Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F if you plan to bake the crab balls. If deep-frying, prepare a pot with oil and heat it to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, egg, Old Bay seasoning, and any optional ingredients you wish to include, such as chopped onions and bell peppers.
Be careful not to overmix to maintain the integrity of the crab lumps.
If using cheese, create a small indentation in the center of each crab mixture ball and place a piece of pepper jack cheese inside before forming it into a ball.
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
If baking, coat each ball lightly with Panko breadcrumbs. For deep-frying, you can follow a three-step breading process: first, coat with flour, then dip in an egg wash, and finally coat with Panko breadcrumbs.
For baking, place the crab balls on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes.
Finish by broiling them for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
For deep-frying, carefully place the crab balls in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until they're fully cooked and golden brown.
Once cooked, remove the crab balls from the oven or oil and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serve hot with your choice of dip.
Extra Tips:
When making crab balls, it's essential to handle the crab meat gently to preserve the lumps and achieve that sought-after texture. Additionally, you can freeze crab balls after shaping them for about 30 minutes to help them maintain their shape before cooking, which is particularly useful when using frozen crab balls.
If you're not serving them immediately, you can freeze the shaped balls for about 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, and feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices for added flavor.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, and they can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick snack.
Enjoy your delicious homemade crab balls!
