Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Want crunchy golden egg rolls with a seafood twist, but without the seafood? These Vegan Crab Cake Egg Rolls have the perfect crunch with a savory filling that tastes like crab but is completely plant-based. This dish is the perfect party appetizer or snack, packed with seasoned hearts of palm, chickpeas, and seaweed for an authentic ocean flavor. Combine them with a sharp dip sauce to create a top-notch dining experience at home. These egg rolls will appeal to everyone, whether you’re vegan, trying to reduce your seafood consumption, or simply enjoy a unique recipe.

NUMERICAL REVIEW:

• Diet: Vegan
• Course: Snack or appetizer
• Cuisine: American fusion
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Working time(total): 35 minutes
• Single portion size: One egg roll
• Yield: 8 egg rolls
• Cooking method: Deep fry or air fry
• Difficulty level: Easy to medium

TOOLS

• Paper towels
• Deep fryer, frying pan, or air fryer
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon
• Potato masher or fork
• Knife and cutting board

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon of vegan mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika powder
• A cup of chickpeas
• 8 egg roll wrappers
• 1 sheet of Nori
• Hearts of palm, 14 ounces
• Oil for frying
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• A teaspoon of soy sauce or tamari
• Lemon juice, one tbsp.
• 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
• A teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs

INGREDIENT NOTES

CHICKPEAS

• We will require the boiled and canned chickpeas. We need to rinse and drain them before use. It will add volume and protein to the filling. Use the white cannellini beans as a lighter alternative.

BREADCRUMBS

• The addition of bread crumbs will help you bind the mixture well. You can use crushed cornflakes as an alternative or go for almond flour for a gluten-free version.

HEARTS OF PALM

• Use the hearts of palm after draining and chopping them. You will get the flaky, crab-like texture. Use the jackfruit or artichoke hearts as a replacement to have a similar texture.

WRAPPERS

• We are using the vegan version of egg roll wrappers from an authentic brand to be sure that they are egg-free. If you don’t find such a brand, then go for rice paper wraps.

MAYONNAISE

• The recipe will require the vegan version of mayonnaise to bind the filling and make it creamy. Use coconut yogurt(unsweetened) or silken tofu as an alternative.

NORI SHEETS

• Nori is an edible seaweed found as red algae in the oceans. This seaweed has been processed into sheets for culinary use. In this recipe, you get the crab-like ocean taste from this plant source. Use the dulse flakes or kelp granules as a replacement.

OLD BAY SEASONING

• The use of this Old Bay seasoning gives the seafood flavor. If not found commercially, then mix black pepper, celery salt, a dash of nutmeg, and paprika powder to make it at home.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mash the chickpeas in a bowl using a fork and keep them a little chunky.
2. Add vegan mayo, smoked paprika, hearts of palm, nutritional yeast, shredded nori, Dijon mustard, Old Bay
3. seasoning, lemon juice, and smoked paprika to the mashed chickpeas.
4. Mix all of them till well incorporated.
5. Then, add the breadcrumbs and mix till the mixture combines well.

ASSEMBLING

1. Spread the vegan wrapper on your working surface.
2. Place the two tablespoons of stuffing in the middle.
3. Turn the bottom corner over the stuffing and the corners inside, then roll.
4. Then roll it tightly and seal the open end by applying water to it.
5. Similarly, make all the rolls til the material finishes.

DEEP FRYING

1. Place a deep pan with oil in it over a normal flame.
2. Drop some rolls in it when its temperature reaches 175 degrees C.
3. Fry them for around four minutes while changing the sides.
4. Dish them out on the paper towel when they are perfectly golden and crispy from all sides.

AIR FRYING

1. Heat the air fryer(empty) at 175 degrees C.
2. Spray rolls and place them in the basket.
3. Turn their sides after six minutes.
4. Dish them out after another six minutes.
5. Serve the warm Vegan Crab Cake Egg Rolls with spicy mayo, vegan tartar sauce, or sweet chilli dipping sauce.

TIPS

• If you chill the filling for 15-20 minutes, it will be easier for you to handle while assembling.
• Never overfill the wrappers; otherwise, they might tear.
• You may use the double wrapper if you like more crunch.

HOW TO STORE THE LEFTOVERS

CHILLING

• Save the cooked rolls upon cooling in a container with a secured lid. Refrigerate for around three days.

FREEZING

• Arrange the assembled and ready-to-cook rolls on a baking sheet. Keep the tray in the freezer. Transfer these rolls to the bag(freezer-safe) once they become solid.

FAQs

Is it possible to make the filling hours earlier?

• Yes, you can make your work easier by getting the filling ready twenty-four hours before. It will let you quickly assemble and fry the rolls without any mess.

Can I prepare them without oil?

• Of course, baking and air frying will let you cook these rolls without oil. They will still be tasty without being crispy.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS/SERVING

Portion size: One roll
Calories: ~145 kilocalories
Carbs in total: 18 g
Fiber: Three grams
Net carbohydrates: 15 g
Fats: Six grams
Sugar: 1 g
Proteins: Four grams
Sodium: 320 mg