Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These homemade crab rangoons are golden, crispy, and packed with a creamy, flavorful filling. The combination of cream cheese, imitation crab, garlic, and scallions gives these appetizers a rich, savory taste, with the toasted sesame oil adding an authentic touch. Whether fried or air-fried, the crispy wonton wrappers are the perfect vessel for the creamy filling. They’re incredibly easy to make, and they’re always a hit at parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 to 9 ounces imitation crab or surimi (preferably stick or “leg” style, thawed if frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium scallions, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 (12-ounce) package square wonton wrappers (40 to 50 wrappers)
- 3 cups neutral oil (such as canola oil) for frying
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
- Kosher salt, for seasoning
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, imitation crab (finely chopped or shredded), minced garlic, chopped scallions, soy sauce, granulated sugar, toasted sesame oil, garlic powder, and white pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy filling.
- Assemble the wontons:
- Place a wonton wrapper on a clean, flat surface, and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of each wrapper.
- Wet the edges of the wonton wrapper with a small amount of water using your fingers. Fold the wrapper in half to form a triangle or bring all four corners to the center to form a pouch. Seal the edges tightly to make sure the filling doesn’t leak out during frying.
- Fry the crab rangoons (Deep frying method):
- Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the prepared crab rangoons into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove the crab rangoons with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt while they are still hot.
- Air fry the crab rangoons (for a healthier option):
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the crab rangoons in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
- Serve:
- Serve the crab rangoons hot with sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 servings (approximately 40-50 crab rangoons)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes (depending on frying method)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy crab rangoon: Add a small amount of sriracha or hot sauce to the filling to give it a spicy kick.
- Real crab meat: Substitute imitation crab with fresh or canned real crab meat for a more authentic flavor.
- Baked version: For a healthier option, bake the crab rangoons at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Herbed filling: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the filling for a fresh twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover crab rangoons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the crab rangoons in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until crispy again. Alternatively, reheat them in an air fryer for 4-5 minutes to restore their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab rangoons?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled crab rangoons before frying. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Fry or air fry them directly from frozen when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make crab rangoon ahead of time?
You can prepare the crab rangoons and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying or air frying. Be sure to keep them covered with a damp towel to prevent the wrappers from drying out.
Can I use a different type of filling?
Yes, you can experiment with different fillings. Some people add cooked shrimp, lobster, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Can I air fry frozen crab rangoons?
Yes, you can air fry frozen crab rangoons. Just increase the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway through.
What can I serve with crab rangoons besides sweet chili sauce?
Crab rangoons pair well with soy sauce, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. You can also serve them with a simple cucumber salad or Asian-style dipping sauce.
How can I prevent the crab rangoons from getting soggy?
Make sure the crab rangoon filling isn’t too wet before sealing the wonton wrappers. If needed, squeeze out excess moisture from the crab before mixing it with the cream cheese. Also, make sure to properly seal the edges of the wonton wrappers to prevent any leakage during frying.
Can I use egg roll wrappers instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes, egg roll wrappers can be used as a substitute for wonton wrappers, but they will result in a larger and thicker crab rangoon. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the filling is heated through and the wrapper is crispy.
Can I use a different kind of oil for frying?
While neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil are ideal for frying, you can use any oil with a high smoking point for frying, such as peanut oil or avocado oil.
How do I make sure the crab rangoons are crispy?
To get crispy crab rangoons, make sure the oil is heated to the proper temperature (350°F/175°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket, as this can cause the rangoons to steam rather than fry, resulting in soggy wrappers.
Can I serve crab rangoons as a main dish?
While crab rangoons are typically served as an appetizer or snack, you can certainly serve them as part of a main course. Pair them with other appetizers or a side dish like fried rice or a vegetable stir-fry for a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
These homemade crab rangoons are the perfect crispy, creamy, and savory bite-sized treat that everyone will love. Whether fried or air-fried, they are easy to make and always a crowd favorite. Serve them with sweet chili sauce for a delightful appetizer or snack, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of this popular dish in the comfort of your home!
Print
Crab Rangoon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Crab Rangoon is a crispy, savory appetizer filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, imitation crab, and seasonings. These golden fried wontons are easy to make and a perfect treat for parties, game days, or casual snacking. Serve them with sweet chili sauce for a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese
8 to 9 ounces imitation crab (surimi), thawed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium scallions, finely chopped
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper
1 (12-ounce) package square wonton wrappers (40 to 50 wrappers)
3 cups neutral oil (for frying)
Cooking spray (for air frying)
Kosher salt, for seasoning
Sweet chili sauce, for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the filling:
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In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, imitation crab, minced garlic, chopped scallions, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and white pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Assemble the wontons:
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Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface, spoon 1 tablespoon of filling into the center, and wet the edges with water. Fold the wrapper into a triangle or bring the corners to the center, sealing the edges tightly.
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Fry the crab rangoons:
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Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry crab rangoons in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with kosher salt.
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Air fry the crab rangoons (for a healthier option):
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray and air fry the crab rangoons for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Serve:
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Serve the crab rangoons hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
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Notes
Spicy Version: Add sriracha or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
Real Crab Meat: Use fresh or canned crab meat for a more authentic flavor.
Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
