These Southern Crab Beignets are a delightful bite-sized treat, featuring a crispy golden exterior with a tender, creamy crab-filled interior. Made with fresh blue crab meat, Creole mustard, and a dash of cayenne for a little heat, these beignets are perfect for any party or as an appetizer for a cozy meal. Paired with a creamy White Remoulade Sauce, they’re sure to be the first dish to disappear from the table!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb blue crab meat (or any good-quality crab meat)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons Creole mustard or coarse grain mustard

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions

• ¼ cup finely diced red onion

• 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch cayenne pepper

• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs

• Canola oil (for frying)

• 1 cup White Remoulade Sauce (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare Crab Meat: Place the crabmeat in a bowl and use your hands to pick through it to remove any shells. Do this at least twice.

2. Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until light and foamy. Then, whisk in the mayonnaise and mustard. Stir in the lemon juice, scallions, red onion, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Gently fold in the Panko bread crumbs and then the crabmeat, being careful not to break up the crab. The mixture should be thick enough to hold together when frying.

3. Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the crab mixture for at least 1 hour to firm it up.

4. Fry the Beignets: Heat 2 inches of canola oil in a large, deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Using two medium-sized spoons, drop spoonfuls of the crab mixture into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets to a plate lined with paper towels.

5. Keep Warm (Optional): If desired, keep the cooked beignets warm in a 200°F oven while you fry the remaining batches.

6. Serve: Serve the beignets with a side of creamy White Remoulade Sauce for dipping.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 beignet

• Calories: 200 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 480mg

• Sugar: 1g

The Essence of Crab: A Sweet, Delicate Flavor

The foundation of any great crab dish is the quality of the crab meat. For this recipe, fresh blue crab meat is the star, providing a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender texture that makes these beignets stand out. Blue crab is widely regarded for its mild sweetness and flaky texture, which holds up beautifully when mixed into the batter. If blue crab isn’t available, any high-quality crab meat will work, but it’s important to choose meat that’s fresh and flavorful, as it’s the key to creating a rich, satisfying taste in the final dish.

Before preparing the crab, make sure to carefully pick through the meat to remove any shells or cartilage. This step ensures that every bite is as smooth and tender as possible, letting the natural flavor of the crab shine through. The light, sweet crab flavor is the perfect canvas for the bold and zesty ingredients that accompany it.

The Perfect Balance of Ingredients

Southern Crab Beignets are rich in flavor, thanks to a few key ingredients that bring the dish together. The batter for the beignets is made with mayonnaise, Creole mustard, and lemon juice, giving it a creamy, tangy base with a slight kick from the mustard. The Creole mustard adds an extra layer of flavor, offering both sharpness and a bit of heat, which complements the natural sweetness of the crab.

A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat that enhances the dish without overpowering the delicate flavors of the crab. Fresh scallions and red onion bring brightness and crunch to the mixture, providing a contrast to the creamy texture of the crab and mayonnaise. The addition of Panko bread crumbs helps to bind the mixture together and gives the beignets their crispy, golden crust once fried.

The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful, savory batter that encases the tender crab meat, ensuring that every bite is a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. The beignets’ exterior is crispy and crunchy, while the interior remains creamy and soft, with the crab meat taking center stage.

Frying the Beignets: Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside

Frying is the key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior for the beignets. When frying, the oil temperature should be around 350°F (175°C) to ensure that the beignets cook quickly, becoming golden brown on the outside while staying tender and moist on the inside. The beignets fry up in just 1-2 minutes, creating a golden, crispy crust that adds an irresistible crunch to each bite.

It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy beignets. Fry in batches, using two spoons to drop spoonfuls of the crab mixture into the hot oil. Once the beignets are golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. If you want to keep them warm while you finish frying the remaining batches, you can place the beignets in a 200°F oven.

The Creamy White Remoulade Sauce

The creamy white remoulade sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these Southern Crab Beignets, adding an extra layer of flavor and richness. Traditionally, remoulade sauce is made with mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, and various seasonings. The white version of this classic sauce is smooth, tangy, and slightly spicy, which perfectly complements the delicate crab flavor of the beignets.

The sauce’s tangy mustard and lemon juice cut through the richness of the fried beignets, providing balance and enhancing the overall taste of the dish. A dollop of remoulade on the side for dipping turns each beignet into an even more indulgent treat, making them a great appetizer or party snack.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Southern Crab Beignets are versatile and perfect for any occasion. They make an excellent appetizer for a dinner party, a cozy meal, or a special gathering with friends and family. These beignets are sure to impress with their golden, crispy exterior, tender crab filling, and the complementary kick of Creole mustard. They’re also great for entertaining, as they’re easy to serve in bite-sized portions, making them ideal finger food for guests to enjoy.

Whether you’re hosting a Southern-inspired feast, a seafood boil, or just craving a rich and indulgent snack, these crab beignets are sure to become a crowd favorite. Their combination of flavor, texture, and ease of preparation makes them a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of a Southern Crab Beignet is about 200 calories, with 10 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. The beignets are also rich in flavor but should be enjoyed in moderation due to their calorie and fat content, particularly from the mayonnaise, oil, and Panko bread crumbs. Despite the richness, the crab meat provides a good source of protein, and the dish is lower in sugar, making it a savory treat that’s satisfying without being overly indulgent.

Conclusion

Southern Crab Beignets with White Remoulade Sauce are a delightful, flavorful treat that offers the perfect balance of creamy crab, crunchy coating, and zesty, tangy sauce. They are the ideal appetizer for any event, with a crispy golden exterior and a tender, crab-filled interior that is sure to disappear quickly from the table. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a cozy meal, these beignets will impress with their bold flavors and satisfying textures. Serve them warm with a side of creamy remoulade, and they will become an instant favorite.