixture up to 24 hours before cooking, keeping covered in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile for your Southern-style appetizer.

Crispy Southern Crab Beignets Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy southern crab beignets showcase Louisiana’s culinary magic with golden-brown exterior and tender seafood core. Delicate morsels offer rich flavors that transport diners to New Orleans’ vibrant kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) blue crab meat
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps Creole mustard
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• Canola oil, for frying
• 1 cup white remoulade sauce

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Instructions

1. Crab Preparation: Meticulously examine crab meat, removing any shell fragments to ensure pure seafood quality.
2. Wet Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs into a light foam, then blend mayonnaise, Creole mustard, lemon juice, scallions, red onion, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Batter Assembly: Gently fold Panko breadcrumbs into the seasoned mixture, carefully incorporating crab meat to maintain a delicate texture without compressing the ingredients.
4. Resting Phase: Refrigerate the prepared mixture for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and batter to firm up for optimal frying.
5. Frying Technique: Heat canola oil to 350°F in a deep skillet. Using two spoons, carefully drop small portions of crab mixture into hot oil, frying until each beignet turns golden-brown and crispy (approximately 1-2 minutes).
6. Finishing Touch: Transfer beignets to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon to drain excess oil. Keep warm at 200°F if needed, and serve immediately with White Remoulade Sauce for a delectable dipping experience.

Notes

• Crab Quality Check: Meticulously inspect seafood to remove every shell fragment, ensuring a smooth, safe eating experience.
• Batter Blending Technique: Whisk eggs to a light foam, then incorporate condiments smoothly for balanced flavor development.
• Chilling for Perfection: Refrigerate mixture for at least one hour to enhance texture and allow seasonings to meld completely.
• Frying Precision: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F and fry in small batches to achieve golden-brown, crispy exterior without overcrowding the pan.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg